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Ogeechee Riverkeeper

March 2025

ORK ready to head inside and meet with legislators! [L to R: Hesper, Ben, Damon and Cimaya (our water policy intern)]

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) joined other organizations at the Georgia Capitol for Capitol Conservation Day. ORK focused on speaking with lawmakers about PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', and why industries should have to disclose their use to wastewater treatment plants.

ORK also joined with the Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) to support two bills aimed at protecting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge as well as a bill to make sure data centers have to pay for additional costs related to power and water usage.

Hyundai hauling wastewater off-site

ORK was notified that wastewater created by the Hyundai Megasite’s industrial processes has been hauled away via tanker trucks since September 2024. Documents obtained through open records requests reveal at least four months of trucking wastewater off-site.

Celebrating 20 years

Bob Adams on Mr. Adams' farm fish pond in Jefferson County, 1946. 

ORK officially became a nonprofit organization in 2005 and we're getting ready to celebrate the anniversary. But we also want to hear from you! What are some of your memories on the river or in the watershed? Do you have old photos or stories to share? Send them to  info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

Spartina or sporobolus?

It is a hardy perennial grass that thrives in the salty, and brackish marshy habitats along Georgia coastlines. Characterized by tall, slender stems and vibrant green foliage, spartina serves as a cornerstone of coastal ecosystems. But what is its true name?

Lauren Strickland is a Georgia Southern graduate and Statesboro native with a lifelong devotion to the Ogeechee River. Her passion for the river has nurtured a respect that reaches into all areas of the environment. As the education and outreach coordinator, Lauren assists ORK with volunteer efforts, outreach, member’s only events, litter cleanups, and Adopt-a-Stream water quality monitoring. 

Corporate Sponsors

Corporate sponsorships offer perks all year long. Depending on the level of sponsorship, benefits can include tickets to the Oyster Roast.

Contact staff today to find out how ORK can help you reach more people in the watershed.

Adopt-A-Landing

ORK is encouraging families and households to adopt a spot on the river and commit to checking it for litter regularly. One of the busiest, and messiest, places along the river is the landing. Volunteers will choose a location to adopt, cleanup the location at least once per month, and take before and after photos.

Legal advocacy

As part of Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality in our basin, ORK makes official comments and joins sign-on letters.

25.02.26 – Ottawa Farms Industrial wetlands permit

25.02.21 - Gas Pro Travel Center DRI

25.02.19 - Laurel View PUD DRI

Ogeechee River Trail on free app

Georgia Rivers added the Ogeechee River Water Trail as an established part of the Georgia Water Trails Network. This designation will encourage more recreation on the 207 miles of river, from flatwater paddling to class III paddle adventures.

Kroger community rewards

Did you know you can support Ogeechee Riverkeeper each time you shop at Kroger? And at no additional cost to you and you can keep your fuel points as usual! 

1. Log in to your Kroger account online or using the Kroger app. 

2. Under Community Rewards, search for: Ogeechee Riverkeeper or MK830

3. Click enroll and you’ll start earning rewards for ORK every time you shop!

There are many ways you can help the Ogeechee Riverkeeper protect, preserve, and improve the waterways within our basin.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Inc.
PO Box 16206
Savannah, Georgia 31416-2906
(866) 942-6222
info@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
EIN 58-2636669​​​​​​​

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