Tag: members only

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Members Only – Fall Foliage Paddle

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper September 29, 2026

Ogeechee Riverkeeper is hosting a fall foliage paddle at George L. Smith State Park. This is a chance to see the pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) trees in bright cinnamon and burnt orange. Unlike most conifers, the pond cypress is actually deciduous, which means the light, feathery leaves turn before they are dropped for the season. The paddle will include a guided tour of the water trails on the mill pond with a chance for up-close viewing of the vibrant trees. This trip will be led by ORK Upper Watershed Representative, Adam Heagy.

Members need to bring their own vessel or plan to rent a kayak from the park. 

This kayak trip is great for beginners, or for those who enjoy the stillness and ease of the scenic route. Camping and overnight accommodations are available at the park for those who’d like to make a weekend of it; but camping is not included or provided as part of this kayak trip. Participants wishing to camp will be responsible for making their own reservations and arrangements. 

For safety, participants must know how to swim. All paddlers will be required to wear a personal floatation device (PFD). When registering, please indicate if you will be bringing your own vessel, gear, and PFD. ORK will not be providing equipment. Participants without their own gear can rent from George L. Smith State Park for a fee.

This event is only available to members of Ogeechee Riverkeeper. This event is free to members, but donations are optional. A $10 state park parking fee per car is required. Advanced registration for this event is required.

To become an ORK member, visit our donation page. Memberships are $50 (individual) or $75 (household) and benefits last a full year. Perks include members-only events, discounted merchandise, first chance to register for events, and more.

Not sure of your membership status? Email info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org and we can check.

 

Press Releases , , , ,

RELEASE: ORK kicks off Member Month with moonlit paddle

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper May 18, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05/18/2026
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER KICKS OFF MEMBER MONTH WITH A MOONLIT PADDLE
Special events and celebrations throughout the month of June

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) will start membership month with a full moon paddle in the upper watershed. Participants will experience the mill pond at Hamburg State Park under a night sky, and are welcome to join ORK staff on an overnight campout, with a simple breakfast served in the morning. This is one of the tailored events focused on celebrating supporters and recruiting new members during membership month.

Becoming a member of ORK has a number of perks, including member-only events, discounts to the popular Master Naturalist program, and more. Importantly, membership allows ORK to demonstrate the strength of numbers when speaking for constituents at public meetings, in grant applications, in court, or in official comments. ORK also has multiple options for corporate sponsorship available.

To help inspire people to join, or renew, an anonymous donor has pledged a $10,000 match to donations made in the month of June. Any gifts from new donors will have triple the impact. For example, a donation of $75—the cost of an annual household membership—will be matched with $150, making the total donation $225. Any current donor will have their donation doubled.

May 30: Full Moon Paddle, Hamburg State Park, Mitchell, Ga.
Guided full moon paddle with optional campout option

June 2: Community Night at Green Truck Pub, Savannah, Ga.
ORK will answer questions and share information about the organization’s work, with a portion of the night’s sales donated to ORK.
https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/green-truck-membership-night-0626/

June 6: Annual Membership Meeting, Glen Echo Farm, Ellabell, Ga.
At this state-of-the-basin meeting, learn about emerging environmental issues, new programs, and priorities. ORK will also be presenting awards for volunteers, businesses, scientific breakthroughs, and rising stars.
https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/annual-member-meeting/

June 20: Fungi Forage, Tom Triplett Park, Pooler, Ga.
Explore the local habitat, learn to identify a variety of mushrooms, and discover the ecological roles of fungi.
https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/members-only-fungi-forage/

If interested in coverage, please contact staff ahead of any of these events: meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

Download the PDF: 05.2026 – Press Release – Member Month Events

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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Members Only: Ceramics Workshop

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper April 15, 2026

Ogeechee Riverkeeper is offering a special members-only pottery workshop inspired by the natural beauty and life of the river. In this hands-on session, participants will craft their own unique ceramic pieces—think fish, boats, and other water-themed designs.

Along the way, participants will learn about pottery uncovered in the region, discuss the Indigenous peoples who lived along the Ogeechee, and discover how different types of pottery were used and what they were made from.

This relaxed, guided workshop is perfect for all skill levels. In addition to practical tips, the skilled instructor will help participants learn about the materials and their connection to nature, chemistry, and clean water. 

All materials and instruction will be provided, so members can focus on shaping, designing, and enjoying the experience. The cost is $25 per person, to cover the cost of supplies and instructor time at the ceramics studio.

Registration is required.

Not a member yet? Join today. Not sure of your membership status? We can look it up for you.

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Members Only: Mycology 101 and Fungi Forage

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper April 15, 2026

This event is free to members. Non-members can sign up for the cost of a membership. 

Explore the world of mushrooms with us! Join Ogeechee Riverkeeper for a members-only fantastic fungi experience that reveals the hidden world beneath our feet. Spend the morning at Tom Triplett Park for a guided nature walk led by certified Master Naturalist, mushroom expert, and ORK board member Mark Lebos. 

Members will explore the local habitat, learn to identify a variety of mushrooms, and discover the ecological roles that fungi play in our watershed. Tom Triplett Park is near the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal lock system, providing a perfect location to showcase the Ogeechee River and its essential role in fungi habitat.

No special gear required. Participants will need to wear exercise appropriate clothes for the guided nature walk. Advanced registration is required. 

Not a member yet? Join today. Not sure of your membership status? We can look it up for you.

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Annual Member Meeting

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper March 24, 2026

Our members are the driving force behind our work. At this annual meeting, we invite you to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together and to learn about emerging environmental issues, new programs, and Ogeechee Riverkeeper priorities. This state-of-the-basin meeting will take place Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Glen Echo Farm in Ellabell, Georgia.

-Hear updates from Damon Mullis, riverkeeper and executive director

-Learn about the the importance of land stewardship from guest speaker Christi Lambert, Coast and Marine Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy

-Meet fellow members and make new friends who share your passion for clean rivers

-Learn about Glen Echo Farm, a historic landmark in Ellabell and how land conservation protects clean water

-We’ll also have ORK awards for businesses and volunteers, kids activities, and a food truck.

Please bring your own lawn or camp chairs.

La Chalupa Mexican Food Truck will be on site so you can purchase lunch to enjoy under the oaks. The food truck will accept cash or credit card payment. Bring a blanket and make it a picnic!

This event is FREE for Ogeechee Riverkeeper members, but registration is required. Limit 50 attendees.

Not sure of your membership status? Email Hesper. Not a member yet? Join now. 

Event sponsor: