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Environment

 
Data and Reports | Organizations | Events | Facilities

Data and Reports

US EPA ZIP Code Search
Search this website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find Athens-area information about hazardous waste sites, air pollution emissions, toxic chemical releases, conditions in the Upper Oconee watershed, daily UV Index forecasts, etc.

Growing Sustainably in Athens-Clarke County
Progress reports & recommendations from a coalition of local environmental groups.
     • Growing Sustainably I (2003)
     • Growing Sustainably II (2004)
     • Growing Sustainably III (2006)
     • Growing Sustainably IV (2007)
     • Growing Sustainably V (2008)

Clarke County Land Use Trends
Charts and data 1974 to 2005 showing changes in landcover type and tree canopy.

Land Cover Maps
Shows changes in land use from forest and agriculture to urban uses. Maps depict land cover types including urban, forest, agriculture, clearcut, and water.      • Clarke County Land Cover 1974
     • Clarke County Land Cover 1998
     • Clarke County Land Cover 1974-2005 (Interactive Map)

State of the Air Report
The American Lung Association issues this annual report on air quality in Clarke County with data on ozone, particle pollution, at-risk groups, and more.

Water Quality Report
An annual report from the Public Utilities Department providing information on the quality of drinking water in Athens-Clarke County.

The Water Source
The Public Utilities Department issues this quarterly newsletter to provide updates on water and wastewater treatment issues and water conservation.

Safe Drinking Water Information
U.S. EPA data for Clarke County.

Georgia Water Information Network
Provides real-time and historical stage and streamflow information for the Middle Oconee River and the North Oconee River in Athens.

Best Management Practices for Community Trees
A guide to tree conservation for Athens-Clarke County.

Backyard Bird Count
A snapshot of the numbers, kinds, and distribution of birds in Athens.


Organizations

Athens Grow Green Coalition
Promotes responsible community development policies that protect the environment, reduce sprawl, maintain a healthy economy, and preserve a high quality of life.

ACC Community Tree Council
Provides information, outreach, and education to promote responsible management of trees and forests of the Athens-Clarke County community.

ACC Recycling Division
Educates the public about the importance of waste reduction and implements a comprehensive waste reduction plan for the Athens-Clarke County community.

ACC Stormwater
Works to alleviate flooding, to reduce the discharge of harmful pollutants associated with stormwater runoff, and to protect the water quality of our streams & rivers.

Athens Area Master Gardener Association
Members volunteer by conducting gardening clinics and answering gardening questions, working on community beautification projects, and more.

Athens Land Trust
Works with landowners to preserve forestlands, river and stream corridors, wildlife habitats, working farmlands, and scenic vistas in and surrounding Athens-Clarke County through the use of conservation easements.

BikeAthens
Promotes transportation and land-use policies that improve alternative modes of transportation, including pedestrian, cycling, and public transit options. The mission of BikeAthens is to make alternative transportation a practical, convenient, and safe option for all citizens of Athens-Clarke County.

Broad River Watershed Association
A regional non-profit land trust dedicated to the protection and management of the Broad River and its watershed in northeast Georgia.

Clean Air Athens
Concerned citizens from Athens-Clarke and surrounding counties working to improve local air quality and reduce industrial air pollution.

Creative Earth
A non-profit organization devoted to environmental education and environmental stewardship through innovative programs and interactive workshops.

Environmental Law Association
An organization of UGA law students who seek to further the development of environmental law through activities designed to increase environmental awareness among members of the community and the UGA student body. Hosts the annual Red Clay Conference.

Garden Club of Georgia
With the mission of beautification, conservation, and education, the first garden club in America was founded in Athens in 1891. The state headquarters of the Garden Club are located on the grounds of the State Botanical Garden in Athens.

Georgia Environmental Policy Institute
An Athens-based group dedicated to the development of proactive strategies for a healthy environment.

Georgia River Network
A statewide environmental organization based in Athens dedicated to the conservation of Georgia’s waters.

Keep Athens Clarke County Beautiful
A non-profit organization working toward a cleaner, more beautiful community by improving attitudes and behaviors regarding the environment.

Oconee Rivers Audubon Society
A group of bird and nature enthusiasts who promote the conservation and restoration of wildlife habitat through environmental education and activism.

Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission
Provides oversight for construction, management, and development of the countywide greenway network.

Oconee River Land Trust
A nonprofit organization conserving natural lands to protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, and enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Odum School of Ecology
The mission of the Odum School of Ecology is to advance ecological knowledge and understanding through a comprehensive search for principles and patterns regarding how organisms interact with each other and with their environment.

River Basin Center
The goal of the River Basin Center is to increase the capacity of communities and other individual stakeholders to manage and protect their water and related land resources in a sustainable manner.

Sandy Creek Nature Center Inc.
A non-profit organization that works in partnership with the ACC Department of Leisure Services to protect, promote, and improve Sandy Creek Nature Center.

SEEDS
Students and Educators for Ecological Design and Sustainability is a non-profit University of Georgia organization that seeks to apply principles of ecological design and sustainability to our campus and the surrounding community.

Sierra Club - LeConte Group
Athens' chapter of the Sierra Club seeks to raise environmental awareness and promote conservation of our natural resources through political advocacy, recreational outings, and conservation projects.

Students for Environmental Awareness
A student-run organization on the University of Georgia campus dedicated to environmental activism and education. Seeks to be a proactive force for environmental protection on campus, in the local community, and in the world.

Upper Oconee Watershed Network
A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving water quality in our watershed through community-based advocacy, monitoring, and education.


Events

Athens Greenfest
Greenfest is an annual community-wide celebration of environmental awareness featuring programs and events focusing on nature and community improvement.

EcoFocus Film Festival
EcoFocus showcases full-length and short environmental films along with panel discussions and events. The festival aims to engage audiences in an exploration of environmental and ecological themes through the medium of film, and to serve as a catalyst for increased public awareness, discussion, and action to improve the ecological health of the planet and its inhabitants.


Facilities

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia
A 313-acre preserve set aside by the University of Georgia to foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of plants and nature. Features miles of hiking trails, a three-story tropical conservatory, and gardens showcasing native and international flora. Read about the history and growth of the Botanical Garden.

Sandy Creek Nature Center
225 acres of woodlands, fields, and wetlands serve as a wildlife sanctuary and environmental education facility. Provides more than 5 miles of nature trails. The ENSAT Center features interactive learning centers which promote understanding of our natural environment.

Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail
Bear Hollow's exhibits of native Georgia wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, deer, eagles, owls, and river otters teach visitors about wildlife and the environment.

Oconee Forest Park
A 60-acre natural area on the UGA campus providing recreation, teaching, and research opportunities for the community while preserving its 100-year-old forest.

Greenways and Riverside Parks
A series of parks and trails which provide opportunities to experience nature in a variety of ways while linking neighborhoods, points of interest, and activity centers.

   

Libraries Arches Logo Last update: November 26, 2008 
Compiled by Eric Griffith  
Copyright © University of Georgia. All rights reserved. 
URL=http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/environment.html


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