Category: Blog Post

Blog Post, Educational , , ,

Pollinators vs. Pollen-Haters

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper June 2, 2022

Do you have seasonal allergies? Does the cloud of yellow seem to follow you wherever you go during the spring and early summer? You’re not alone. Seasonal allergies are a pain for humans but we also need that pollen to survive — we all eat plants and animals that rely on pollinators.

In this activity, we will keep our pollinators in mind by practicing being a landscape designer using native plant species and pollinator-friendly elements! Use whatever art medium (drawing, painting, collage, etc.) you prefer to create your backyard or school garden design. You can come up with a design for any space regardless of where you live–urban gardening to backyard gardens to shaded woods and more!

And remember — lots of creatures can pollinators. We all know about bees and butterflies, but birds and bats are too! Anything that can brush up against plant pollen and spread it to another plant is a pollinator.

A bee enjoys Echinacea and Coreopsis / UGA College of AG & Env Sciences

Follow these steps to create your design:

  • Look at the shady/sunny areas where you live and make note if it’s in full sun, partial sun or shade throughout the day. If you decide to implement your design, check planting timelines for your region.
  • Look at the soil or ground. You may need pots or raised beds for your design if you’re in an urban area or if you have very rocky soil. If you plan to use the ground for your design, check the soil-is it sandy/clay/soft dirt?
  • Look up pollinator friendly plants based on your region.

So go eat some local honey to help with allergies and make those pollinators of all kinds happy and healthy!

Additional Resources: Upcoming event in ORK watershed!

Educator Workshop: Enhancing Your School Pollinator Garden
June 27-28, 2022, 8 am – 3 pm
$30/includes 1 year EEA Membership -or- Free for EEA Members

Activity is open to all ages and meets the needs or can be combined with other activities for the following Georgia Standards of Excellence: 4-6th Grade Science, Visual Arts. Activity can be adapted for older ages and still meet certain standards.

  • VA4.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.
  • VA4.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, processes, and concepts of two- dimensional art.
  • VA4.CR.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and appropriate use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.
  • VA4.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art.
  • VA5.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.
  • VA5.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, processes, and concepts of two- dimensional art.
  • VA5.CR.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and appropriate use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.
  • VA5.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art.
  • VA5.CN.3 Develop life skills through the study and production of art (e.g. collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication).
  • VA6.CR.2 Choose from a range of materials and/or methods of traditional and contemporary artistic practices to plan and create works of art.
  • VA6.CR.3 Engage in an array of processes, media, techniques, and/or technology through experimentation, practice, and persistence.
  • VA6.CN.2 Develop life skills through the study and production of art.
  • VA6.CN.3 Utilize a variety of resources to understand how artistic learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom.
  • S4E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the effects of the position and motion of the Earth and the moon in relation to the sun as observed from the Earth.
  • S4E3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to demonstrate the water cycle.
  • S4E4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to predict weather events and infer weather patterns using weather charts/maps and collected weather data.
  • S4L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the roles of organisms and the flow of energy within an ecosystem.
  • S5L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to group organisms using scientific classification procedures.
  • S5L3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells.
  • S6E1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved.
  • S6E2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon.
  • S6E3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to recognize the significant role of water in Earth processes.
  • S6E4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how the sun, land, and water affect climate and weather.
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Scavenger Hunt

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper May 24, 2022

 

Ogeechee Riverkeeper encourages you to get out and explore the Ogeechee and Canoochee watershed. The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to photograph the items on this list. All are welcome to play for fun, but there are prizes for those that wish to compete.

Players get 1 point for each item found. An additional point is earned if the player correctly identifies the specific item. Example: A feather (1 pt). Identifies as barred owl (1 additional pt). Points are cumulative. There are no deductions for items not found or misidentified; they are simply points not earned.

Submit photo(s) to info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org. In your email, include your checklist and any identifiers for extra points along with your total of your points. Post and tag your images with the what3words locations for double points.

The three players with the most points will win an exclusive ORK and what3words prize package!

Photograph these items (1 point each). Identify these items (1 additional point each). Possible total: 20 points.

    • Wildflowers
    • Pinecone
    • Berries
    • Vine
    • Seeds or seed pod
    • Bird nest
    • Insect
    • Feather
    • Unusual shaped leaf
    • Acorn or other nuts

Photograph these items (1 point each). Identify location of these items (1 additional point each). Possible total: 28 points.

    • Ponded area in a creek
    • Animal hole in the ground
    • Spider web
    • Bird nest
    • Hole in a tree
    • Animal tracks
    • Eroded soil
    • Stream or creek
    • Dew on a flower or leaf
    • Rocks with many colors
    • Y-shaped twig
    • Sunlight coming through trees
    • Trail marker
    • Fungus on a tree

Download a PDF of the checklist.

Bonus points:

Two additional points will be awarded to player with most artistic arrangement of items in their photo submission.

Maximum possible: 50 points
or 100 points if all items are posted and tagged using what3words.

Rules:

Submissions must be received by Thursday, June 30, noon EST for consideration in the competition.

To be considered for double points, images must be posted on user’s social media, tagging “Ogeechee Riverkeeper” and “@what3words”. Image(s) should include the what3words address. 

Submitted images may be used by ORK on social media. By submitting photos, players agree to let ORK and/or what3words re-share these images. ORK will contact winners using submission email address.

Remember: do not disturb any animals, feathers, insects, or nests, or touch any unknown plants. Do not trespass on private property. Take ONLY photos.

Have fun!

Blog Post, Fellowship , ,

ORK at Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper May 20, 2022
The Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, just outside of the convention center

This past week, Dr. Checo Colon-Gaud’s research lab and I were able to attend the Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting (JASM) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to share our research with the broader scientific community!

Scientific conferences are one of the best ways for scientists to connect with the larger research community to enhance and spread our research impact. JASM was certainly no exception, as it is the premier aquatic sciences conference in the world. In addition to seeing lots of fascinating talks in our field and great conversations with colleagues, I was able to share a poster presentation on the research efforts that we have been conducting on crayfish of the Ogeechee basin.

Brian presents his research poster on crayfishes of the Ogeechee basin.

Lots of people walked by my poster and talked with me about their experiences working with crayfish and coastal plains organisms, and I certainly think I learned immensely from conversations with other scientists I interacted with. Certainly the most common comment on my research was related to how little we know about crayfish of the coastal plains.

Moving forward from this amazing experience, I hope to utilize the knowledge I gained as well as the connections I forged to help me tackle my research in the best way possible. This is not only done by using the best methods or researching the most important topic, but also by collaborating with a diverse group of scientists and the broader public to have the most prominent impact.

The next big aquatic sciences meeting is in Australia next summer, so we’re already looking forward to expanding our connections on a global scale!

Blog Post, Educational , , , , ,

Birding Basics

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper May 2, 2022

Do you often see or hear birds but don’t know how to identify them? Birding is a safe outdoor activity, and you can use our custom birding bingo to get started! And be sure to come see us at UGA Aquarium for the World Migratory Bird Day celebration. 

More than just pretty animals, birds are an important part of the ecological system, including the Ogeechee River basin. Various species inhabit different layers of the food web — from birds that eat seeds and insects to the most expert hunting predators. They keep populations in check.

They also help spread seeds and pollen which is vital for plant growth. Maintaining a healthy environment for birds to thrive is crucial to the balance of ecosystems locally and globally.

Red-shouldered hawk. Photo by Chris S. Wood, Macauley Library

What is “birding”? 

Birding is the act of birdwatching for recreational, research, or citizen science reporting purposes. Also known as ‘birdwatching,’ it’s the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby or an amateur activity.

Wood Storks. Photo by Mary Ellen Urbanski. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

I see birds all the time, but I don’t know what I’m looking at. 

Learn what to look or listen for when birding starting with color, shape, flight pattern, body size, bill or beak shape, calls and more. 

Check out these sites for bird guides. 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Birdwatcher’s Digest

Rare birds in the ORK watershed

Northern parula on red twig. Photo by Dan Fein.

I’m enjoying this. How can I get better?

Consider purchasing a pair of binoculars (aka “bins”) and searching out local birding trails or sites. You might also join a local chapter of the Audubon Society, an organization dedicated to protecting birds and sharing resources for enthusiasts.

Audubon Society

Ogeechee Audubon Society

Coastal Georgia Audubon Society

Georgia Audubon Society

Birding trails in Georgia

Always follow the American Birding Association Code of Birding Ethics

American Goldfinch. Photo by Adam Jackson, Macauley Library.

I want to share some of the amazing things I’ve seen. Is there a way to do that?

Engage in citizen science. Download the eBird app for free. It’s a digital way to keep track of the birds you see or hear while birding. This type of citizen science reporting — the collection of scientific data by amateur scientists — benefits the people participating as well as researchers.

Read about Isaiah Scott, birding enthusiast and local student

Adult male Barn Owl. Photo by Shlomo Neuman, Audubon Photography Awards

ORK Birding Activity

  • Plan a birding trip in your backyard or neighborhood park, near a waterway or in a city greenspace.
  • Download eBird and record what you see/hear. If you aren’t sure how to ID a certain bird, you can search through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website by characteristics. 
  • Share your checklists with Ogeechee Riverkeeper through eBird by searching “Ogeechee Riverkeeper” or via ORK’s eBird profile. 

You may also share your findings and photos through email at info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

Tag us on social media with your research adventures and use #ORKOutside.

This activity is compatible with Project Wild “Bird Song Survey” activity which is geared towards middle and high school students in science and environmental education. Birding in general can be a fun family/friends outing for all ages, abilities, and environments. 

Activity is open to all ages and meets the needs or can be combined with other activities for the following Georgia Standards of Excellence in science, ecology, environmental science, and zoology.

  • S3L2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the effects of pollution (air, land, and water) and humans on the environment.
  • S4L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the roles of organisms and the flow of energy within an ecosystem.
  • SEC3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to construct explanations of community interactions.
  • SB6. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to assess the theory of evolution.
  • SEC5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information on the impact of natural and anthropogenic activities on ecological systems.
Blog Post, Fellowship ,

What kinds of crayfish might you expect to find in the Ogeechee?

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper April 22, 2022

What kinds of crayfish might you expect to find in the Ogeechee?  With so much aquatic diversity in the basin, what you might see in the upper part of the basin can be completely different from what you might see near the coast. That’s because, even though the river is well connected from top to bottom, the habitats found in the upper part of the basin are completely different from the coastal habitats.

The headwaters of the Ogeechee form on the far extent of the Piedmont (the geographic region separating the coastal plain from the Appalachian mountains) making for clearer and swifter flowing water. But as the Ogeechee slowly snakes its way towards the coast, the water starts to move slower and slower, becoming much darker due to the leaching of tannins. Understandably, these stark differences result in differing crayfish fauna.

Procambarus pygmaeus

In the upper part of the basin, the Variable crayfish (Cambarus latimanus) and the Brushnose crayfish (Procambarus pubsecens) are two commonly found species that are strongly associated with this part of the basin, and are rarely if ever found downstream of Millen, Georgia. The Variable crayfish is one of only a couple of species within the genus Cambarus found within the Ogeechee basin, with the vast majority of other species belonging to the genus Procambarus. This is because, in general, Cambarus species are strongly associated with more rocky streams, like those found in the Piedmont. The Brushnose Crayfish is very similar to other Procambarus species found throughout the basin, with the namesake difference being dense hairs along the rostrum (nose area) of the crayfish.

Cambarus latimanus

Some species that can be found in both the upper and lower sections of the basin are the Ogeechee crayfish (Procambarus petersi), Blackwater crayfish (Procambarus litosternum) and Red Swamp crayfish (Procambarus troglodytes). The Ogeechee crayfish, though not common, can be found from the headwaters almost to Savannah. The Blackwater crayfish is incredibly common, and can be found in small streams all over. Chances are, if you’ve seen a small crayfish poking around in a stream in the basin, it was a Blackwater crayfish. The Red Swamp crayfish is one most people are familiar with – it is what people commonly catch for food, and they are easily distinguishable by their large, tubercle-covered red claws.

Procambarus troglodytes

Lastly, you might see as the Ogeechee is flowing into the ocean would be the Hummock crayfish (Procambarus lunzi), and the Christmas Tree crayfish (Procambarus pygmaeus). Both of these species are more associated with slower, stagnant water; but the Christmas Tree crayfish has one particularly interesting adaptation. The bright colors of the Christmas Tree crayfish are thought to be used as camouflage, as it is almost always found in dense mats of lush aquatic vegetation. 

Hopefully this brief introduction to some of the crayfish found within our basin encourages you to get out and explore some of the novelties that make this basin a special place!

(All photos courtesy of Chris Lukhaup and Chris Skelton)