May 24, 2022
Conasauga River, Cohutta WMA
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Conasauga River, Cohutta WMA
The Georgia Conservancy's 2012 Conasauga River Snorkel
On June 23, the Georgia Conservancy, with the help and guidance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hosted its annual Conasauga River Snorkeling Adventure.
One of the most popular and awe-inspiring trips that the Conservancy hosts each year, the Conasauga River Snorkel introduced over 40 curious members, friends and volunteers to the wonders of the river.
The headwaters of the Conasauga and Jack’s rivers originate within the Cohutta Wilderness, a federally-protected wilderness area located in the mountains of north Georgia and southeast Tennessee. As a result, our snorkeling destination, located at the edge of the expansive Cohuttas, provided visitors with the chance to experience one of the most biologically diverse sections of river in North America. The two remote mountain rivers offer wildlife miles of unspoiled sanctuary and are home to over 70 species of fish - twice as many than are found in the entire western United States. Some of these species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Though not attire usually associated with the mountains, Conservancy members donned wetsuits, a mask and snorkel to catch a glimpse of these colorful, native fish, both large and small.
“Snorkeling in the Conasauga River was definitely not what I expected," said Georgia Conservancy Intern Liza Joyce. “After snorkeling in the Caribbean, I’ll admit that I didn’t expect much from the trip – but it was amazing. While snorkeling in the Conasauga, I got the chance to experience the beauty of my own state, and I’m glad that the Georgia Conservancy was able to show me that a river in Georgia can be just as beautiful as the Caribbean, especially when you’re with a group of people who care about preserving that beauty.”
For Georgia Conservancy member Carol Ball, the underwater vista was so surprising that it caused a brief equipment malfunction. “When we first got in the water I thought something was wrong with my snorkel because my mouth kept filling with water. Then I realized it was because I couldn’t stop smiling. Even underwater!!”
In between snorkeling on the river and learning about native and endemic species with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, guests enjoyed a variety of cheeses courtesy of Sweet Grass Dairy and a light lunch prepared by Georgia Conservancy Stewardship and Outreach Director Bryan Schroeder.
The Georgia Conservancy would like to thank Jim Herrig of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Lee Friedland. We would also like to thank Sweet Grass Dairy from Thomasville and our dedicated interns Katie Bleau and Liza Joyce for their help in preparing for this trip.
If you are interested in snorkeling the Conasauga River and can’t wait for next year’s Georgia Conservancy trip, please check out our “Do It Yourself” page and learn more.
You can view photos from this year's Conasauga Trip on our Facebook page.