Gerald Jones Subaru is excited to partner with the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area this year. In 1996, the Augusta Canal received the National Heritage Area (NHA) designation. The Augusta Canal NHA is a non-profit organization that works hard to preserve the natural structures of the Canal and provides the public an opportunity to learn and participate in their work.
On March 16, 2018 Gerald Jones Subaru sponsored a field trip for the Lamar Milledge Elementary 4th grade to the Augusta Canal at Enterprise Mill. Their day started off by going on a scavenger hunt in the Discovery Center. The children learned all about the history of how the Augusta Canal served as a power source to Augusta’s Industrial factories and textile mills throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries. The Augusta Canal is the only industrial power canal in the nation still in use for its original purpose. The children made their way outside, up a ramp, to a dock where they boarded a replica canal cargo boat, or Petersburg boat, and headed down the Augusta Canal. They were treated to sightings of yellow belly sliding turtles sunbathing, Blue and White Herrings, as well as learning all about the 19th century textile mills and Confederate Powder Works. Their excitement was undeniable as they docked and headed into a classroom to learn about the science behind the operation of the Augusta Canal. Using pulley systems and water from the canal, they were delighted to see how electricity is created. As the Lamar Milledge 4th grade headed back to their bus, Gerald Jones Subaru gifted each child with a Subaru backpack filled with a jump rope, Frisbee, notepad, pens and a few other mementos for them to enjoy. Being able to gift this opportunity to the children at Lamar Milledge Elementary, one which they might not otherwise have, is a feeling we at Gerald Jones Subaru will never forget. Through our partnership with the Augusta Canal NHA, we are going to be able to give back to the community in so many wonderful ways.

Lamar Milledge Field Trip Video