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Programs < Alcovy Greenway Program
A greenway is a continuous system of open spaces such as parks and privately owned natural areas which are connected in some way. In the case of the Alcovy River Greenway, this connection is the Alcovy River itself. A greenway can serve any of several purposes: preservation of historically or culturally significant areas, protection of wildlife habitat, public recreation and education, or simply conservation of an exemplary natural area. The primary purpose of the Alcovy River Greenway is protection of the river and its natural resources, including wildlife, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water quality. Although certain areas of the river are open to the public, the majority of the area is under the stewardship of private landowners. Therefore, the greenway will serve the purpose of recreation and education in public areas and recognition of and assistance to landowners in privately owned areas.
Stream buffers, also known as riparian buffers, are bands of vegetation bordering a body of water that play a crucial role in promoting public health by protecting water quality. The type of vegetation in the buffer depends upon the climate and buffers the stream from anything that flows into it – polluted water, eroding soil or toxic chemicals. Many fish species need cool water, and streamside vegetation provides shade to keep streams cool. Leaves falling into the stream provide food for insects that fish eat as well as places for fish to hide from predators. Roots help to stabilize stream banks and keep dirt from washing into streams. Plants on stream banks also provide shelter for wildlife as they drink from waterways.
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The untamed Alcovy River, with its unique wild swamps, is a national treasure which fascinates both scientists and sportsmen alike. Scientists believe the swamps are thousands of years old and hide important scientific secrets. . Sportsmen know the area as an excellent fishery and producer of record white-tailed deer.
Learn More.
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This mighty inhabitant of the southern river swamp forests is recognized by its buttressed base and long, clear trunk which opens into a narrow crown. It often occurs in pure stands and is associated with bald cypress, longleaf and slash pines, red maple, overcup oak and cottonwood. Learn More.
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At least two species of pawpaws occur along the Alcovy River system from the headwaters in north Gwinnett County, south to Lake Jackson. The small-flowered pawpaw, Asimina parviflora, is especially prevalent. The other, Asimina triloba, is also common. Learn More.
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Did you know that the average person in the United States uses around fifty gallons of water each day just while at home? This water comes safe and clean into homes all across American everyday. So where does it come from? And how is this vast amount of water made safe and clean for millions of Americans everyday? Learn More.
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A watershed is the entire area drained by a river or stream. You can think of a watershed as a great basin, with the river running at the bottom and the edges being the sides of hills. A raindrop that falls on one side of a hill will drain into the stream while a drop that falls onto the other side (outside the basin) will find its way into another. Learn More.
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Information on landowner conservation incentives, watersheds, stream buffers, and revegetation using native plants.
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A review was conducted to document the functionality and the
merits of the Newton County riparian buffer ordinance and the
positive results from its implementation and maintenance. This
report validates the continued need of the Newton County buffer
required along all streams. Learn More.
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When Newton County was pulled from Jasper, Walton and Henry counties in December of 1821, a river then called the Ulcofauchatchie was used as the counties eastern boundary. The native Muskogean Indians named the river “Ulcofauchatchie”, meaning “a river among the pawpaw trees.” Learn more.
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Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority
Newton County Water Resources
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
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The Alcovy Greenway portion of the website is financed in part through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.
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