Category: Press Releases

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RELEASE: Ogeechee Riverkeeper wins Smith W. Bagley Award

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper August 29, 2025

08/29/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER WINS SMITH W. BAGLEY AWARD
The Sapelo Foundation chooses a recipient annually

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has been named the 2025 recipient of the Smith W. Bagley Advocacy Award. The Sapelo Foundation Board of Trustees annually selects an outstanding nonprofit organization or network to receive the honor. The award is a special grant to memorialize The Sapelo Foundation’s late President and Trustee and his vision for a more just and equitable society. The Sapelo Foundation presented the award on August 28, 2025, at a reception in Savannah. 

ORK was chosen for, “Work defending the Ogeechee watershed against harm in a critical year, and securing essential concessions and remediations” related to development and industry in Bryan County. 

Bill Broker, Sapelo Foundation Trustee, added, “The Ogeechee Riverkeeper is the quintessential ‘David’ taking on ‘Goliath.’  In the rush to turn a blind eye to the challenges being faced by our water resources, the Riverkeeper has stood up for the preservation of this precious resource. Its effective advocacy cannot be ignored.”

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Damon Mullis, riverkeeper and executive director. “The Sapelo Foundation has long supported ORK’s efforts, and we are grateful for all that they have done to protect our state’s water resources. This recognition is particularly meaningful to us and ORK looks forward to continuing our collaboration to safeguard the waters of our basin for all its inhabitants.” 

During his more than 30 years as a leader of The Sapelo Foundation, Bagley worked to advance the civil and human rights of Georgia’s disenfranchised populations. Each year, he visited small nonprofit organizations in rural Georgia communities, supporting their work to advance social justice and progressive change. His focus inspired the grantmaking decisions of The Sapelo Foundation. 

“My father, Smith Bagley, believed deeply in the power of people to drive change—especially those who challenged injustice head-on. He admired organizations that weren’t afraid to speak hard truths or take bold risks in pursuit of a more just world,” noted Nicole Bagley, Immediate Past President of The Sapelo Foundation. “Ogeechee Riverkeeper reflects the courage, creativity, and conviction that defined his life’s work. I know he would be proud to see this award go to a group so deeply rooted in protecting people and a place they love—with unwavering integrity and fearlessness.” 

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 20 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

About The Sapelo Foundation: The Sapelo Foundation strives for a just Georgia, through partnerships and solutions that increase environmental protection, social prosperity, and civic power. With their grants, they support grantee partners that pursue power-building strategies, such as policy advocacy, civic engagement, and grassroots community organizing. More at sapelofoundation.org.

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View images from the reception

08.2025 – Press Release – Smith Bagley Award

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RELEASE: ORK marks World Photography Day with opening annual contest

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper August 19, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/19/2025
Ogeechee Riverkeeper
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

Yearly event is a favorite among supporters

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) invites photographers to submit their best work for its annual photo contest, showcasing the phenomenal range of views and wildlife in the 5,500 square mile Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers watershed. 

The 2025 guest judge is Angela Hopper. She is a successful photographer and also owns The Bull Street Light Room, a professional studio space available for rental. As part of the prize package for the overall winner, Hopper is donating a 3-hour block at the studio, lighting and props included.

Photographers can enter in several categories: Landscape, Portrait, Wildlife, Plant Life, Underwater, Aerial, Black and White, and Funny Wildlife. To qualify, all submitted images must be taken within the current calendar year. The photographs should highlight the area’s rich ecological features that provide vital habitats for over 160 rare plant and animal species. ORK encourages entries from all 20 counties within the watershed.

“We’re always excited to see what people submit,” said Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications and administrative director. “I think my personal favorite, though, is funny wildlife. Those always make us chuckle.”

All submissions must be received by November 17, 2025, with winners announced in December 2025. For complete rules and submission guidelines, visit ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/annual-photography-contest. View past years’ entries: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ogeecheeriverkeeper/albums/

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 20 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

About Angela Hopper Photography: Angela Hopper Photography specializes in photography of engagements, elopements, portraits, families, pets, food, and editorial subjects to cherish all of life’s precious moments. With award-winning services and genuine passion, she provides a wide range of professional and high-quality images that will last a lifetime. angelahopperphotography.com

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PDF of release – 08.2025 – Press Release – photography contest

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RELEASE: ORK offers Georgia Master Naturalist Program

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper July 15, 2025

07/15/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER OFFERS GEORGIA MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM
Courses are in partnership with Chatham County UGA Extension Office 

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) and the Chatham County UGA Extension Office (UGA Ext.) are partnering to offer a Georgia Master Naturalist program. The ten weekly classes will include engaging field trips and hands-on activities with topic experts, including Damon Mullis, ORK’s riverkeeper and executive director. Successful participation in the required 48 hours of coursework will earn participants an official certification from UGA. 

Planned locations include Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah-Ogeechee Canal, Tybee Island Marine Science Center, George L. Smith State Park, Canoochee Sandhills WMA, SkIO UGA Marine Science Research Center, and more. Planned topics include dendrology, macroinvertebrates, medicinal herbs, aquaculture, and more. There will also be an optional session that will train participants to become certified Adopt-A-Stream volunteers. Field trips will generally take place at locations no more than about an hour away from the Savannah area. 

“This extended program will allow the participants to gain hands-on learning experiences in multiple ecosystems,” said Damon Mullis, executive director and riverkeeper. “I hope it will allow people to see just how interconnected everything is and why it’s so important we protect the systems that sustain healthy environments.”

Registration fee includes all entry costs to locations, all instruction, and a notebook for the program. The fee also includes one ticket to ORK’s annual oyster roast, which will also serve at the graduation celebration, with certificate, for all participants who successfully complete the course.

The program begins September 3, with the certificate ceremony taking place at ORK’s annual oyster roast on November 12. Group transportation may be available for certain outings. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, usually 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The fee is $425 per person, or $395 for ORK members.

The minimum age is 14; the class is limited to 20 participants. Application and additional information is available at: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/naturalist/

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 20 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

About Georgia Master Naturalist program: The Georgia Master Naturalist program is an adult environmental education course developed by the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and UGA Cooperative Extension for people who wish to be more informed about habitats, natural resources and the natural environments of our state.

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PDF of press release

Blog Post, Press Releases

RELEASE: ORK Launches Book Club for Members

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper July 9, 2025

07/09/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER LAUNCHES BOOK CLUB FOR MEMBERS
The group will meet virtually to discuss books about nature 

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) is launching a members-only book club, starting August 12. The group will meet virtually once a month to discuss books that focus on nature, water, the outdoors, and more. The titles alternate between fiction and nonfiction, and vary in tone and style. With guided questions and occasional special guests, participants will find new titles, consider themes, and be inspired by writing.

The titles through the end of 2025: 

August 12: The Source by Martin Doyle
September 9: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
October 14: Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
November 18: The River by Peter Heller
December 9: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

The webpage also includes links to local independent bookstores and library catalogs, as well as reader’s guides. https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/book-club/

To participate in the reading club, please register for Hooked on Books. You will receive an email with a link to the virtual meeting each month. 

Not an ORK member? Join now for discounts, members-only events, and perks like this.

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 20 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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PDF of press release

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RELEASE: ORK shares data collected during grant project

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper June 16, 2025

06/16/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meaghan Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER SHARES DATA COLLECTED DURING GRANT PROJECT
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s supported the ongoing project with grant funding

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has updated publicly published data collected throughout 2024, funded in part by a $5,000 grant from Bass Pro Shops. The grant from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund supported the Lower and Coastal Ogeechee Watershed Monitoring Program, which ORK created to routinely and strategically monitor particularly vulnerable areas within the watershed and address the gap in water quality data. 

Throughout 2024, Onset HOBO data loggers measured water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and specific conductance at 30-minute intervals. The data collected will help determine the long-term impact that growth and development have on the health of the Ogeechee River Basin and ensure that water quality parameters collected up and downstream of discharge sites are within permitted limits.

The data was collected downstream from the site of a major Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant slated to begin discharging into the Ogeechee River later in 2025. This data can be compared to data collected after the facility starts discharging  and will provide an invaluable baseline for assessing water quality in the river. 

Additionally, the bacterial data gathered over the past year has been instrumental in identifying and resolving issues with sewer and failing septic systems. The data allowed ORK and municipalities to trace leaks and failures so the issues could be repaired, resulting in cleaner water.

In the grant period, ORK collected approximately 450 bacterial samples of E. coli and enterococci. Additionally, the continuous monitoring probes collected 52,800 total continuous monitoring data points.

This project is ongoing, and the long-term data sets that ORK is developing will be used for years to come to monitor the changing environment and inform decision-makers about the impacts to clean water in the basin. 

All the data collected from this project is publicly available on ORK’s website from the following links. https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/data/ and  https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/vernon/

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 20 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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Download PDF: 06.2025 – Press Release – Bass Pro Grant