A Decade on the Water: Connecting Communities Through Paddle Georgia

Georgia Rivers on My Mind
by Gregory L. Jones, director of sustainability & energy policy, Southern Company Gas

For the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in Paddle Georgia, and it’s become one of the highlights of my summer. Every year offers something different: new stretches of river, new people to meet and new opportunities to experience Georgia’s incredible biodiversity and natural resources firsthand.

What keeps me coming back is the connection. Paddle Georgia brings together people from different backgrounds who share an appreciation for our waterways and the communities they support. Spending a few days on the river gives you a perspective you simply can’t get from the shoreline. It reminds me how important these resources are and why protecting them matters.

One thing people might be surprised to learn is that Paddle Georgia is much more than a paddling trip. Throughout the week, participants learn about the history, ecology and economic importance of the rivers they travel. There are educational programs, facility tours and hands-on experiences that help connect people to the waterways that sustain our communities. Georgia Rivers uses the event to raise funds and awareness for river conservation efforts across the state.

Southern Company Gas is proud to support environmental stewardship initiatives like Paddle Georgia because they align with our commitment to serving communities responsibly. By participating in and sponsoring events that connect people to rivers and waterways, we help raise awareness about the importance of protecting these vital natural resources and the habitats they support. Paddle Georgia is a great example of how education, community engagement and environmental stewardship can come together to make a lasting impact.