Sweetwater Creek Service Day with Generation Green

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.