A Return to ORLT's Roots: Conserving the Middle Oconee River
The Middle Oconee River in Athens is often overlooked - we drive over it on our way to Trader Joe’s or catch a glimpse as we make our way from 441 to the Eastside. We might be lucky to see a great blue heron as it soars from one bank to another or enjoy dipping our feet in by the shoals of Ben Burton Park on a hot summer’s day. While it often eludes us, the river is vital for providing animal habitat and a wildlife corridor, and its banks are host to countless native species, towering hardwood trees, and they provide a buffer from the high waters that often follow storms, minimizing flood risks.
The land between West Broad Street and Old Macon Highway is the largest area of forested land along the Middle Oconee in our community. At this time of considerable development within Clarke County, there is a critical need to conserve this land, highlighted in the map below.
The Middle Oconee Conservation Corridor
ORLT is thrilled to formally announce that we received a grant from the Riverview Foundation to conserve land along the Middle Oconee River. This generous grant will enable ORLT to pursue a targeted approach to land conservation along the river that is our organization’s namesake.
ORLT was founded in 1993 by a group of community members who wanted to protect the North and Middle Oconee Rivers in and around Athens. While the organization now conserves land throughout the whole state of Georgia, we are getting back to our roots by partnering with Athens residents to protect their vital properties along the Middle Oconee River. We will work with private landowners to conserve their land in order to:
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Limit further development near the river
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Protect habitat along the river for numerous native plant and animal species
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Preserve wildlife travel corridors along the river
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Improve water quality and lessen flood risks
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Conserve natural land for future generations
ORLT has partnered with local photographer Jason Thrasher to capture the Middle Oconee River throughout the year.
With his photographs, we hope to bring the beauty of the river to the public through a series of exhibits, and engage community members in the importance of conserving the river and its surrounding land. Stay tuned in the coming months for exhibit announcements, and see a few of his stunning photos below.
"We care deeply about Athens. It has given us so much. So we want to give something back – something that will last and help to preserve the remarkable beauty and natural vibrancy of our community. For us, the best way to do that is to join with others to create a corridor of permanently protected lands within the city of Athens along the Middle Oconee River."
Sally Coenen, resident and hampion of protecting the Middle Oconee Corridor
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
The Middle Oconee River is a community resource/treasure, and as we embark on the Middle Oconee River Conservation Corridor initiative, we are seeking support from our community members. Your support will help us provide the tools and resources needed to work with private landowners living along the river to protect their land for future generations. We thank you for your support!
How can I help?
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Attend an event! ORLT is hosting three community events: Paddle to Protect, Brunch & Butterflies, and Jason Thrasher’s Middle Oconee Photography Exhibit, each of which will highlight the Middle Oconee River, its beauty, and the importance of conserving land along the river.
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Make a tax-deductible donation and help us match our grant from The Riverview Foundation.
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Spread the word- tell your friends, neighbors, and community businesses about the project and ways to get involved.
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- Paddle to Protect: A Fundraiser to Conserve Land Along the Middle Oconee RiverSat, Jun 07Big Dogs on The River
- Butterflies and BrunchSat, Sep 06LOCATION SHARED FOLLOWING REGISTRATION
