Get Engaged in 2025!

From Your Riverkeeper...

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe January is almost over. The year is moving along but there is already SO much happening! The Georgia legislative session kicked off January 13 and we are preparing for Florida to begin in March; our upcoming boat tours are filling up fast; we have started planning our River Cleanup, and we've added some new faces to the Team. And this is just the beginning!

In 2025, St. Marys Riverkeeper is bringing you more ways to get involved and will work hard 'To protect the St. Marys River now and for our future.' No matter where you live in the watershed, we'll provide engaging ways to deepen your knowledge, learn new skills, and take action for our St. Marys River.

We are looking forward to another great year of protecting our St. Marys River with the support of our watershed community. #ProtectWhatYouLove

Did you make a New Year's resolution to get more involved in your community? We're here to help you be successful in fulfilling your resolution! Start by becoming a Member to support our efforts and receive our newsletters to see how you can get involved TODAY!

Would you like to schedule a showing of 'Tail of Two Rivers' at your next event or meeting? Please contact Lucas@stmarysriverkeeper.org. Public showings are coming soon. Keep an eye out for dates and locations!

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Nominated

We’re thrilled to share the incredible news that the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list! This prestigious recognition underscores the global importance of protecting one of the largest intact freshwater ecosystems in North America. 

Department of Interior Press Release. National Park Service Press Release.

Okefenokee Boundary Expanded

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its final decision to expand the acquisition boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 22,000 acres. Read more.

2025 Legislative Sessions

As a border river organization, St. Marys Riverkeeper works in both Florida and Georgia on water related issues. Our engagement with local governments, state officials, and regional conservation groups such as Georgia Water Coalition and Waterkeepers Florida are critical in ensuring our river is protected.

We will keep you updated throughout the legislative sessions with priorities that directly impact our St. Marys River and ways you can make your voice be heard!

Georgia Legislative session | January 13th - April 3rd

Florida Legislative session | March 4th - May 2nd

U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter and St. Marys Riverkeeper, Emily Floore in 2024.

Rep. Stephens and St. Marys Riverkeeper, Emily Floore in 2024.

Our science-based water monitoring program is a critical resource when addressing local stakeholders and when advocating on behalf of clean water to state and local enforcement agencies.

Clean water is vital to the health of all living things, vibrant communities, and strong economies.

Legend: Units are CFU/100mL Good (0 – 235) | Fair (235-536) | Poor (>536).

• Designated Swimming:   (0-235)
• Moderate Swimming:  (235-298)
• Less Swim / Contact:  (298-410)
• Infrequent Contact:  (410-600)
• Avoid Swimming:   (>600)

Welcome Lucas!

Join us in welcoming our new Sturgeon Intern - Lucas Muley!

Lucas is a graduate of the University of North Florida, holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in marine and coastal biology.

Aspiring to build a career in marine sciences, Lucas is particularly passionate about...Learn More

Did You Know? The St. Marys River forms the border between Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida and is one of the few blackwater rivers in the U.S.

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