Alternative Spring Break Students Help Push for Okefenokee Protections

Often called ‘the wild heart of Georgia,’ the Okefenokee Swamp is a beautiful and vital ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. A proposed titanium dioxide mine threatens the swamp with pollution and water withdrawals.

The students spoke with hundreds of Georgians about the threats facing the swamp, gathered dozens of petition signatures (on top of the 12,000+ comments Environment Georgia and our national network have already collected on the draft permits for the mine), and even hosted a honk-a-thon across from the Georgia Capitol building, complete with alligator costumes and handmade signs.

The legislature has yet to act on legislation that would protect the rest of the ridge adjacent to the proposed mine and wildlife refuge, and the Governor has yet to comment on protecting the Okefenokee or draft permits. Environment Georgia is excited to continue our partnership with the Student PIRGs and the next generation of wildlife advocates to protect the Okefenokee for the future.