The Upper Etowah River Alliance
Protecting our waters, empowering our communities, and sustaining the Upper Etowah Watershed together.
Our Work
This is our vision – a future where a thriving, clean Upper Etowah River Watershed unites vibrant communities, rich biodiversity, and cherished outdoor heritage for generations to come. Here’s how we’re working to achieve it.
Education
We educate residents, landowners, and regional leaders and give them tools needed to protect and restore our shared watershed.
Conservation
We actively monitor river health through testing, data collection, and cleanups to protect clean water and enforce environmental accountability.
Leadership
We serve as a trusted regional resource, bridging communities, local governments, and organizations to build lasting partnerships that advance sustainable watershed solutions.
Who We Are
The Upper Etowah River Alliance provides regional leadership, education, and community resources through active water testing, trash cleanups, and the conservation of our streams and rivers.
We work to safeguard the natural beauty, economic vitality, and recreational opportunities of the Upper Etowah Basin for present and future generations. Our mission is made possible through a dedicated coalition of residents, local governments, educators, and community partners.
Mary Sorensen Environmental Love Scholarship
A memorial scholarship in remembrance of an incredible civil servant, an environmentalist, and a lover of all things.
Upcoming Events
Join us to clean up the Etowah River and the land around it! Every fall, volunteers across Georgia head to their local rivers for Rivers Alive.
Join us this Halloween for a haunt on the Etowah River - a 9-mile float through autumn mist, fall foliage, and maybe a river monster or two.
Hike 3 miles as a group, or up to 6 if you want to keep exploring, on the easy, looping trails of Talking Rock Nature Preserve.
How to Help the Etowah
Become a Member
Join our community of members who are committed to protecting the Etowah River.
Volunteer
Join us on the water and along the shore through hands-on volunteer opportunities that directly protect and restore our local watershed.
Report a Problem
If you see something, say something. Let us know if you see a possible water quality problem.
Stay Informed
Sign up to our newsletter and receive our emails, event information, and updates.
Latest Resources
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Forever Chemicals in Georgia’s Rivers: What It Means for the Upper Etowah
A new report found "forever chemicals" at every Georgia waterway site tested. Here's what that means for the Upper Etowah, and what you can do about it.
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Eagle Scout Projects That Help the Upper Etowah
Looking for an Eagle Scout project that protects local streams? Ideas for buffer plantings, cleanups, storm-drain marking and more, plus how to work with UERA.
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Meet the Crayfish of the Upper Etowah
The Etowah crayfish lives nowhere else on Earth. Meet two rare crayfish of the Upper Etowah River, why they matter, and how you can help protect them.
Upper Etowah River Alliance Partners
The Upper Etowah River supplies drinking water, supports local recreation and tourism, and is home to rare fish found nowhere else on Earth. Our partners help keep it that way.
