Volunteering
Join us on the water and along the shore. Our hands-on volunteer opportunities directly protect and restore the Upper Etowah watershed.
Thank You for Your Interest in Volunteering!
There are many ways to help protect the Upper Etowah. You might wade into a creek to pull out trash, monitor water quality in our streams, or share our mission at a community event. Browse the volunteer opportunities below, and consider signing up for future events.
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.
River Cleanups
UERA hosts cleanups across the Upper Etowah watershed throughout the year, from the creeks near Dahlonega to the river’s banks above Lake Allatoona. The Etowah and its tributaries supply drinking water to communities across north Georgia, and they’re also some of the region’s best places to paddle, fish, and explore. Every bag of trash pulled from a stream keeps that water cleaner for the people and wildlife downstream. Grab some gloves and join us.
Children are always welcome to help! Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the event.
Outreach Volunteers
Love the Etowah and enjoy talking about it? Join UERA at festivals, farmers markets, and community events across the watershed, where we connect with neighbors, share what makes the Upper Etowah so special, and invite more people into the work of protecting it. Outreach volunteers help staff our booth, answer questions, and support fundraising for our programs. No expertise needed, just enthusiasm for the river and a willingness to strike up a conversation.
Age range: minimum 16 years of age. Volunteers must have reliable transportation.
Water Quality Monitoring
Healthy streams start with knowing what’s in them. UERA’s water quality volunteers collect samples on a regular schedule at sites across the watershed.
That data helps us spot problems like bacteria, sediment, and pollution early. It also tracks how streams change as the region grows. Best of all, no science background is required. We provide the training and equipment, including Georgia Adopt-A-Stream certification. Learn more about our water quality monitoring program.
What we ask: A commitment to sample your assigned site on a regular schedule.
Education
Help inspire the next generation of river scientists! As an education volunteer, you can lead youth workshops, teach river science outdoors, or support K–12 school programs.
You might be a seasoned naturalist, an educator, or simply someone who cares about clean water. Either way, volunteering with UERA is a powerful way to make a real impact in our community. See our education programs.
Volunteers must be 18 or older and available during school hours. A background check may be required.
