In an attempt to bring more attention to the Savannah River, Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus, will be living on a 20 by 20 foot raft on the river in downtown Augusta until the non-profit organization gains 500 members.

Starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Riverkeeper’s home will be a raft — fitted with an outdoor shower, toilet and some basic amenities — anchored in the middle of the Savannah River.

“The Savannah provides us with our drinking water, receives our waste and is our economic engine and playground,” Bonitatibus said. “We want the citizens throughout the basin to recognize the river for her importance, and insist she be managed in a way that is fair and protective of all citizens and economies relying on the 400 mile long resource. The purpose of this event is to bring attention to the importance and beauty of the river, and to help the Riverkeeper expand its influence throughout our watershed.”

The raft will be located on the river at the end of 8th street in downtown Augusta — which happens to be precisely in the middle of the watershed at mile marker 200 of the 400-mile long Savannah River.

On Friday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. the Riverkeeper Board of Directors will hold their quarterly board meeting on the raft. Volunteers will be on hand at the Riverwalk and at First Friday to sign up members. A one-year membership to the Riverkeeper starts at $35, various gifts are available for levels above $35, including a boat trip to the raft.

For more information or to sign up online visit www.savannahriverkeeper.org/savannah500

Savannah Riverkeeper is a nonprofit working to protect the water quality of the Savannah River and to promote an enlightened stewardship of through education and restoration efforts.

For more details, or to join the Riverkeeper, call the SRK office (706) 826-8991 or visit www.savannahriverkeeper.org.