Here we go upstream,
with Brianna Schawalder of Trails4Valdosta in her canoe, helping pull limbs aside and photographing,
and Russell Hassenstab of Kona Ice paddling the Suwannee Riverkeeper Old Town Canoe,
while Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman chainsaws.
Brianna Schawalder of Trails4Valdosta and Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman did some sawing from the Suwannee Riverkeeper Old Town Canoe,
but most of the work
downstream from Langdale Park Boat Ramp on the Withlacoochee River was done by
Austin Roark and his equipment and crew from Roark’s Land Clearing and Restoration.
They removed the snaggly tree just downstream from the boat ramp that was making fishing and paddling difficult.
And a tree a bit farther down that stuck so far across it was eroding the right bank.
Cindy Vedas come to staff a WWALS table at the boat ramp.
Phil Hubbard couldn’t come because he had the flu.
With
Brianna Schawalder of Trails4Valdosta, meet at Langdale Park Boat Ramp @ 9 AM. We will remove deadfalls and debris to permit passage as far upstream on the Withlacoochee River as we are able within an approximate 6 hour time frame. Volunteers do not have to use a chainsaw if not experienced. Help with debris and trash removal as well as photos and videos assistance are always welcome. Bring your kayak and join this adventure.
You do not have to boat. You can walk along the left (east) bank of the river in Langdale Park.
As
Brianna Schawalder says, let’s make 2026 the Year of Outdoor Recreation in Lowndes County.
When: Gather 9 AM, launch 9:30 AM, end 4 PM, Sunday, March 29, 2026
Put In:Langdale Park Boat Ramp,
3781 N. Valdosta Rd., Valdosta, GA 31602, on Hyta Mederer Drive.
She wants to make 2026 the Year of Outdoor Recreation in Lowndes County.
Sound like a fine idea!
Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman interviewed Brianna Schawalder about Trails4Valdosta,
where her group is clearing hurricane debris from trails in Langdale Park.
That’s Trails4Valdosta on Instagram, or trails4valdosta@gmail.com.
That’s on the Withlacoochee River, off of Hyta Mederer Drive, from North Valdosta Road (US 41), I-75 Exit 22, just west of Valdosta, Georgia.
Most of the trails are in Lowndes County, but not in Valdosta.
The park extends south slightly past Three Mile Branch, which drains
much of North Valdosta Road, as well as Five Points, where the roundabouts are going in.