The Ogeechee River System
The river system drains over 5,000 square miles of land (known as a watershed or river basin). The Ogeechee River watershed includes 4 sub-watersheds: Upper Ogeechee, Lower Ogeechee, Ogeechee Coastal and the Canoochee watersheds.
The freshwater streams in this river system are known as blackwater streams due to their dark, tea-colored water. Blackwater streams are really unique and have an interesting ecology. The tannins from the swamps that stain the water the tea-color also make the water more acidic than other streams. This acidity reduces the amount of vegetation that can grow naturally in the rivers, and also affects the mercury uptake by fish.
We provide many educational programs to provide more information on the rivers and coast. From citizen group presentations to school visits and on-the-water educational opportunities, our trained staff and volunteers can provide fun and informative programs for your group.
Ogeechee Riverkeeper works on all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine's Sound (see map below).
