Locals participate in Paddle Georgia
by Kristal Dixon
kdixon@cherokeetribune.com
06.19.10 - 11:00 pm

Six Cherokee County residents are among the more than 300 paddlers on a week-long journey down two of the state's rivers.

Participants in Paddle Georgia 2010, which kicked off Saturday, will travel 82 miles on the Broad and Savannah rivers from Franklin Springs to Augusta.

The adventure gives canoers and kayakers an opportunity to see the state from a different perspective.

About 350 paddling enthusiasts are participating, said April Ingle, executive director of Georgia Rivers Network, which sponsors the trip. Forty of the participants are doing what's known as Paddle Georgia Lite, which is the first two days of the bigger event.

Paddle Georgia participants will paddle the first four days on the Broad River and will spend one day on Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta. On the last two days, the paddlers will travel on the Savannah River. 

Ms. Ingle said the trip is popular because it's affordable, and it's an educational and adventurous way to take a vacation. 

"People are looking for close-to-home vacation options," she said. 

The trip costs $215 for adults, $130 for children between 8 and 17 and children younger than 7 aren't charged a fee. Participants can choose between a three-meals-per-day package for $200, or purchase items a la carte. They also have the opportunity to make stops along their journey to visit restaurants and stores.

Along with paddling with fellow river enthusiasts, Ms. Ingle said the trip also provides participants with an opportunity to hear from advocates for Georgia rivers and learn about various ways to keep the state's waters pristine.

"They also really develop a relationship with the rivers, the environment and want to be part of protecting it," she added.

She said the trips additionally give paddlers a sense of accomplishment after paddling 82 miles in a week.

The trip will be the fourth time Parrie Pinyan takes the voyage on some of the state's rivers.

Ms. Pinyan of Hickory Flat said she's excited about exploring a different part of Georgia on two rivers.

"For me, it's the best vacation imaginable," she said. 

Ms. Pinyan, 70, has been paddling since she was in her late 20s and said she loves being outdoors. 

Ms. Pinyan's passion about the wilderness propelled her to join the Georgia River Network, which she said is one of the best organizations for protecting the state's natural resources.

Both Carol McNavish and her son Dan, 16, of Deer Run will paddle on both rivers this year, too.

Mrs. McNavish and her son have been on very Paddle Georgia expedition since it began in 2005 and said they have fallen in love with the voyage.

"We love the trip, and we look forward to it ever year," she said.

Mrs. McNavish said the trip has opened her eyes to how different each river is throughout the state. She also said she notices how rivers change as they pass through cities and towns. 

Her passion has earned her a spot on the board of directors of the Coosa River Basin Initiative.

Along with her son, Mrs. McNavish has become a supporter of river protection organizations. She said she hopes others on the trip leave with an understanding of how integral the bodies of water are to the state's ecology. 

Beyond a learning experience, the trip, she said, is an escape for paddlers.

"It's (just) a week of getting away," she said. "Everyone is happy and having a good time."

© cherokeetribune.com 2010

Buck Jones Nursery Makes Donation to the Upper Etowah River Alliance

Mrs. Diane Minick, Director of the Upper Etowah River Alliance a local nonprofit watershed education organization based in Canton, accepted a check from Buck Jones Nursery's “Gardeners Helping the Community” customer membership program. Tommy Nobis III, Manager of Buck Jones Nursery started the program “Gardeners Helping the Community” in 2009 with their customers and community in mind. Mr. Nobis says he offered the idea to Mrs. Minick, because he could see her passion for the Alliance and knows how important an organization like the Upper Etowah River Alliance is to the community in helping protect the Upper Etowah Watershed.

The program was quite successful, Buck Jones Nursery was proud to announce that the program raised $3,500.00 for the Upper Etowah River Alliance. A check was presented to Mrs. Minick of the Upper Etowah River Alliance on February 9, 2010. She indicated that these funds would go directly to their education programs. The Alliance offers a large number of educational programs to schools, civic and any other community groups, as well as rain barrel building classes and Adopt-A-Stream classes.

Buck Jones Nursery continues to offer their “Gardeners Helping the Community” membership this year and 80% of the membership proceeds will go to the Upper Etowah River Alliance once again. Benefits include a member discount on non-sale plant material for (1) year, special member only sale days, and a 6-month guarantee on the plant material. New for the program in 2010, members will receive a discount on stone, wall block and patio block materials.

Buck Jones Nursery is family-owned and is located in Hickory Flat on Highway 140 east of the intersection of East Cherokee Drive and Highway 140. Buck Jones Nursery offers a full line of plants and landscape products including a large number of native plants and organic products for landscapes. Buck Jones Nursery partnered with the Alliance as they built their unique garden-based stormwater control landscape at their central office, located at 180 McClure St. in Canton next to the American Legion. The nursery provided a large variety of drought-tolerant plants, many of which are native to this region.

Mrs. Minick said, “Buck Jones Nursery is a very special organization. They offer quality products and have a genuine concern for our watershed. We are proud to partner with this wonderful organization and look forward to working with them to provide unique education opportunities for their customers about drought-tolerant landscaping as well as landscaping for stormwater control.”

More can be learned about these unique organizations by going to their websites, www.etowahriver.org and www.buckjoneswoodstock.com or by dropping by for a visit.

pictured: Tommy Nobis III and Rebekah Chadderdon from Buck Jones Nursery present a check to Diane Minick, Director of the Upper Etowah River Alliance.