An Edible Wild Food Adventure, this 8-Mile Journey on the Savannah River near Augusta Ends with a Persimmon Jam-Making Session
The paddle route on Sunday, Nov. 1, from Clarks Hill Dam to Betty’s Branch is a scenic portion of the “Serene 18 Water Trail” near Augusta, but in the fall, the native persimmon trees on this stretch of river start giving up their delicious fruit, making it both a scenic and tasty route. The trip follows the mainstem of the Savannah and then circles around the end of Germain Island to reach the take out. On the journey we’ll hunt and gather the persimmons, and upon arrival at Bettys Branch, we’ll fire up the portable stove and cook up a batch of persimmon jam so that all parties can take home a preserved jar of the delectable spread. The fruit is best picked in the late fall after a frost, but some fruit can come ripe prior to that time. First frost in the Augusta area is typically the first week of November.
Skill Level Required:
This route features all flatwater. It is suitable for all skill levels from beginner to expert.
Register
Registration fees are $40 for youth and $75 for adults and youth. Registration closes Oct. 23 or when full. Registration fees include guide services, river maps, shuttle service and a jar of persimmon jam (provided we harvest enough persimmons). Detailed information about meeting times and locations will be e-mailed to all registered participants one to two weeks prior to the event. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Apply for a Scholarship:
A limited number of scholarships to encourage women, people of color, recent immigrants and low-income individuals and families to participate are available. Apply for a scholarship HERE!
