Occurring in colonies and preferring moist soils and hardwood areas, this lily commonly blooms after spring rains. Known as "rain lilies," Zephyranthes atamasca can be found along the banks of the river and tributaries throughout the watershed from spring until early summer!

Mother's Day Paddle is 4 weeks away! Have you registered yet?

Paddle #1, May 8: This trip is perfect for new paddlers, young paddlers, or paddlers just looking for a relaxing and easy day on the river. Trip distance is about 4 miles and will take us about 6 hours. We'll meet at Pobiddy Road Bridge at 9am and then shuttle upstream to our launch. After launching, the group will explore Hightower Shoal, learn a bit about shoal lilies and shoal bass, and then paddle downstream to your vehicle at Pobiddy Rd. Class I-II water.

Paddle #2, May 9: Our traditional lily trip, perfect for more experienced paddlers excited to spend a full day on the river. Trip distance is about 6 miles and will take us about 8 hours. Everyone will meet at Pobiddy Road Bridge at 9am and then shuttle upstream to to our launch. We'll then make our way downstream through Yellow Jacket Shoals and Hightower Shoals, stopping along the way to learn about shoal lilies, shoal bass, and to enjoy a riverside lunch. Class I-III water.

Inter-basin transfer is a term describing a man-made conveyance of water from one basin to another, often to alleviate a water shortage in the receiving basin or to cost-effectively dispose of partially treated wastewater. Transferring water between natural basins is a relatively recent practice in human history with the earliest projects occurring in the 19th century. Such engineering has contributed to modern urban development in areas such as Denver, New York City, and Los Angeles. However, transferring water from one basin to another can be highly damaging to the receiving basin, the contributing basin, or both.

Withdrawing water from one basin and discharging it to another can transfer non-native species, reduce flows in the contributing basin, alter habitat, and affect water quality. In a drought-sensitive river such as the Flint, it is especially important to return as much withdrawn water as possible. Reversing inter-basin transfers was an early focus of Flint Riverkeeper and a top priority of the Georgia Water Coalition in the early 2,000's. In 2010 Riverkeeper Gordon Rogers and Flint Riverkeeper Board of Directors member Stan Lumsden met with Michael Thomas, then-Clayton County Water Authority Director. Mr. Thomas revealed in the conversation his belief an existing inter-basin transfer from the Flint to the Ocmulgee in place since the 1980's could be reversed as infrastructure aged out over time and was replaced and improved. Clayton County had already implemented a highly successful and inventive wetland treatment program for their wastewater, creating one of the planet's premier drinking-water recycling operations. Seeing this inter-basin transfer reversed became a priority for American River's staff member Ben Emanuel, Clayton County Water Authority, and Flint Riverkeeper.

Infrastructure improvements and reversals of inter-basin transfers do not occur overnight but after a decade of dedication from all parties involved, the reversal of this inter-basin transfer became successful. On March 15, 2021 the W.B. Casey WRRF Polishing Facility officially began discharging (returning) 2.5 million gallons per day to the Flint River and Clayton County expects to increase the facility's flow to 6.6 million gallons per day once they are able to ensure all parameters are within their permitted limits.

This IBT reversal has the potential for significant impact on the Flint River during drought years and when operating at full capacity will boost Flint River flows by about 9cfs, ranging between 12-18% of the deficit during drought. This level of increase in flow from just one successful project is a significant gain in ensuring a future of enough clean water in the Flint River but the work is not over! The Upper Flint Working Group, organized by American Rivers and comprised of all upper Flint utilities, Flint Riverkeeper, and other interested parties, has several projects in various stages of planning which will continue to add resilience to both utility operations and the river itself!

April 10 - Watershed Hike - Line Creek Nature Area, Peachtree City, GA - Click Here For More Information and Here to Register!

May 8/9 - Mother's Day Shoal Lily Paddle - Click for More Information and for Registration.

Our annual Mother's Day paddle to view the shoal spider lily is back! This year, two trips will be offered so paddlers can choose the length of trip and technicality of waters they are comfortable with. FRk members can attend for free but must register and there will be a $10 charge for rented equipment. Non-members are welcome to join the trip for $45 and an additional $10 charge for rented equipment.

Adopt-A-Stream training is a full day workshop offered quarterly by Flint Riverkeeper. Trainings take place across the watershed. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer email RJ about our next training workshop! Location TBD!

Seven acts playing from 2pm-Midnight, Flint Riverkeeper's annual music festival is back! Local favorites and national touring talent will grace the stage while you kick back and relax outdoors with food from local vendors and ice cold beer from Pretoria Fields! The full lineup will be announced SOON and tickets will be available for general admission and VIP.

Lead by local historian and FRk Emeritus Board Member and Past President David Dixon, this half-day paddle is a fascinating experience exploring water treatment in the city of Albany, an old shipwreck, and much more!

Adopt-A-Stream training is a full day workshop offered quarterly by Flint Riverkeeper at our office in Albany, GA. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer but live at another part of the watershed send RJ and email and he will work with you to organize a training in your area.