paddle – Ogeechee Riverkeeper

Press Releases event, members only, membership, paddle, press release

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.

fall foliage, george l smith state park, members only, paddle

Members Only – Fall Foliage Paddle

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper October 7, 2025

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.

Pre-registration is required.

This is a lower/middle watershed and beginner-friendly paddle on a calm pond. 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 $5 parking fee per car is required. 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.

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

members only, paddle

Upper Watershed Members Only Paddle Trip

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper August 5, 2025

ORK will host a members-only paddle trip at Hamburg State Park in the upper watershed of the Ogeechee River Basin. The upper watershed paddle trip is fun for most ages but participants should be able to swim. ORK encourages members to experience different parts of the watershed.

Existing and new ORK members are encouraged to attend. This paddle trip is free to members but attendees should bring their own vessels, snacks, and water. A limited number of loaner kayaks can be available with advance notice. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ups will not be able to join the event.

This event is only available to members of Ogeechee Riverkeeper. This event is free to members, but donations are optional. A $5 Georgia State Park parking fee per car is required. Advanced registration is required.

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

george l smith state park, members only, paddle

Members Only – George L. Smith State Park Paddle

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper March 25, 2025

To celebrate membership month, Ogeechee Riverkeeper is partnering with George L. Smith State Park for a paddle. This is a lower/middle watershed and beginner-friendly paddle but participants must know how to swim. Meet at 8:00 a.m. near the pavilion by the main office. Daylight donuts will be provided.

The paddle will include two separate loops in opposite directions, stopping back at the same boat ramp to stretch legs and grab some water. The paddle will end no later than 11 a.m.

Pre-registration is required.

Participants may bring provide their own gear and vessels, or borrow from Aldebaran Outdoors, LLC.

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

canoochee, fort stewart, paddle

POSTPONED – Ft. Stewart Paddle

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper July 26, 2024

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.