RELEASE: ORK accepting entries for annual photo contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/18/2023
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
Multiple categories will put on a spotlight the beauty of the area

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) is soliciting the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed. ORK’s watershed is home to an incredible diversity of ecological features, and it provides an important habitat for more than 160 rare species of plants and animals.  Judges will be looking for images that highlight what makes the Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers, and the surrounding areas, remarkable. This is the fourth year for the contest. 

“We’ve been thrilled with the past entries,” said Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications and administrative director. “The variety of subjects has been inspiring.”

Photographers can enter in multiple categories: Landscape, portrait, wildlife, plant life, underwater, aerial, black and white, and funny wildlife. Since this will be an annual event each December, ORK requests that any images submitted be taken within the same calendar year. ORK hopes to see entries from across the 21 counties encompassing the watershed. 

Gerard also notes that this will be the first year ORK will consider sponsorships. “As always, winners will receive a household membership and ORK merchandise, but we are also looking for a business or two to partner with so we can offer even more prizes.”  Interested companies are invited to contact Gerard.

Submissions are due by November 6, 2023. Winners receive a free membership to the organization and ORK merchandise. Winners will be announced early December 2023. Complete rules and submission guidelines at: ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/annual-photography-contest.


About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

***See previous entries
2022 Annual Photography Contest

Dog Days of Summer

nineplanets.org

The month of August is historically known as the Dog Days of Summer which “refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere” (almanac.com) and dates back to ancient Greek, Roman & Egyptian traditional beliefs.

Sammy, Mel’s dog

Astronomy even plays a role in deciphering when the “dog days” will be each year. Sirius the Dog Star, is a part of the constellation known as Canis Majoris and is associated with nearby Orion the Hunter.

Kali, Kris’s dog

Other than our solar system’s Sun, Sirius is the brightest star that we can see. When Sirius rises at dawn, that signals the beginning of the “dog days,” which were believed to be higher temps and more humidity.

Pangu, Ben’s dog

(If you’ve read/seen Harry Potter, you might learn something about the character Sirius as well!)

As a part of this activity, we ask that you do several things:

  1. Take a picture of your dog in an ORK pet bandana, share with us or tag us on social media. 
  2. See what else you can research and learn about the history of the Dog Days of Summer.
  3. Try to find Sirius the Dog Star in the night sky (If you need help locating it, there are several free apps to learn about stars and constellations).

Throughout month of August only, our pet bandanas will be on sale for $7!

Dexter, Victoria’s dog
Maisie, Meaghan’s dog

 

ORK intern becomes a Yale Bulldog

James Burke first came to ORK by taking the initiative at his school to raise money for our organization, as a part of a student fundraiser. He ultimately became an intern with us, assisting with water quality monitoring, assisted with various research projects, facilitated education and outreach at community events, and co-trained other Adopt-a-Stream volunteers. James helped pave the way for future high school interns and wish him all the best at Yale!


I started working with ORK the summer before my junior year of high school. I went to my first event, an Adopt-a-Stream training in May 2021, followed by a litter cleanup through the Don’t Litter Lotts Initiative in June.

What started as a way to fulfill my high school’s community service requirement turned into a new passion for citizen science, environmental stewardship, and freshwater ecology. I quickly began working with ORK as a student intern, where you could find me passing out informational fliers at the Statesboro Farmer’s Market or crouched over a creek testing for dissolved oxygen levels.


Although my role as a Lead Volunteer ended in February of 2023, I’ll always treasure the experiences ORK gave me, and I’ve grown to appreciate the environmental nonprofits across the country that give everyday people like myself the opportunity to help the environment.

I wrote my main college admissions essay on the community I found at ORK and the different personalities I met that shape this incredible organization. Thanks in part to that essay, Im headed to Yale University! I couldn’t be more excited, and my experience at ORK helped me land on a major: environmental engineering.

ORK changed the course of my life for the better, and I’ll always be grateful for the people I met and the things they taught me. I know ORK will continue to thrive, grow, and serve our watershed for years to come, and I hope the community continues to support their work.

-JB

Hannah’s Landing Project

Back in late February, after a heavy rainfall, I went to check on the Hwy 301 boat ramp before  a cleanup and noticed four fifty-five gallon blue drums just off the ramp stuck in bushes in the river.

This inspired an idea. Compared to the surrounding counties, Bulloch County’s boat ramps are underserved. There is typically a high amount of trash usually present all over the boat ramp sites that are underbuilt or a trashcan is absent. For this project, I placed trash cans at the boat ramps. The cans are managed by myself and local volunteers, being emptied on a monthly basis. The hope is that the implementation of the trash cans at these will help make a difference in the overall appearance and quality at each of these sites.

I was able to retrieve all of discarded blue barrels them and clean them for use and I sourced additional one from a local business who buys and resells old barrels from a food processing plant. I then began repurposing them.First, using an electric drill, I made a hole near the top just below the edge of the lid. Then I used a jigsaw with a PVC blade to cut the lid off the rest of the barrel. From there, I drilled five holes with a quarter inch drill bit to help make the trash can predator-proof and more accessible for people. There are additional holes on the bottoms of the trash cans as well for drainage when it rains.

The barrels have the logos of Georgia Southern University (where I’m enrolled) and Ogeechee Riverkeeper (who I’m doing the practicum project with). The goals are to reduce the amount of litter entering the waterways via the human population from boat ramps and to make people more aware of their social responsibility in the outdoors.

-HD

Responsible Hunting and Fishing

Everyone can be environmental stewards and lead by example with responsible and ethical outdoor practices, especially when it comes to hunting and fishing. There are 3 main ways you can help:

  1. Take the GA DNR required Hunters Safety Course. After completion, you buy a Hunting/Fishing license to help support conservation and for data analysis of wildlife management (more info below).
  2. Properly dispose of animal remains and fishing tackle – NOT in a waterway. Many boat landings have receptacles specifically for plastic fishing line.
  3. Join the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program and donate wild game to families in need.

One of the best ways all of us can create a better public understanding of hunting and fishing is to create a better public awareness of the important role that hunters and anglers have played in conservation and improving our natural resources. Together with hunting and fishing license fees, federal aid programs have funded game animals and sport fish conservation, habitat acquisition and outdoor recreation opportunities both in Georgia and throughout the country.

– georgiawildlife.com

Licenses & Seasons

In the State of Georgia, a license is required to hunt and/or fish. You can buy an individual hunting or fishing license, or the combined Sportsman license. In general, licenses last one year from the date of purchase. View the options to choose the right one for you. 

It is now required to order a saltwater license (free addition) if you buy the Sportsman or fishing license, as well as a harvest record for hunting certain species.

Data collection helps with population control, wildlife management, reducing poaching and illegal activity, amongst many other reasons. If you see suspicious activity, report immediately to your local game warden.

Follow all hunting season guidelines. They are part of the responsible management of the species numbers and health, as well as for the safety of fellow hunters and fishers. 

Deer hunting season dates for the entire Ogeechee River Basin: 

Archery begins on September 9 and ends on Oct. 13; Firearms begins October 24. Both end on January 15. See a full list of season dates

Proper removal of hunted animals

Did you know that dumping animal remains in a waterway does more harm than good? By throwing remains in the waterway, it can create harmful bacteria buildup that hurts humans, animals, and plants. The parts left behind are not sought after by most fish or aquatic animals, or will take too long for them to break down, causing harmful bacteria during decay. It is best to either bury the entrails and bones, or leave them on the land (away from roads) for vultures and other carrion to eat. Let’s thank nature’s garbage disposals for doing their jobs! 

More: Wild Game Processors in Georgia

“Hunters, you can help protect the Georgia deer herd from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal disease affecting deer. This disease has not been detected in our state and you can be instrumental in keeping it out,” says Killmaster. “Do not bring live deer, whole carcasses or heads into Georgia, know what parts you can bring back from an out-of-state hunt, and report deer with any disease symptoms. You can find more info at GeorgiaWildlife.com/cwd.”

Treats

Your dog loves venison more than you, I guarantee. Here’s a super simple and quick recipe for venison jerky for your furry friend. This will save you money on dog treats too!

David Turko, Macaulay Library

Other Important Dates:

Not sure if it’s for you but want to give hunting or fishing a try? September 23 is National Hunting and Fishing Day (no license required)!

Deer hunting season for the entire Ogeechee River Basin:
Archery: Begins September 9.
Firearms: Begins October 24.
Both end on January 15.


Submit your photos and stories of responsible sportsmanship to info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org or tag us on social media.