Join the Georgia Conservancy’s Generation Green for an Earth Week Service Project on Saturday, April 18 at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Douglas County.

Project Summary

This project focuses on protecting and restoring trail-side ecosystems that have been impacted by high visitation and the creation of informal “social trails.” These off-trail routes contribute to erosion, vegetation loss, and wetland disturbance over time.

Volunteers will take part in a combination of stewardship activities, including installing split-rail fencing to guide visitor movement, removing litter from high-use trails, and assisting with invasive species removal in sensitive areas as needed.

Each task plays a different but equally important role in maintaining the health of the park. Together, these efforts support long-term conservation, improve visitor experience, and help ensure that Sweetwater remains a resilient and accessible natural space.

While we welcome all individuals and ages to participate in this service day, we particularly invite young professionals (ages 25-40) who are interested in meeting and networking with others who care about Georgia’s environment.

Work Tasks & Activities

We will have 3 project tasks available.

1. Fence Installation:

Volunteers will help install split-rail fencing at key trail intersections along the Red Trail. These fences serve as durable visual boundaries to discourage off-trail use and protect surrounding habitat from further damage. Training and supervision will be provided for this task. This activity is for teens and above, and is moderate+ intensity. Note that due to leadership and material limitations, we only have limited spots for this specific service task.

2. Trail Trash Cleanup (Self-Guided):

Teams will walk designated trail sections to collect litter using bags and grabbers. This work helps maintain the park’s natural beauty while also preventing pollution from entering nearby waterways. This is a self-guided activity. We will provide guidance and instruction on which trails to follow, but then you will hike the trails in groups with trash bags and litter grabbers to collect as much trash as possible.

Invasive Species Removal (supplemental task):

If capacity allows, a portion of the group may assist park staff with removing invasive plant species in a nearby wetland area. This work helps restore native plant communities and improve ecological health. The particular site we are working on will help promote the growth of local Rivercane. This native bamboo, having declined by 98% in its original habitat, acts as a vital ecological anchor for Southeastern US watersheds and is a deeply significant cultural resource for Indigenous tribes.

Project Plan

Meeting Location: Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center - 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122.

We will begin with a brief welcome, safety overview, and project orientation before dividing into teams.

The primary focus of the day will be installing split-rail fencing at key trail intersections along the Red Trail to prevent off-trail use and protect surrounding habitat.

Additional teams will support trash cleanup along designated trail corridors, with a potential third group assisting with invasive species removal in a nearby wetland area depending on group size and park needs.

All tools and instruction will be provided, and no prior experience is required.

Arrival Time:

Please arrive no later than 9:10am, to allow time for restrooms, orientation, and check-in.

What Should I Pack:

• Wear work-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes or boots that can get dirty.
• Water (at least 1–2 liters)
• Snacks or light lunch
• Work gloves (only if you don't want to use ours)
• Sun protection (hat/scarf, sunscreen, etc.)

Work Expectations

• Digging and setting fence posts
• Carrying and placing wooden rails
• Walking trails while collecting litter
• Assisting with basic habitat restoration tasks
• Work will be team-based, and tasks will be adjusted based on comfort level and physical ability.

Accessibility & Terrain:

This project takes place along forested trails with uneven terrain, moderate slopes, and areas of loose soil. Some work may occur near sensitive wetland zones or along trail edges. Conditions may include mud, roots, and uneven footing. 

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/gc2026waiver

Every participant will be required to fill out completely and sign, our online waiver. The waiver link will be included in your big tickets confirmation email as well as the 2 weeks out trips detailed email. If a paddling trip, all participants must have basic paddling skills, wear a PFD/Life vest, and be capable of self-rescue in the water. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian. While Georgia Conservancy staff and other Outfitters may assist on some trips and be available with medical and/or First Aid training (those individuals will be identified), we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides to direct you through each bend of the river or lead you into the wilderness, Georgia Conservancy trips, whether a paddle, adventure, or service trip, are all designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety. All participants are assuming risks (some of which are outlined in our liability waiver) while participating in a Georgia Conservancy Stewardship Trip.

1.) Cancellation/Refund Policy: Georgia Conservancy trips are non-transferable and are hosted rain or shine. The Georgia Conservancy reserves the right to cancel or shorten any trip before departure as well as change the itinerary. If you have any questions about the trip price and what the payment includes, please contact Shaundon Moore (smoore@gaconservancy.org) before you register.

Notification Prior to the Trip Refund Policy

20 days or more Full refund using the original method of payment

8 to 19 days Refund total paid less $10 processing fee*

4 to 7 days Refund 50% of total paid*

3 days & under No refund

* We cannot guarantee the refund in the original method of payment and refunds may be made by check.

If a trip is canceled and not rescheduled by Georgia Conservancy, then all participants will receive a full refund using the original method of payment.

If a trip is canceled and then rescheduled, each participant may receive a full refund if they request cancellation within 1 week of being notified of the new trip date.

2.) Acceptable Behavior and Policies for Participants (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco): As part of our mission to provide healthy experiences we have several policies for behavior on trips. All illegal substances are prohibited. There’s one easy way to wreck your trip (and your friends’) with the Georgia Conservancy: overconsumption of alcohol. Alcohol can pose a serious risk to your health and others when consumed during a trip and will dehydrate you. That being said participants 21 years of age or older ARE welcome to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beverages) and enjoy them on GAC trips if used in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If your behavior negatively impacts other participants that behavior will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of smoking around others.

3.) Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC): All water-based programming participants (including all paddlesport programs) must acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing) -Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water -Independently hold head upright without head / neck support -Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion -Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a companion -Paddlesports program participants must also acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket -Get in / out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Independently get out from under a capsized paddlecraft -Re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the --ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation.

4.) Discrimination and Harassment Policy: No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by any participants or staff during any Georgia Conservancy event. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the staff or other Georgia Conservancy Authorities.

5.) LNT/Recycling: The Georgia Conservancy strives to adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) Guidelines for all trips/events. We provide recycling options for every trip as well so please ask us before you throw away any recyclables in the wrong container.

Participants are responsible for any rental gear they receive during a trip. If you are unfamiliar with the set-up or correct function of the gear it is your responsibility to seek out a conservancy staff member to show you. We love talking gear so don’t be afraid to ask questions!