West Point Lake heritage cruise to be held Nov. 3

Published 10:20 pm Friday, October 13, 2017

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) is offering a special West Point Lake Heritage cruise aboard the West Point Lake Floating Classroom on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6-8 pm. The public is welcome to attend for this outing that offers colorful stories pertaining to the history of West Point Lake and the Middle Chattahoochee River.

Sally Bethea, director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper from 1994-2014, will enlighten us about the role CRK has played in improving the water quality of communities downstream of Atlanta and especially West Point Lake. Charles Seabrook, state renowned author and reporter for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution during the early years of West Point Lake, will share stories and issues concerning West Point Lake. Sarah Love, who works for the Historic Preservation Division for the State of Georgia, will teach about the Native Americans who once lived along the Middle Chattahoochee River. Helen Henry will take us back in time with stories from before West Point Lake was formed or when it was newly impounded and how it affected her family who owned a farm that was lost.

The cost of this cruise is $20 per adult. The cruise will start promptly at 6 p.m. and end at 8 pm, departing from and returning to Highland Marina Resort. An option of a boxed dinner from Chick Fil-A with beverages included will be available for $10 per person. Alternately, participants may provide their own picnics and beverages. Those interested may register online by visiting https://chattahoochee.org/crk-watershed-outings/general-watershed-outings/. Pre-registration is required.

Since launching in 2015, the West Point Lake Floating Classroom has served nearly 7,000 students and adults by delivering unique, hands-on environmental education programs and guided lake tours. Become a member of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and support scholarship seats for underserved students — for many, it’s the only field trip of their school year. To learn more about membership and how to schedule a field trip or guided tour contact Laura Breyfogle at lbreyfogle@chattahoochee.org or 706-882-3701.