2016 Ogeechee Riverkeeper will host a News & Views – Casual Social Events with Ogeechee Riverkeeper in Savannah as part of the non-profit organization’s community outreach.

On the evening of Thursday, June 9, 2016, Ogeechee Riverkeeper is partnering with a favorite Savannah restaurant and bar, The Driftaway Café, and invites the community to learn more about, and get involved in, the organization’s important work of keeping our region’s water clean.

Savannah’s first News and Views — Casual Social Event with Ogeechee Riverkeeper will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9^th at Driftaway Café restaurant, 7400 Skidaway Rd. Suite D, in Savannah.  

These informal events are designed to keep residents and businesses living and working within the Ogeechee and Canoochee river basins in the loop about important issues concerning the waterways.  Members of the community are invited to enjoy appetizers and drinks as they get to know Ogeechee Riverkeeper Emily Markesteyn and Watershed Outreach Coordinator Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, who will update guests about some of Coastal Georgia’s most precious natural resources.  The night will also include a special membership rate for people joining the organization on June 9^th and raffle prizes.

“We’re excited to meet those who live and work on and around the Ogeechee River and in Savannah, as many people depend on the waterways as a source of income, a tourist attraction and for the outdoor recreation opportunities they provide,” Markesteyn said. “These rivers are, perhaps, the most distinctive natural features in the region and certainly among its most important resources. We want the community to know about everything they have to offer and any issues that might affect the rivers, such as proposed legislation, environmental factors, violations, protection plans, programs and special events. This is a great chance for everyone to learn, have a little fun and make new friends and we are grateful to Driftaway Café for hosting the June 9^th event.”

The Ogeechee and Canoochee rivers flow from the Piedmont region, across the fall line and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean, draining a 5,540 square-mile basin that encompasses wetlands, forests, farms, and scores of towns and cities. Due to increasing pressures from agribusiness, animal-processing operations, population growth, water withdrawals, industrial discharges and municipal waste-water discharges, both rivers have undergone drastic changes in water quality and are facing ecological decline. Those who live, work and play along the waterways stand to be affected, and help is needed to ensure the future health of the rivers.

“We believe that if everyone in the community knew more about our precious resources, its importance to the region and the threats they face, deciding to get involved would be a natural choice,” Markesteyn said. “We are now approaching the 5^th anniversary of the memorable fish kill and we’ve got so many positive things to share since that time and the changes that have happened over the last 5 years.  It’s a great time to learn about how we can do more as a community to ensure clean water.”