See more photos from our November trips to the Okefenokee.

Fellow River Protectors,

Join us in celebrating Native American Heritage Month and honoring the culture and contributions of the first people to steward Georgia rivers. Many rivers across our state have retained their indigenous names: Chattahoochee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Ogeechee, and more. Exploring these rivers fuels our work to protect waterways and preserve their legacy as rivers for all.

This month we hosted two stewardship paddle trips on the Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trails. Much more than your average paddle trips, these adventures honored the Muscogee Creek who named the Okefenokee, meaning "land of the trembling earth", declared the swamp sacred and renewed our work to protect sacred land on Trail Ridge from future mining threats.

During this season of giving, continue the legacy of stewardship from the first people to paddle Georgia rivers. Consider a gift to Georgia Rivers early or next week on Giving Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Your donation supports both river conservation and river recreation. Get ready to mark your calendars, we will announce our full 2026 paddle trip event calendar soon!

Yours in river recreation and conservation, with gratitude and MVTO,

Rena Ann Peck

Executive Director

Georgia Rivers commissioned the "Explore Georgia Rivers" poster above by Mvskoke & Mojave muralist and graphic designer Maddie Sanders (Holatte).

Support Georgia Rivers on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is an annual global day of generosity that encourages people to give back to their communities.

Through the years, your Giving Tuesday donations - of any size - have made our work to protect and connect people with Georgia rivers possible.

55% of all of our fundraising comes from individuals. 1 out of every 2 dollars is raised from people like you.

Show your gratitude for your rivers on Giving Tuesday, December 2, or make your gift early. Every dollar makes a difference!

To qualify for a tax deduction this year, contributions and gifts need to be received by December 31. Georgia Rivers also welcomes stock gifts and Donor-Advised Fund contributions. You can learn more about all the ways to give here.

The Okefenokee-Suwannee River Adventure Nov. 7-9 explored the west side of the swamp.

Adventures in the Wild Heart of Georgia

Georgia Rivers hosted two adventures on canoe trails through the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in November.

The Okefenokee-Suwannee River Adventure Nov. 7-9 was a two-day journey that started in the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen Foster State Park, ventured through the west side of the swamp, and continued down the fabled Suwannee River to Fargo. Paddlers camped at the historic Griffis Fish Camp.

The Okefenokee Adventure Nov. 14-16 explored both the wide-open "prairies" of the eastern swamp and the narrow, forest-cloaked channels of the Suwannee River of the western swamp. Paddlers lodged at the Suwannee River Eco Lodge in Fargo.

Join us next year for adventures through the Okefenokee! Every April we host a weekend paddle trip on the St. Marys Rivers that starts in the Okefenokee, and every November we host weekend trips within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The Okefenokee Adventure Nov. 14-16 explored both the west and east sides of the Wildlife Refuge.

 The new Chattahoochee RiverLands Camp + Paddle Trail campsites are destined to become a signature river recreation destination in Atlanta. 

Get Ready to Mark Your Calendars for 2026 Events!

We will soon announce our full list of 2026 stewardship paddle trips and kayak classes!

Returning are favorite trips, such as Spring on the St. Marys, Fall Float on the Flint, and the second annual trips to explore Black history on Ebenezer Creek and experience the new paddle-in campsites at Chattahoochee RiverLands along the Chattahoochee River. The annual Paddle Georgia trip will be held June 13-20 on the Coosawattee and Oostanaula Rivers along a path from Ellijay to Rome.

In 2026 we will unveil new themed trips to see folk art and forage for wild fruit! Trips in the River Folk Art Series will include a river run followed by a tour of hidden gem folk art sites. River adventures in the Edible River Series will challenge paddlers to spot and forage for wild fruit along the riverbank, followed by jam making.

We will expand our kayak fishing classes to practice techniques on both lakes and rivers, culminating in a fall weekend river fishing trip on the Flint River in Big Lazer WMA.

Watch our events calendar for Georgia Rivers trips and classes!

2025 Clean 13 Report

Read some good news!

Each year, the Georgia Water Coalition creates a "Clean 13" report to recognize organizations, companies, municipalities and individuals whose actions contribute to a clean water legacy for Georgia. Congratulations to all awardees!

And congratulations to... YOU! "Okefenokee Protectors" - the collective efforts of dozens of advocacy groups, key leaders in government, business and media and hundreds of thousands of citizens - were recognized for speaking up to stop a proposed mine on Okefenokee Trail Ridge.

In a WABE interview, Clean 13 report author Joe Cook said he was struck by all the things people are doing to protect clean water.

“I always come away inspired by what we as individuals can accomplish for cleaner water and for better communities,” he said.

Photo Credit: American Canoe Association

We are #1 in the Nation for Training the Most Beginners!

Georgia Rivers was named the top paddling club working to train new kayakers by American Canoe Association Regional Activity Council's 2025 Instructor Contest.

Reaching new paddlers is made possible thanks to our Beaver Crew instructors who take their skills out to their communities. Georgia Rivers has helped 57 Beaver Crew “train the trainer” graduates achieve national certification as an American Canoe Association Paddlesports Instructor since the program's inception!

Catch of the Month: "Jackfish" Chain Pickerel

Fish Georgia Rivers program coordinator Kendon Townsel caught a chain pickerel in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

Commonly known as "jackfish", the chain pickerel waits on edges of lily pads and other vegetation to catch prey with their sharp teeth.

"My first jackfish in the swamp was full of vibrant colors and so full of life! In this habitat this small but toothy fish is a big predator!," Kendon said.

Save the Date: Boaters Day at the Capitol

Georgia rivers promotes outdoor recreation tourism and river recreation on water trails across the state. We recently presented stats to the Senate Tourism Study Committee on Georgia’s outdoor recreation economy.

Did you know? Boating and fishing alone generate $1.1 billion annually in economic activity in Georgia!

You are invited to join us! We will host a Boaters Day at the Capitol in early February (date TBD) during which you can talk with lawmakers about increasing outdoor recreation for all.

Connect with us!