Georgia is graced with water resources that would be the envy of much of the world. The Atlanta metro area hosts a subcontinental divide and watersheds that give rise to two of Georgia’s major rivers, the Ocmulgee and the Flint, as well as a portion of the 430 mile-long Chattachoochee River.

This year’s Eco-A Where the Water Goes series follows the Chattahoochee River from it’s headwaters in the North Georgia Mountains, down through Atlanta and South Georgia and on to Florida, where it becomes the Appalachicola River, creating a rich estuary that supports one of the most important oyster fisheries in the US before finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Trip 2 – June 20 – River in the City – 8:30 -10:30 AM

It’s hard to believe that waters from the tiny clear mountain streams on our last walk find their way into the City of Atlanta–we drive over these waters on our highways and drink them from our taps, water our yards with them, wash our dogs – and ourselves – with these far journeying droplets. Though they are mixed with the dirt and chaos of the urban environment these waters are indeed somewhat cleaner than they were a few decades ago, even in the densest urban zone.

We’ll walk on little traveled trails along the banks of the Chattahoochee in Atlanta’s  Whittier Mills/Chattahoochee Trail Park, located in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods. Though heavily impacted by urban surroundings, it is amazing how much life can survive in these critical un-developed corners, and we’ll discover native trees, plants and more. The narrow strip of forest along the river serves as a critical habitat for many species, including mammals such as otters and beaver, and birds such as herons and a variety of songsters that nest in these remnant woodlands or use the river corridor as a migration pathway to the Appalachian Mountains or further north to Canada. Turtles can be seen in the sun on logs, and there is almost always a Kingfisher patrolling his section of the River. We’ll walk early to beat the heat and listen for birds. Limit 12.

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