On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Savannah Riverkeeper (SRK) hosted its very first “Kids Day with SRK” at Augusta’s scenic 5th Street Marina Patio, where families gathered for a fun afternoon celebrating the Savannah River and all who depend on it.
The marina buzzed with excitement as kids got hands-on with nature — creating colorful “fish prints,” exploring bugs and river life up close, and learning how the waterway sustains the community. Armed with butterfly nets and a sense of adventure, children discovered the natural wonders just steps from the river’s edge.
Families enjoyed a free picnic lunch of hot dogs and drinks, courtesy of Lanier’s Fresh Meat Market, before meeting some real-life local heroes — members of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office and the Augusta Fire Department, including Fire Marshal officers who shared their important work in keeping the community safe.
Savannah Riverkeeper Executive Director Tonya Bonittibus shared the heart behind the event.
“First and foremost, we protect the drinking water for the CSRA, and that water is the lifeblood of our entire community,” she said. “We also work to educate everyone — especially children — about the threats facing the river, because most people don’t look at the Savannah River and think, ‘that’s my drinking water.’”
Lieutenant Stephanie Allen of the Augusta Fire Department echoed that sentiment, noting that the day was about more than just fun.
“The Riverkeeper’s work is so important — they’re promoting literacy by giving away books to kids, and at the same time, protecting the environment,” Allen said.
Excitement peaked during the Book Giveaway, where each child received free books to take home — a gift meant to spark curiosity about both reading and the river.
The event was made possible through generous support from Lanier’s Fresh Meat Market, Augusta Women’s Club, The Basics Richmond County, Richmond County Marshal’s Office, and the Augusta Fire Department.
According to the organization’s mission statement, the Savannah Riverkeeper works “to protect and restore the 400-mile Savannah River and its 10,577-square-mile watershed through advocacy, education, and collaboration.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.savannahriverkeeper.org
