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
Help us clear trash from the Little River, one of the Etowah's tributaries. No experience is needed, and volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Join the City of Canton and its Cultural Arts Commission for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Darter sculpture.
We will gather at the Etowah River Park Amphitheatre to celebrate Mary’s life and enjoy the sunset together. Please bring your own lawn chair and wear casual clothing in bright colors.
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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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.
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How Stream Buffers Protect Our Water
The strip of trees and plants along a creek does more work than almost anything else to keep our water clean. Here’s how stream buffers work and how you can protect them.
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The Pollution Without a Pipe: Nonpoint Source Pollution in the Upper Etowah
Most pollution in the Upper Etowah doesn’t come from a pipe. Learn how runoff carries sediment, bacteria and chemicals into our streams, and what you can do.
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.
