YEAR 1 FIELD TRIP
Flint River, Georgia

The 2021 river field trip was a modified experience to prioritize health and safety regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of preceding the SFS Annual Meeting, it was held on August 5-9, 2021. Emerge fellows traveled to Newton, Georgia to stay at Rocky Bend Flint River Retreat where they spent three full days and four nights. Experiences included wetland sampling at the Jones Center at Ichauway, an educational tour of the Flint RiverQuarium, a visit to Radium Springs, a day paddle along the Flint River, freshwater mussel sampling, and a tour of Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery. Guest speakers and hosts included Shayla Williams (Professor, Albany State University), David Dixon (past Board Chairman, Flint Riverkeeper), Stephen Golladay (Aquatic Ecologist, The Jones Center at Ichauway), Lora Smith (Herpetologist, The Jones Center at Ichauway), Jeremy Monroe (Founder, Freshwaters Illustrated), and Carlos Echevarria (Hatchery Manager, Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery).

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Emerge fully funded participation on this trip for 5 undergraduate, 7 graduate, and 2 early career professionals (total: 14). This trip was led by Breanna Ondich (Emerge Program Coordinator), Co-PI Dan McGarvey, and Co-PI Amy Rosemond.