The director of Georgia’s premier river-conservation association will reveal some of the natural treasures of the state’s waterways at the next meeting of the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Come a little early for snacks and birder banter.
April Ingle, executive director of the Georgia River Network, will also provide an update on efforts to protect rivers throughout the state, from whitewater streams in the north Georgia mountains to blackwater rivers like the cypress-lined Suwannee near the Florida border. Ingle’s presentation, “Protecting, Restoring and Enjoying Georgia’s Rivers,” will feature first-hand adventure stories and photographs from Paddle Georgia, the Georgia River Network’s annual week-long paddle trip that explores different rivers every summer.
Though best-known as the organizer of Paddle Georgia, the Georgia River Network has worked for years in partnership with the Georgia Water Coalition to help ensure a legacy of clean-flowing rivers and streams across the state. The Georgia River Network also maintains the online Georgia Water Trails clearinghouse, which provides information about access to and recreational use of public waterways throughout the state.
The Audubon meeting will be held in the NatureCenter’s expanded Education and VisitorCenter, 205 Old Commerce Road off U.S. Highway 441 north of Athens. To reach the center from the Loop 10 bypass, exit at U.S. Highway 441/Commerce Road and turn north toward Commerce. Go approximately a mile, turn left at the Sandy Creek Nature Center sign and go to the end of the road. Turn left at Old Commerce Road; parking for the Education and Visitor Center will be on the right.
The Oconee Rivers Audubon Society is a nonprofit organization of people brought together by a love of birds and nature. We strive to promote conservation and provide a voice for environmental issues, we organize several local conservation projects each year, and we host public presentations on subjects related to birds, nature, and conservation at our monthly meetings. Audubon meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Please check our news and events pages to learn about upcoming activities.