Book offers ways to explore Oconee River

In the Oconee River User’s Guide, both novice and experienced water sports enthusiasts will find all the information required to enjoy the river, including detailed maps, put-in and take-out suggestions, fishing and camping locations, mile-by-mile points of interest and an illustrated guide to the animals and plants commonly seen in and around the river.

The river is home to 74 species of fish, including the Altamaha shiner, found only in the Altamaha River basin, as well as 37 species of salamanders and frogs and 43 species of reptiles, including the American alligator, found in the lower Oconee downstream of Milledgeville.

Daytrippers will enjoy author Joe Cook’s description of the cultural and natural heritage of this richly diverse ­waterway.

In conjunction with the  release of the book, Cook will read from and sign copies of Oconee River User’s Guide on May 3 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Avid Bookshop, 498 Prince Ave. Open free to the public, the reading is sponsored by Avid Bookshop and the University of Georgia Press.