Join the Georgia Conservancy’s Heartland Rivers of Georgia Paddle Series as they explore the lower Altamaha on March 24-26, introducing first-time visitors to one of Georgia’s greatest treasures and welcoming returning paddlers to the annual paddling and camping adventure. The Altamaha River Paddle will play host to the Georgia Conservancy 50th Anniversary “Tent Revivals” featuring award winning fiction writer Taylor Brown debuting his new Altamaha-focused book River of Kings (more details below).
Known as Georgia’s “Little Amazon,” the Altamaha is a mighty river. It drains the second largest watershed on the east coast into the Atlantic Ocean at a rate of over 100,000 gallons per second. Its main stem, forming in Lumber City at the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers, is undammed and free-flowing, creating a relatively intact and healthy ecosystem that is home to more than 100 rare and endangered species – the largest concentration in the state.
The Altamaha is also a little known paradise for paddling, bird watching and camping. Photographers, artists and nature lovers enjoy the abundance of wildlife found in this pristine waterway.
On Saturday, the Georgia Conservancy will paddle 16 miles on the main stem of the Altamaha, Stud Horse Creek, Lewis Creek and Rifle Cut. They will make our way to Darien Creek as we enter downtown Darien and take out at Skipper’s Landing.
On Sunday, they'll get up and stretch our legs and hit the river one more time, exploring the cypress-laden system of lakes directly across the Altamaha from the Altamaha Regional Park campground.
Phuc Dao
Altamaha River Paddle GA Conservancy
Tent Revival with local writer and author Taylor Brown:
In conjunction with the paddle, the Georgia Conservancy is issuing an invitation for a riverside “tent revival.”
On Saturday, March 25th, join the Georgia Conservancy and friends on the riverbank at Altamaha Regional Park for a conservation revival and BBQ. These "tent revivals" are a chance to renew, reframe and explore what it means to love Georgia's great outdoors in 2017 - this time with special guests writer Taylor Brown, photographer Benjamin Galland and pit master Brandon Chonko, owner / operator of Grassroots Farms.
Guests are invited to join the Georgia Conservancy at 6:00 p.m. for light refreshments, lively conversation and live music. Dinner, Grassroots Farms pulled pork BBQ and sides, will be served around 7 p.m. After dinner, Taylor, Benjamin and Brandon will make a presentation about the impact the Altamaha River has had on their lives and the importance of including folks from all communities and backgrounds in the effort to conserve Georgia's natural resources. The Georgia Conservancy will then open the floor to others to speak about their relationship with the river, what's gone, what’s at stake and what we can do to protect what's here today. Testimonials are encouraged.
Taylor will be signing and selling copies of his new Altamaha inspired book - River of Kings.
The cost of the BBQ is covered in the price for paddlers. It's $5 per person for non-paddling guests.
For more details and registration info, visit www.georgiaconservancy.org/altamaha.
