Augusta GreenJackets honour heritage protectors with River Donkeys alternate

The Augusta GreenJackets, Single-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves in the Carolina League, will play two games this season as the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) River Donkeys, a brand that tells a story that began centuries ago. The identity is a tribute to animals who are credited with helping to protect an important 5,000-year-old archaeological site on Stallings Island near Augusta, Georgia.

Stallings Island, located in the Savannah River, is a National Historic Landmark that is home to some of the oldest known pottery found in North America. The currently uninhabited island provides archaeologists crucial insights into early human life in the region.

But where do donkeys come in? The team explains:

In the late 20th century, Stallings Island faced significant threats from looting and overgrowth, which obscured archaeological features and provided cover for unauthorized excavations. To combat this, the Archaeological Conservancy acquired the island in 1997 and implemented a unique ecological management strategy. In 2008, goats were introduced to control the dense vegetation. However, the presence of coyotes posed a threat to the goats, leading to the introduction of donkeys as protective companions. Donkeys are known for their natural guarding instincts and effectively deterred predators, ensuring the safety of the goat population.

Contemporary residents of the area try to find ways to spot the donkeys on the island from the water, often by kayak. To that end the River Donkeys logo features a donkey in a kayak. But it’s not just a fun logo; it’s a sincere tribute to animals doing important work.

“These animals not only play a crucial role in preserving the site’s ecology but also serve as living symbols of the island’s ongoing conservation efforts,” the team said on its website. “Their presence underscores the innovative measures taken to safeguard this invaluable cultural and historical resource for future generations.”

The River Donkeys will take the field June 6 and 7.