Rules for the viewing area include no pets, no loud noises, no vehicle idling, and no foot or vehicle traffic beyond fence. 

Bald eagles

Berry College’s bald eagle couple first appeared on the main campus in the spring of 2012. Since that time, they have continued to nest in the top of a tall pine tree situated between the main entrance and the parking lot of the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center.  

In the corner of the parking lot by the fence are several Adirondack chairs made by Berry students that are available to sit in to view the Eagle nest.  There is also a public scope bolted into the ground that can be used to visit the nest. There are also 3 nest cams which can be viewed by visiting the Berry website.

It is believed that the bald eagles remain in the area during the summer months and do not migrate as there is plentiful food available from lakes, the Berry quarry and the nearby Oostanaula River. They have occasionally been sighted at or near the nest during the summer, probably to ensure that other animals know it is occupied.

Public restrooms are available in the nearby Cage Center and the Krannert Center.

NEST VISITOR ETIQUETTE

• For those of you visiting nests, remember, bald eagles are protected by Federal law in the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Protection Treaty.  
• Don't honk, play loud music, shout or make any other loud noises.
• Do not feed the eagles. This includes leaving food on the ground. These birds are wild animals and should not become dependent on humans
• Keep the area free from litter.
• If an eagle is on the ground, do not approach it. Also, when it flies away, do not attempt to follow it.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. If the eagle is near a road, check for traffic before moving.
• Take binoculars and/or camera with you whenever visiting a nest. That equipment will afford you the best view.

A liberal arts college located in Rome, Georgia. At 26,000 acres, Berry is the world’s largest college campus. Trails are located throughout the campus from paved trails to hiking trails to horseback riding trails and provide access to rolling hills, lovely vistas and plentiful wildlife. All visitors are required to check-in at the front gate and show a drivers license. Be sure to ask for a printed map of campus and the trails at the guardhouse. Campus is open to visitors from dawn to dusk.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the 16,000-acre Wildlife Management Area on our campus through an agreement with Berry College. DNR provides comprehensive services that include public safety, fire suppression and managed hunts on Berry property. During these hunts, which are held only on designated days, walking, cycling and horse riding trails are closed (with the exception of the Viking Trail). 

Please note that there is no open season for the taking of any wildlife on the Berry College Refuge and hunters may not access the hunting areas through the main campus. 

Public restrooms are available in the Krannert Center, Cage Center, and the House of Dreams.

For more information about the recreational opportunities at Berry College, please contact the Public Relations Office at 706-236-2226 or the Land Resources Office at 706-368-6386.