Savannah, Ga. – The Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) announced the debut of the Burroughs Digital Library, a publicly accessible collection of aerial images that showcase the full breadth of the Ogeechee River watershed. The library is the result of a 2025 grant from the Karen and Jerry Burroughs Foundation Fund of The Savannah Community Foundation.
Grant fuels comprehensive river documentation
With the grant, ORK set out to document the river’s varied habitats from its headwaters to the coastal marshes. The nonprofit scouted multiple sites throughout the basin to capture representative examples of the river’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.
Drone pilot John McKinnon provides unique perspective
Veteran drone pilot and photographer John McKinnon partnered with ORK to record both video and still images from a high‑altitude viewpoint that ground‑level cameras cannot match. “While working on the project it occurred to me we were making a document of the Ogeechee as it exists today that we can compare against future changes,” McKinnon recalled. He traveled the length of the watershed, noting the shifting fauna from the river’s source to its mouth on the Atlantic coast.
Digital library open to the public
The Burroughs Digital Library is now live and can be explored at the linked album. ORK encourages anyone interested in the river – from students and educators to conservation volunteers – to browse the images, learn about the ecosystem, and consider ways to protect, preserve, and improve the watershed for future generations.
Future imagery and community involvement
ORK notes that raw footage is still being edited, and additional imagery will be added over time. The organization invites community members, researchers, and media outlets to request permission for use of the material by contacting [email protected].
Why the project matters to Savannah residents
The Ogeechee River runs through the Savannah region, providing recreation, wildlife habitat, and a natural resource that supports local economies. By making high‑resolution aerial documentation publicly available, ORK hopes to foster a deeper appreciation of the river’s role in the community and to inspire stewardship that aligns with traditional family values and responsible environmental care.
Local schools and faith‑based groups are already planning field‑trip curricula that will incorporate the digital library, allowing children to see the river’s ecosystems up close without leaving the classroom. The project exemplifies how nonprofit partnerships can leverage modern technology to serve the public good, reinforcing the community’s commitment to preserving God‑given natural resources for future generations.
Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.
