the satilla initiative
spring 2004

The class meetings rotate between room E of the Law School and the seminar room at the Institute of Ecology from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Fridays.

View a map of these locations (large Adobe PDF file, 1.14 MB)

View photos from the class paddling trip!

Class Format

• Three or four class meetings in first two weeks of semester to select projects and develop work-plans;
• Approximately four to six lectures (Fridays from 12:30-3:30 p.m.) on ecological, design and policy issues affecting the watershed;
• One weekend paddling trip on the Satilla River;
• Periodic group meetings to develop particular projects;
• Project presentation (either to stakeholders or to the class and other interested parties at the University) with dress rehearsal;
• A journal logging each student's activities and reflections on the meaning of the service learning experience and ecological design and policy implications;
• At least one meeting between faculty and each individual student to reflect on and evaluate course progress and issues and concerns.

Expectations (students)

Attend class lectures and field trip, read assignments prior to each lecture, work together to define class projects, attend group meetings and work cooperatively to develop a work plan and to complete the project, attend individual meetings with professors, and keep a journal of work completed and associated reflections. Students will be graded on class participation and project substance and presentation.

Expectations (faculty)

Coordinate informative lectures and field trip; facilitate interaction between students and stakeholders in the Satilla River Basin; provide support to students in identifying and completing particular projects; facilitate dress rehearsals and project presentations; facilitate publication of projects and provide a forum for students to reflect on their experiences in the course.

Background Information

Overview of River Ecosystems (lecture outline by Ron Carroll, MS Word)
Course Rubric (MS Word)
Website Quiz (MS Word)
Work Plan Outline (MS Word)
State of Knowledge Report: Satilla River Estuary (link to external site)
Satilla Initiative, Spring 2004 (PDF; 1.86 MB)
Section 401 Water Quality Certification (PDF version of Powerpoint presentation by Keith Parson, GA EPD)

Potential Projects

1. Develop a stormwater management plan for the City of Waycross
2. Identify solution to City of Waycross sewage spills
3. Develop strategy for eliminating disposal of animal carcasses in the river
4. Manage ATV (4-wheeler) use and other off-road vehicular traffic within the banks (and streambed!) of the Satilla
5. Develop plan for controlling invasive flora (Chinese Tallow, exotic pennywort) and fauna (flathead catfish)
6. Manage industrial forestry practices within the watershed
7. Manage siting and operation of septic tanks within the watershed (particularly within the floodplain)
8. Titanium mining
9. Sand mining
10. Develop an ongoing forum/organization for regional discussion of/action on water-related issues
11. Develop management plan for the Institute of Ecology's property adjacent to the Satilla
12. Durango Paper Mill Relocation
13. Research and recommend state and local strategies for protecting wetlands, including isolated wetlands.
14. Ecotourism opportunities to stimulate local economy (positive ecotourism)
15. TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Load) for streams that do not meet requirements for designated uses
16. Conversion of bottomland forests

Students

Note: class listserve address is satilla-l@listserv.uga.edu

people | news & events | research | education | service & outreach | international | publications | links
home | contact us | about us | search this site

University of Georgia -  Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology