Environment
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maps

Athens-Clarke County Environmental Areas
A map depicting lakes, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, and waterway buffers.

Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Map
Interactive map of watersheds, bodies of water, impaired streams, and floodplains throughout Clarke County.

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.

data & 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 and more.

Growing Sustainably in Athens-Clarke County

Progress reports and recommendations from a coalition of local environmental groups.

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

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, etc.

Metropolitan Athens Air Quality Index
Hourly measures of today's pollutant concentration in the air of Athens.

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 & water conservation

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

Water Quality Monitoring Data
Data collected by the Upper Oconee Watershed Network in order to identify polluted streams that require immediate attention, to monitor long-term trends in water quality, and to influence water resource policy.

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 & agencies

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 Green Schools
A program designed to assist schools with environmental education and improvement efforts that focus on conservation, preservation, and beautification of our environment.

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 and rivers.

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

Athens Land Trust
Works with landowners to preserve forestlands, river and stream corridors, wildlife habitats, working farmlands, and scenic vistas in and around 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 & 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.

Clean Air Campaign
A non-profit organization working with government agencies, employers, schools and residents in Athens-Clarke County to help improve air quality and reduce traffic.

Creative Earth
A non-profit organization devoted to environmental education and 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 & behaviors regarding the environment.

MICAH's Mission
MICAH's (Ministry to Improve Childhood & Adolescent Health) Mission is a Christian ministry that provides services to families and communities to reduce their environmental threats with an emphasis on improving childhood and adolescent health.

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

Plant Peace Daily
Offers programs and resources in support of nonviolent advocacy on behalf of environmental preservation, animal protection, and human rights.

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.

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 UGA 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.

Community Tree Fair
The annual event includes a tree climbing demonstration, exhibit booths, kids booths, tree care demonstrations and more. A wide variety of tree species native to North Georgia are available for purchase.

Eco-Adventure
Compete against other teams in a nature-based challenge course that includes running, hiking, canoeing, archery, plant identification and more.

EcoFocus Film Festival
EcoFocus showcases world-class environmental films along with panel discussions featuring experts, filmmakers, artists, and special guests. The festival aims to engage audiences in an exploration of our relationship to the environment, and to inspire increased public awareness, discussion, and action to improve the ecological health of the planet & its inhabitants.

Green Life Expo
A community-wide public expo of green concepts and environmentally responsible living ideas for families, homes, and businesses. Discover ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money by implementing more earth-friendly practices in everyday life.

Georgia Outdoor Recreation Program
Offers trips - such as backpacking, kayaking, scuba diving, rockclimbing, and caving - designed to provide fun, hands-on instructional opportunities for beginners and novices to learn the skills and safety concerns for a wide variety of outdoor activities in a supervised environment.

Junk Yard Jog 5K
An annual cross-country 5K event in support of the environmental education programs of Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful.

Red Clay Conference
An environmental law symposium sponsored by the University of Georgia School of Law’s Environmental Law Association. Attendance is open to all.

Rivers Alive
Help clean our rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands by volunteering in support of the annual Athens-Clarke County Rivers Alive event.

Toast in the Garden
An annual fund-raising event at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia featuring wine tasting and hor d’oeuvres from local eateries along with live music. All proceeds support the litter prevention, beautification, and community improvement projects of Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful.

facilities

North Oconee River Greenway & Riverside Parks
The Athens Greenway system consists of over 700 acres of greenspace and riverside parks which encourage recreation and enjoyment, enhance the natural beauty of the rivers, and foster ecological diversity by preserving habitat vital to wildlife.

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.

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.

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 our community's reliance on natural systems of 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.