With 10 years of river and wetlands advocacy under its belt, Ogeechee Riverkeeper has long relied on its supporters for financial assistance as well as volunteer efforts. The nonprofit has built a solid base of friends and allies, who, time and again, have demonstrated their belief in the Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin.

But as Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s programs, outreach efforts and educational activities continue to expand steadily, a need has arisen for a reinforced network of additional committed donors and backers. The organization wishes to recognize the generous donations of a group of long term committed donors and encourage new supporters at this level by creating the new Ogeechee Lime Society.

This elite group of donors is dedicated to protecting, preserving and improving the Ogeechee, Canoochee and coastal rivers of Georgia. Members are committed to supporting the nonprofit with significant financial contributions, which enable the Riverkeeper to continue its work in water-quality monitoring, investigating water polluters and holding them accountable, promoting sound environmental policies, and engaging citizens through education and empowerment.

Southeast Georgia residents who accept this call to action will be relied upon to help safeguard the region’s natural resources now and for future generations. Additionally, they’ll help to ensure Ogeechee Riverkeeper remains a presence on the water and at the table when environmental decisions are made by legislators.

According to Ogeechee Riverkeeper Executive Director Emily Markesteyn, the group’s name was chosen for a variety of reasons, including this tree’s abundance in the Ogeechee, Altamaha and Suwanee river basins.

“Ogeechee lime – also called Ogeechee tupelo, sour tupelo-gum, white tupelo and bee-tupelo – is a small tree very commonly found along rivers, swamps and other wet soils. Like this ever-present fruit-bearing tree, we hope the members of our new society will be strong in number, easy to find and generous with their resources,” Markesteyn said.

She added that Ogeechee lime has other uses that make it versatile. It provides nectar that bees use to make tupelo honey, and the juice from its fruit is used to make preserves and beverages. Versatility is something the director also hopes to find in Ogeechee Lime Society members.

“We’re a small staff, but our impact is felt throughout the region. We need people who are excited to grow with us and can help in many ways to ensure Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s continued sustainability and growth,” Markesteyn said.

The number of founding memberships to the Ogeechee Lime Society is limited. Anyone who is interested in becoming a founding member should call 866-942-6222 or email [email protected].