To celebrate membership month, Ogeechee Riverkeeper is partnering with Kennedy Pond Conservancy for a day of fun and learning near Statesboro, Georgia.
Members will forge along the still waters of Kennedy Pond and embark on a guided wetlands paddle tour, led by Kennedy Pond volunteer. The tour will teach members about freshwater ecology and other related subjects. Light refreshments will be provided on the grounds after the paddle trip.
Gear/Equipment: Participants should wear shoes and clothing suitable for being on the open water for 2-3 hours. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided.
This event is only available to members of Ogeechee Riverkeeper. This event is free to members, but donations are optional. Advanced registration 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.
Due to effects of TS Debby and Hurricane Helene, this event has been postponed. A new date and details will available soon.
This is a lower watershed paddle on the Canoochee River between Ft. Stewart Landings 1b-26. The paddle is free to attend but participants *must* provide their own gear and vessels. Attendees should also bring their own lunch and water.
This paddle will be led by Ft. Stewart’s Fish and Wildlife Branch. ORK membership is not required, but encouraged.
This intermediate level paddle is not advisable for novice paddlers or those with physical conditions which may limit their ability to negotiate potential hazards such as fallen trees, swift water, portages, etc.
Pre-registration is required. Anyone showing up without pre-registering will not be able to join the event.
Coordinates for Landings: Landing 1B: 31.979168; -81.377464 Landing 26: 31.980154; -81.339197 6.1 mile trip/~ 4 hour paddle with a lunch break half way.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/05/2024 Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard Communications and Administrative Director meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
CANOOCHEE PADDLE RACE: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND CONSERVATION ORK to host an annual party on the water to celebrate the outdoors
Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) will host an action-packed event aimed at celebrating the beauty of the environment and promoting conservation efforts in the region. Paddlers will traverse seven miles of the Canoochee, from Brewton Bridge to Rocks River Bridge landing. The finish line at Rocks River will also serve as the headquarters for fun during and after the race.
Chris Stalcup
“We encourage friends and family to come cheer for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river,” says Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications director for ORK. “This year we are delighted to have Chris Stalcup performing. With a tune named ‘Ogeechee River,’ we knew he’d be a great fit.” Stalcup is a Georgia-based country singer and songwriter. His music has been described as “a bonfire raging behind some small-town dirt-road shanty, of a band valiantly laying bare its soul while everyone dances wildly.”
After all the paddlers have arrived at the finish line, ORK will hold an awards presentation. Trophies will be presented for timed winners as well as outlandish categories like Dynamic Duo, Funkiest Costume, Most Creative Boat, and the Lazy River Award for the slowest paddler. Food and drink will be available from food trucks including Rolly’s Taqueria and Road-Tisserie, and Norburg Chiropractic will be offering free massages. ORK will have an information table to answer questions about the work of the nonprofit. Raffle tickets and official merchandise will also be available.
By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives, the Canoochee Paddle Race aims to protect and preserve this natural treasure for generations to come. “We believe that events like the Canoochee Paddle Race play a crucial role in fostering appreciation for our environment and inspiring stewardship,” says Damon Mullis, riverkeeper and executive director. “Through this event, we hope to empower individuals to take action and make a positive impact on the health of our rivers and waterways.”
Where: Canoochee River, Evans County Rocks River Bridge Landing: GPS 32.184196, -81.889276 When: Saturday, April 13, noon. – 5 p.m. Cost: $50 per person; Free to cheer for the paddlers Details and registration: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/canoochee-paddle-race-24/
The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at noon. 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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 01/18/2024 Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard Communications and Administrative Director meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
CANOOCHEE PADDLE RACE OPENS REGISTRATION ORK brings the popular event back to Evans County
Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) will host the Canoochee Paddle Race on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Evans County, Georgia. The race will begin at noon, with fun paddlers to follow.
The race will take place along approximately seven miles of the Canoochee River, from Brewton Bridge to Rocks River Bridge landing. Rocks River Bridge landing will also serve as the headquarters for the awards presentation, winners circle, food vendors, and entertainment. Everyone is welcome to come cheer for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river.
Paddlers of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes are welcome to compete. Non-racing paddlers are also welcome to follow the route after racers have started. Entrants will receive a vessel identifier, map, and official race t-shirt. Registrants will receive packet pick-up information via email. Entry is $50 per person, regardless of racing status.
ORK does not provide vessels or equipment. Personal flotation devices are required for each participant. Entry is limited and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at noon.
Where: Canoochee River, Evans County Rocks River Bridge Landing: GPS 32.184196, -81.889276 When: Saturday, April 13, noon. – 5 p.m. Cost: $50 per person; Free to cheer for the paddlers Details and registration: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/canoochee-paddle-race/ 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.
This is a lower watershed paddle between Landings 26-1B on the Canoochee River. This is a 6.1 mile trip / ~ 4 hour paddle, with a lunch break about half way.
This intermediate level paddle is not advisable for novice paddlers or those with physical conditions which may limit their ability to negotiate potential hazards such as fallen trees, swift water, portages, etc.
Participants *must* provide their own gear and vessels. Personal flotation devices are required. There are no outfitters available to rent gear or vessels.
There is no cost to attend but participants should bring their own lunch and water. Pre-registration is required. Anyone who arrives without pre-registering will not be able to participate.
Put-in is Landing 26. Vehicles will be shuttled to the take-out spot at Landing 1B.
