THE Riverkeeper Report

Satilla Riverkeeper is hiring! The organization is looking for its next riverkeeper. In addition to being the lead advocate for the mission, the RK will supervise a full or part-time staff and occasional interns, will coordinate volunteers for river monitoring and various fundraising, educational, and river-appreciation events. The Satilla RK position provides an opportunity to positively impact the environment of southeastern Georgia and to join coalitions to protect Georgia’s coast and all of Georgia’s natural waters. www.satillariverkeeper.org/jobs.html

Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

St. Mary’s Riverkeeper held a 3-day event to explore the watershed from Sea To Swamp. They showed off the beauty of our river and surrounding ecosystem to many concerned and interested people. Day 1 was Cumberland Island National Seashore, Day 2 was the upper St. Marys River, and Day 3 was the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. www.stmarysriverkeeper.org/

Throughout the year, ORK offers special events just for members. On June 10, ORK has partnered with the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern for a plant walk with Horticulture Manager Joshua Jones. The walk will be followed with an optional get-together at Eagle Creek Brewery, in Statesboro. This event is free to ORK members, although the Botanic Garden accepts donations. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events

ORK held their Canoochee Paddle Race on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Evans County. The race stretched along approximately seven miles of the Canoochee River, from Brewton Bridge to Rocks River Bridge landing. Paddlers of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes competed. Non-racing paddlers also followed the route after racers started.

Single winners

1. Jon Dedic – 1:21:48.9

2. Carl Fuller – 1:28:39.0

3. Michael Downs – 1:29:28.5

Tandem winners

1. Kyle Lott and friend – 1:31:55.5

2. Shawn Rosenquist and son Jacob – 1:36:37.1

3. Tom Oxnard and John Schoettle - 1:47:35.4

Creative Costume Award - Brent Croft

Best Dressed Award - Jordan Light and Mary Elizabeth Scott

Dynamic Duo - Damien and Heather Scott

Lazy River Award - Casey Corbett – 3:18:44.3

View initial images and more details: www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/canoochee-paddle-race-2023-results/