Join the GWC at the Okefenokee Swamp and South Georgia State College
November 8-10, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: The Georgia Water Coalition's annual Fall Membership Meeting will be a multi-day event this year. Separate registrations are required for the various events and excursions. Read the details below to learn about the activities and excursions offered from November 8th through 10th. We kindly ask that you register for any activity you plan to attend, even if there is no charge, so that our headcount is correct for facilities and food. Please also note there are travel stipends available for member groups. Thank you!
GWC Dinner Party and Meeting Activities
In addition to our Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 9th, GWC is hosting a ticketed dinner party on the evening of Wednesday, November 8th from 5 pm to 8:30 pm at Okefenokee Swamp Park (Waycross). Your ticket for this event includes an optional twilight boat tour provided by Okefenokee Swamp Park, 2 drinks, appetizers, and dinner. We're excited to announce that GWC founder, Sally Bethea, will be joining us for this event to celebrate the release of her book, Keeping the Chattahoochee.
The Fall Membership Meeting is 9 am - 12 pm on November 9th at South Georgia State College in Waycross (and also on zoom), followed by lunch from 12 pm - 1pm. River Network will then host a Clean Water Act workshop (CWA workshop is in person only, no zoom option) from 1 pm - 5 pm (Click Here for workshop details). The November 9th meeting activities are free, however, you must register. Use the button below to register, or use the virtual-event registration button if you plan to join us through Zoom.
Wednesday, November 8th
Dinner Party
Okefenokee Swamp Park (Waycross)
5 pm - 8:30 pm
$25/ticket
Thursday, November 9th
GWC Fall Membership Meeting
South Georgia State College
9 am - 12 pm
FREE
Thursday, November 9th
GWC Fall Membership Lunch
South Georgia State College
12 pm - 1 pm
FREE
Thursday, November 9th
Clean Water Act Workshop
Hosted by River Network
South Georgia State College
1 pm - 5 pm (in person, no zoom option)
FREE - Click here to learn more
Paddling and Boating Excursions
We're excited to share that both Okefenokee Adventures and St. Marys Riverkeeper are offering paddling and boating excursions to GWC meeting attendees. Each of these activities has a separate registration and fee. Reservations for these excursions are made through the hosts' websites by clicking the buttons below. Any questions and inquiries about these excursions should be made directly to the hosts.
Please note that the November 8th excursions at the Okefenokee have a time conflict, so registrants cannot do both.
Wednesday, November 8th
Guided Okefenokee Group Paddle
This event is hosted by Okefenokee Adventures. You will be redirected to their webpage for registration.
Location: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
(near Folkston)
Time: 12 pm - 3 pm
Wednesday, November 8th
90-minute Okefenokee Guided Motorboat Tour
This event is hosted by Okefenokee Adventures. You will be redirected to their webpage for registration.
Location: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
(near Folkston)
Time: 2 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday, November 10th
Guided Group Paddle on the St. Marys River
This event is hosted by St. Marys Riverkeeper. You will be redirected to their webpage for registration.
Location: Traders Hill Boat Ramp (near Folkston)
Time: 9:30
* Moderate skill level required. Boat rentals are LIMITED. Those needing a boat provided should register soon. Attendees may bring their own boat.
Travel Stipends are Available
Member groups who apply will receive a $250 grant for the first attendee. Each additional attendee is eligible for $150 until all grants are distributed. One person from each organization should apply for travel stipends for all participants from their organization. One check will be sent to each organization. Every effort will be made to equitably distribute our travel funds so that all groups requesting a stipend will receive some level of assistance.
Reserve Your Accommodations Today
We HIGHLY recommend that you reserve your accommodations now. Local hotels fill with business travelers during the week.
Cabins and Camping
Laura S. Walker State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park (Fargo)
Okefenokee Pastimes (Folkston)
If you have questions about this partner meeting, please contact Gina Rogers, GWC Director of Operations, at gina@gwf.org