Press Releases

Ogeechee Riverkeeper presented the 2026 ORK Awards at the annual membership meeting on Saturday, June 6, under the oaks at the historic Glen Echo Farm in Ellabell, Georgia. The event also included updates from Riverkeeper Damon Mullis, cornhole under the ancient oaks, kids activities, and more.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper invites sportsmen and women to participate in a sporting clay shoot, benefitting the nonprofit’s fight to secure clean, safe water.

Becoming a member of ORK has a number of perks, including member-only events, discounts to the popular Master Naturalist program, and more.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper has organized a virtual walk across the watershed for February 1-28, 2026. Participants can join from anywhere in the world, hitting milestones as they progress along the map.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper has chosen the best photographs from across the 5,500 square mile watershed submitted for the annual photography contest. This year’s guest judge was Angela Hopper, owner of Bull Street Light Room.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s (ORK) annual oyster roast returns to the banks of the river at Love’s Seafood on Wednesday, November 12, 6-9 p.m. A ticket includes all-you-can-eat freshly steamed oysters, plus chicken fingers and sides prepared by Love’s as well as beer from Service Brewing.

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.

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.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper and the Chatham County UGA Extension Office 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.

ORK is launching a members-only book club. The group will meet virtually once a month to discuss books that focus on nature, water, the outdoors, and more.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper shares data collected during a project supported by grant from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Outdoor Fund

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) has been notified that wastewater created by the Hyundai Megasite’s industrial processes has been hauled away via tanker trucks since September 2024. Documents obtained through Georgia Open Records Act (GORA) requests reveal at least four months of trucking wastewater off-site.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) agreed to dismiss its challenge to the groundwater withdrawal permits issued to Bryan and Bulloch counties after reaching a settlement agreement with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (“Savannah JDA”).

The appeal shows that EPD issued these permits without proper consideration of ‘unreasonable adverse effects’ and made decisions contrary to the public welfare.  

ORK invites photographers to submit their best work for its annual photo contest, showcasing the stunning diversity of the 5,500 square mile Ogeechee and Canoochee Rivers watershed.

Oysters for the Ogeechee will be held Wednesday, November 13, 6-9 p.m. at the Love’s Seafood and Steaks

We have had a number of inquiries about the safety of swimming in the river or the sounds, or eating the seafood from those areas. ORK does not issue “swim” advisories but shares the information of those that conduct those tests and maintains that data.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper received a letter from the USACE confirming that a “reevaluation of its permit decision regarding its effects determination for water supplies is warranted.”

ORK plans to submit comments to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding draft groundwater withdrawal permits for Bryan and Bulloch Counties, intended to supply the Hyundai Megasite and other users.

ORK conducted an investigation and entered a complaint with GA EPD regarding plastic pellets found in the Sun Hill Creek, a tributary of the Ogeechee River, located in Sandersville, Georgia.

ORK filed a letter of intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others for not completing required steps and overlooking water supply concerns during the permitting process of the Hyundai Megasite.

Green Truck Neighborhood Pub is partnering with Ogeechee Riverkeeper for Membership Month by hosting a Community Night on Tuesday, June 18, 5-9 p.m.

ORK celebrates the signing of House Bill 1223 into law, a small but crucial step forward in safeguarding the health and vitality of Georgia’s rivers, streams, and wetlands.

ORK attended the Clean 13 Gala, a regular event is hosted by Georgia Water Coalition to celebrate the state’s clean water heroes.

Damon Mullis traveled to Washington, D.C. to engage with the EPA and legislators regarding the critical issue of PFAS regulation.