Tag: press release

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. 

Blog Post, Press Releases ,

RELEASE: ORK hosts virtual walk across the watershed

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper January 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01/22/26
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER HOSTS VIRTUAL WALK ACROSS THE WATERSHED
Participants will explore the geology, history, and wildlife in the basin

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) 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. From the headwaters to Ossabaw Island, the illustrated milestones feature information about geology, history, ecology, and special places in the basin. 

Participants can create teams to reach the goal of 232.2 miles in 28 days. Walkers can also sync to a fitness tracker or update distances manually online. Activity conversions are available for biking and paddling, as well. 

The cost is $25 per person and is a fundraiser to support the work of ORK. Official artwork merchandise is available for an additional cost. Milestones are sponsored by local businesses and individuals including: Ogeechee Riverkeeper Board, The Cummings Family, Honey Specialities, ASW Forestry, In honor of Walt Dowling, Howe2Run, and Bolu Tree Nursery.

Details and registration: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/walk/

Merch with official artwork by Caroline Rose: https://www.bonfire.com/official-2026-walk-the-ogeechee-shirts/

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.

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Press Releases , , ,

RELEASE: ORK to host oyster roast fundraiser at Love’s Seafood

by Ogeechee Riverkeeper October 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/13/2025
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER HOSTS OYSTER ROAST FUNDRAISER AT LOVE’S SEAFOOD
The event features a silent auction, raffle, and plenty of fun

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. 

Event details and tickets: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/oyster-roast/

Music will be provided by Savannah’s favorite outlaw country band, Damon & the Sh*tkickers. The riverside party will also include a fabulous silent auction and the return of the popular Mystery ORCA Cooler raffle prize package. 

Most importantly, the annual oyster roast supports the crucial work of ORK. It will also act at ORK’s annual meeting by sharing updates from the past year and highlighting future priorities. 

The silent auction will be held online this year, meaning anyone can bid from anywhere. The items are available to preview now at https://bit.ly/ORKauction. Bidding starts November 5. Items include a one-night stay at the Ford Field & River Club, tickets and swag from Savannah Ghost Pirates, an Atlanta getaway with zoo and botanical garden admission, a chartered fishing trip, MountainFilm Festival passes, a two-night stay at The Lodge at Little Saint Simons Island, and more!

Corporate sponsorships offer perks all year long. Depending on the level of sponsorship, benefits can include tickets to the Oyster Roast. Current annual corporate sponsors of ORK are: Academy Lock and Key, Stack and Associates, Green Truck Pub, Queensborough National Bank and Trust, Claxton Chicken, Citizens Bank of the South, and Great Dane. View levels and benefits here.

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.

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PDF of release: 10.2025 – Press Release – Oysters for the Ogeechee 2025

Flyer for event

Blog Post, Press Releases , ,

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

Press Releases ,

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