










Next Leadership
Team Meeting
Sun., Jan. 10, 2020
| |
Schedule of Events
We are beginning to
plan our calendar of
SGH
presentations, training, service projects, and festivals
for FY 2021 (December 1, 2020 - November 30, 2021). The dates that are known so
far are shown below, and more will be added following our next Leadership Team
meeting and throughout the year.
■
Training and Presentations:
Throughout the year, we offer Hemlock Help Clinics for a wide variety of
audiences, Facilitator training for volunteers,
Hemlock Lessons for
elementary through high school classes, and special presentations for garden
clubs, property owner
associations, churches, civic organizations, and community groups.
■
Service Projects: We continue our partnership with the U. S. Forest Service and the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources to treat hemlocks on public lands, and we
undertake additional hemlock treatment projects for other nonprofits, public
land managers, and private property owners as our time and resources permit.
Other service projects include rescuing hemlock saplings and seedlings, restoring hemlocks
along trout streams, and creating new hemlock field insectaries or augmenting
existing ones.
If you'd like to participate in a class or event that's on our calendar or
would like to schedule an additional educational event or service project, please call the Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010.

Dear Friends:
As we are likely to still be facing the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic
for at least part of 2021,
we will continue conducting our educational and service activities in accordance with
CDC guidelines
to protect the health and safety of our volunteers and other contacts. While the dates for festivals
that we hope
to participate in
are included on this calendar, we're still working on the logistics for safe
participation.
ü
Wed., Dec. 2
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Minnehaha Falls: Three SGH volunteers
participated with the USFS on a hemlock treatment project at Minnehaha
Falls in Rabun County. |
ü
Sat., Dec. 5
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Rabun Beach Recreation Area: Five SGH
volunteers participated with the USFS on a hemlock treatment project at
this site near Angel Falls in Rabun County.
. |
ü
Wed., Dec. 9
|
Sapling
rescue project:
Three SGH volunteers rescued and treated 50 large hemlock saplings on a
property in Gilmer County. |
ü
Fri., Dec. 11
|
Customized
training: SGH conducted customized hands-on training for two
U. S. Forest Service staff and three SGH volunteers. The workshop
covered the planning, management, and conduct of hemlock treatment
projects plus the maintenance, problem diagnosis, and repair of Kioritz
and EZ-Ject soil injectors. Two Kioritz soil injectors were
repaired during the workshop.
The location was 37 Woody Bend, Dahlonega. |
ü
Fri., Dec.
25, 2020 |
Christmas
Day: Our warmest greetings go out to all our members,
volunteers, friends, and supporters.
We hope it was filled with all the warmth,
joy, and peace of this special season. |
üFri., Jan.
1, 2021 |
New Year's
Day: Here's to your health and happiness throughout the coming
year! And if you make some resolutions for the New Year, we hope
one of them is to be an active volunteer to help save the hemlocks. |
üSun, Jan. 10
|
SGH
Leadership Team winter meeting: This meeting served as the
kick-off for what we hope will be a very busy and productive year in
2021.
Click here for t he
meeting agenda and
sign-on
instructions. Meeting notes will be posted shortly. |
Mon., Jan. 18
|
Martin
Luther King Day of Service
Hope you will go out and do a good thing in
your community today! The MLK web site has lots of good ideas and
even lesson plans for kids' activities.
|
Sat., Jan. 30
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH
Volunteer Facilitator Training Workshop for Rabun, Towns & Habersham
Counties: This class is designed for people who want
understanding, practical knowledge and skills to actively participate in
saving the hemlocks:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Facilitator Training description and outline.
Class will be
taught on-line, and registration
is required. To register and receive your sign-in
instructions, call 706-429-8010 or email
donna@SaveGeorgiasHemlocks.org no later than noon on Friday,
January 29 and provide both your phone number and email
address. |
Fri., Feb. 19 |
Arbor Day in Georgia:
This holiday is a day set aside for schools, civic clubs, and other
organizations, as well as individuals, to reflect on the importance of
trees in our state and across our nation. Every tree planted on
Arbor Day helps clean the air and water, beautify neighborhoods, provide
homes for wildlife, conserve energy, and prevent soil erosion, among
many other benefits.
Arbor Day, which is sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission, gives everyone an opportunity to learn
about the benefits trees provide to communities. You can
adopt hemlock saplings from SGH or
order other tree seedlings from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
If you've seen hemlocks that aren't looking healthy and
you're wondering why,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what's happening. |
|
.
. |
Sun., Mar. 21 |
International Day of Forests:
This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise
awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside
forests.
If you've seen hemlocks that aren't looking healthy and
you're wondering why,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what's happening. |
|
.
. |
Wed., March 31
|
SGH-USFS
hemlock treatment project at Bob Creek -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will be retreating a small number of trees at this site on the Blue
Ridge Ranger District to complete the project begun in August 2019 and
may add more trees for treatment. Project details and maps will be
posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Apr. 10
|
SGH-USFS
hemlock treatment project at Timpson Creek -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at 2 sites in this
hemlock conservation area on the Chattooga River Ranger District.
Project details and maps will be posted when available..
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Bob at
bobpledger49@gmail.com or 706-212-2833 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sun., Apr. 11
|
SGH
Leadership Team spring meeting: This meeting will focus on a
review of the first quarter accomplishments and planning for second
quarter activities and beyond.
The meeting agenda and sign-on
instructions will be posted prior to the meeting. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Apr. 17
and
Sun., Apr. 18
|
Bear
on the Square --
BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this important
festival in Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem,
why it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do
to save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for
adoption.
The location is
Hancock Park and the
historic square in downtown Dahlonega. |
Wed., Apr. 21
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Lake Winfield Scott Beach in Suches -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating 84 trees at this site on the
Blue Ridge Ranger District and may add more trees for treatment.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Thurs., Apr. 22 |
Earth Day:
Celebrated on April 22 annually,
Earth Day is globally coordinated by the Earth Day Network, whose
year-round mission is to broaden, diversify and activate the
environmental movement worldwide, through a combination of education,
public policy, and consumer campaigns.
Click to read announcement of the
Global Climate Change Agreement, December 12, 2016.
If you have hemlocks that haven't
been protected,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what you can do. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Apr. 24 |
Blue
Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival
-- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH
will have a booth at this important
festival in Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem,
why it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do
to save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. In addition, there will be special materials to
highlight the
importance of hemlocks to the health of local trout populations, our
partnership with Trout Unlimited, and opportunities to work together on
behalf of the forests and waterways we share. Healthy
hemlock saplings will be available for adoption.
The location is the
park
in downtown Blue Ridge.
|
Sat., May 15
|
SGH-USFS
hemlock treatment project at Walnut Creek -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at 3 sites in this
hemlock conservation area on the Chattooga River Ranger District.
Project details and maps will be posted when available..
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Bob at
bobpledger49@gmail.com or 706-212-2833 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., May 22
and
Sun., May 23 |
Blue
Ridge Arts Festival -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this important festival in
Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem, why it's so
important to take timely action, what property owners can do to save
their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption.
The location is the
park in downtown Blue Ridge.
|
|
.
. |
Sun., May 30 |
Lake Rabun Association Memorial Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and have volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the invasive insect that's killing them, why timely
action is vital, options property owners have for saving their own
trees, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
|
.
. |
Sat., June 5 |
National Trails
Day: A
celebration of America’s magnificent Trail System, NTD occurs annually
on the first Saturday in June and features a series of outdoor
activities, designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails
in the United States. Individuals, clubs and organizations from
around the country host National Trails Day® events to share their love
of trails with friends, family, and their communities. NTD
introduces thousands of Americans to a wide array of trail activities:
hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, trail running, and bird
watching and more. For public and private land managers alike,
National Trails Day® is a great time to showcase beautiful landscapes
and special or threatened locales as thousands of people will be outside
looking to participate in NTD events. |
Sat., June 5
|
Hemlock
Day at Anna Ruby Falls -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: In celebration of National Trails Day, SGH
will have an education station to provide information about the hemlock problem, why
it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do to
save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for
adoption.
The location is the
Anna Ruby Falls Visitors Center, 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd. near
Helen. |
|
.
. |
Sat., June 12
|
SGH-USFS
hemlock treatment project in Three Forks -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will continue the project begun during our Hike & Help the
Hemlocks in November 2019 to finish treating or retreating approximately
120 hemlocks at Chester Creek, Upper Noontootla, and Long Creek in the
Three Forks area on the Blue Ridge Ranger District. Project
details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Wed., June 23
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Swallows Creek and Falls Branch -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be treating or retreating approximately 42 and
122 trees at these two sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Sat., July 4
|
Independence
Day: This is a good day to enjoy with your family and friends
by doing something good for your community and celebrating all the
wonderful blessings we have.
|
Sat., July 10
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be treating or retreating a large number of
hemlocks at 4-5 sites on this hemlock conservation area on the Chattooga
River Ranger District. Project
details and maps will be posted when available..
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Bob at
bobpledger49@gmail.com or 706-212-2833
and provide both your phone number and email address. |
Sun., July 11
|
SGH
Leadership Team summer meeting: This meeting will focus on a
review of the second quarter accomplishments and plans for third
quarter activities.
The meeting agenda and sign-on
instructions will be posted prior to the meeting. |
|
.
. |
Sat., July 24
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Mulky Creek -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be treating or retreating approximately 120
trees in this hemlock conservation area on the Blue Ridge Ranger District. Project
details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Aug. 21
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Cooper Creek -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be treating or retreating approximately 120
trees in this hemlock conservation area on the Blue Ridge Ranger District. Project
details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Jim at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide both your phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Sun., Sept. 5
|
Lake Rabun Association
Labor Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and have volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the invasive insect that's killing them, why timely
action is vital, options property owners have for saving their own
trees, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Mon., Sept. 6
|
Labor Day: In the United States this is a public holiday
celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the
American labor movement
and the contributions that workers have made to the strength,
prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. So as you and your
family enjoy the last "official" weekend of summer, we hope you did
something fun outdoors and make some good memories.
|
|
.
. |
Sat., Sept. 11 &
Sun., Sept. 12
|
Trail
Fest -- BOOTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will have a
booth at this important festival in Blue Ridge to provide information
about the hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action,
what property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers
can help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings
will be available for adoption.
The location is
Hancock Park and the
historic square in downtown Dahlonega. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Sept. 25
|
National
Public Lands Day: National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the
nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands.
Its purposes are:
* educating Americans about the
environment and natural resources, and the need for shared stewardship
of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
* building partnerships between the public sector and the local
community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration
of America's public lands; and;
* improving public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers
assisting land managers in hands-on work. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Oct. 2
|
Foxfire
Mountaineer Festival
-- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this
festival in Clayton to provide information about the hemlock problem,
why it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do
to save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will also be available for
adoption.
The location is the
Civic Center in downtown Clayton. |
|
.
. |
Sat., Oct. 2 &
Sun., Oct. 3
|
Georgia
Marble Festival -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH
will have a booth at this festival in Jasper to provide information
about the hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action,
what property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers
can help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings
will also be available for adoption.
The location is
Lee Newton Park in downtown Jasper. |
|
.
|
Sat., Oct. 16 |
Georgia
Mountains Beer Fest at
Gibbs
Gardens -- BOOTH
HELPERS NEEDED:
SGH will have a booth at this festival to provide information about the
hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action, what
property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers can
help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will
also be available for adoption.
Gibbs Gardens is located at
1987 Gibbs Dr. off Yellow Creek Rd. in Ball Ground, GA 30107. |
|
.
. |
Sun., Oct. 17
|
SGH
Leadership Team summer meeting: This meeting will focus on a
review of the third quarter accomplishments and plans for fourth
quarter activities.
The meeting agenda and sign-on
instructions will be posted prior to the meeting. |
Sat., Oct. 23
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at the Wildcat Recreation Area -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at 2
sites in this hemlock conservation area on the Chattooga River Ranger District. Project
details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Bob at
bobpledger49@gmail.com or 706-212-2833
and provide both your phone number and email address. |
|
.
. |
Fri.,
Nov 12 –
Sun., Nov. 14
|
Hornaday
Conservation Weekend:
This annual event sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America is dedicated
to Scouts' conservation and learning while working toward earning the
William T. Hornaday Awards. SGH will have an education station to provide information about the hemlock
problem, why it's so important to take timely action, and how Scouts can
plan and execute several types of hemlock conservation projects leading
to merit badges, Eagle Scout rank, and/or Hornaday Awards.
The location is
Camp Woodruff, 31 Woodruff Dr., Blairsville, GA 30512. |
|
.
. |
Thurs., Nov. 25
|
Thanksgiving
Day: Gratitude is much on our
minds during the Thanksgiving season as we reflect on our blessings –
perhaps families, friends, homes, health, or jobs, – and our hearts go
out to people who have suffered losses. It’s also a time to think
about broader kinds of blessings, not just those that we have but those
that surround us – the beautiful part of the country where we live, the
bountiful natural resources in our area, our freedom to enjoy them,
and yes, our responsibility and privilege to protect these treasures.
If you'd like to turn your gratitude
into action,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on how you can help save the hemlocks. And Happy Thanksgiving! |

Completed Events in FY 2020
|
Wed., Dec. 11, 2019 |
SGH
presentation to Mountain Conservation
Trust of Georgia: SGH Chairman Donna Shearer gave the
keynote address at MCTGA's annual meeting. She presented our
mission, the many kinds of activities we engage in, and a special
invitation to partner for saving hemlocks on land over which MCTGA has
stewardship.
The
event was held in a restaurant called "61 Main" located at
49
South Main Street in Jasper. Thirty MCTGA members were in
attendance. |
Mon., Dec. 16, 2019
|
Kickoff
Meeting for Appalachian Trail Hemlock Treatment Project:
Representatives of SGH and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club met with
USFS District Ranger Andy Baker to formally initiate a joint GATC-SGH
project to treat hemlocks along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.
The outcomes included:
- agreement on underlying principles for
the project and each organization's roles and responsibilities,
- formulation of a "wish list" of trail sections to be considered for
hemlock treatment,
- decisions regarding basic parameters of the project,
- a list of tasks to be completed prior to project start (hopefully
mid-February), and
- a high-level preview of how the project coordination and execution
will actually go.
This meeting was held at the Blue Ridge
District office in Blairsville. The next one will be scheduled for
mid-January and hopefully will provide USFS approvals for the requested
trail sections. |
Wed., Dec.
25, 2019 |
Christmas
Day: Our warmest greetings go out to all our members,
volunteers, friends, and supporters.
We hope it will be filled with all the warmth,
joy, and peace of this special season. |
Wed., Jan.
1, 2020 |
New Year's
Day: Here's to your health and happiness throughout the coming
year! And if you make some resolutions for the New Year, we hope
one of them is to be an active volunteer to help save the hemlocks. |
Mon., Jan 6 |
Appalachian
Trail scouting trip: Members of SGH and the Georgian Appalachian
Trail Club scouted the section of the AT that is included in the current
Blackwell Creek HCA to be used as a practice project during the Jan. 25
Facilitator training class. Another secondary goal is to scout the
adjoining sections of the trail for hemlocks to be included in a
possible expansion of the current HCA or creation of a new HCA.
Location to meet was the old
Tritt's Store at the intersection of Hwy 60 and Cooper Gap Rd. |
Sun, Jan. 12
|
SGH
Leadership Team winter meeting: This meeting served as the
kick-off for what promises to be a very busy and productive year in
2020. Click here for the
meeting agenda.
Meeting notes will be posted soon.
The location was
the home of Donna Shearer,
37 Woody Bend, Dahlonega, GA 30533. |
Mon., Jan. 20
|
Martin
Luther King Day of Service
Hope you went out and did a good thing in
your community today! The MLK web site has lots of good ideas and
even lesson plans for kids' activities.
|
Sat., Jan. 25
|
SGH
Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop: SGH
offered a combination training and treatment event for Georgia
Appalachian Trail Club members who are interested in helping to treat
the hemlocks along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Eleven new
Facilitators were trained, and five were refreshed.
The content included the knowledge and
skills presented in our standard Facilitator training but was customized
to focus on the particular application protocol approved by the U. S.
Forest Service for use by volunteers on the AT hemlock treatment
project. After class, everyone went out for a brief treatment
project to practice the technique of applying Imidacloprid by dry
tablets. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline - AT.
The classroom portion of the training was
held at the
Dahlonega Chamber / Visitors Center, and the hands-on portion took
place on Blackwell Creek at the AT crossing.
|
Sun., Jan. 26
|
SGH
sapling rescue/potting project:
SGH and a group of 8 other volunteers from Athens, AL conducted a sapling rescue
and potting project at Cloudland Canyon. Following a short
customized training session, the group and its youth leader Rio de Graffenried went to the Daniel Creek area and rescued 17 small saplings
that were not included in the park's HWA treatment program. The
little trees were brought back to the Interpretive Center where they
were potted, treated for HWA, and then taken back to Alabama to be
shared with their community.
Cloudland Canyon is located on GA Hwy 136 in Dade County. |
Sun., Feb. 2 |
Paddling for hemlocks
-- EXPERT PADDLERS NEEDED: SGH in
partnership with the Georgia Canoeing Association
(GCA) with mentoring from the
Asheville-based
Paddlers for Hemlock Health Action Taskforce (PHHAT)
is launching a new initiative to engage experienced whitewater paddlers
in treating hemlock trees along Georgia waterways where the trees are
more accessible from the water than the land.
The first step
was a training class today for individuals willing to serve as future team
leaders to teach them the treatment process. Using safety
practices approved by the GCA and hemlock treatment protocols approved
by the Georgia DNR, treatment will consist of inserting dry CoreTect
tablets containing Imidacloprid around the base of the trees on state
lands where we have permission to treat.
The classroom
portion of the training was
held at
Young Harris College,
Maxwell
Center, Room 107, followed by a hands-on session during which the
newly trained volunteers practiced treating a few trees on campus.
A pilot project on the Cartecay River is scheduled for March 7. |
Fri., Feb. 21 |
Arbor Day in Georgia:
This holiday is a day set aside for schools, civic clubs, and other
organizations, as well as individuals, to reflect on the importance of
trees in our state and across our nation. Every tree planted on
Arbor Day helps clean the air and water, beautify neighborhoods, provide
homes for wildlife, conserve energy, and prevent soil erosion, among
many other benefits.
Arbor Day, which is sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission, gives everyone an opportunity to learn
about the benefits trees provide to communities. You can
adopt hemlock saplings from SGH or
order other tree seedlings from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
If you've seen hemlocks that aren't looking healthy and
you're wondering why,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what's happening. |
Fri., Feb. 21
3:30 p.m. |
Hemlock planting in celebration of Arbor Day: In partnership
with the City of Jasper, SGH planted three hemlock saplings in Lee Newton Park and
gave a brief talk about the importance of hemlocks, what's happening to
them, and what citizens can do to save them. Attendees included
Jasper Mayor Steve Lawrence, City Manager Brandon Douglas, City Council
members Kirk Raffield and Sonny Proctor, SGH Facilitators Jim Heilman
and Donnie Low, and others.
It was also announced that between now and the end of the
year, SGH will be accepting donations from anyone who would like to
symbolically adopt a hemlock sapling for a large-scale planting project
in the park on Arbor Day 2021; this program was conceived by Donnie Low. To make such a donation, please
download and print the
Hemlock Adoption Form and mail it with your check to the address
listed on the form (or just mark your check "Hemlock adoption for
Jasper"). Donors who fill out the form may also indicate
whether they would like to be recognized in the local newspaper in
conjunction with
next year's event.
Lee Newton Park is located at
599 Stegall Dr, Jasper, GA 30143. |
Sun., Feb. 23 |
POSTPONED,
awaiting Forest Service approval for project.
SGH-GATC
hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We will treat approximately 180 trees in a newly
added HCA on Blackwell Creek between Dahlonega and Suches. Click
here for
Project Details and meeting place.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Donna at
donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or 706-429-8010 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Feb. 29 |
Hemlock
restoration project at Rocky Flats: SGH
in partnership with the Nature Conservancy, U. S. Forest Service,
Georgia Forest Watch, and volunteers from Dalton State College and North
Georgia University conducted a project to plant 2 dozen large hemlock
saplings around the new bridge and bottomless culvert that has been
built on the Rocky Flats OHV Trail where it crosses Mill Creek in Murray
County. And in keeping with our expanded mission for hemlock habitat,
the 29 volunteers also installed 54 additional native trees and shrubs
-- including oak, red maple, sycamore, chokeberry, witch-hazel,
leucothoe (dog hobble), and silky willow -- to
stabilize the stream bank and achieve a natural forest look.
Click here for
Project Details.
We met at the
Triple C Market #2 / Sunoco Station,
6110 US-411 in
Eton, just north of Chatsworth, and then carpooled to the work site at
Rocky Flats OHV Trail.
|
Sat., Mar. 7 |
SGH-GCA
Paddling for Hemlocks treatment project:
Twenty-one experienced paddlers came out for our first joint SGH-GCA outing under this program.
With the river running high, they treated 129 hemlocks along the Cartecay River where it runs through the DNR
Wildlife Management Area in Ellijay. To prevent any risk of
treatment chemical getting into the river, the treatment was done by
inserting dry CoreTect tablets containing Imidacloprid into the soil at
the base of each tree, and this should provide protection against the
woolly adelgids for five more years. Click here
for
Project Details.
Thanks to Dave Teffeteller, Dan MacIntyre, and Alex Harvey for getting
this program off to a great start; to Jonathan Micancin, Brannen
Proctor, Charlie Swor, Jim Unger, and Suzanne Welander for serving as
paddling team leaders today; and to all the other volunteers for the
good work preserving the hemlocks along a beautiful stretch of the
Cartecay. |
Sun., Mar. 8 |
POSTPONED,
awaiting Forest Service approval for project.
SGH-GATC hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will treat approximately 180 trees in
a newly added HCA along the Appalachian Trail. Project details and
maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Donna at
donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or 706-429-8010 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Fri., Mar. 20 |
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for virtual class on September 26.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Rabun & Towns Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
Class will be
taught on-line, and registration
is required. To register and receive your sign-in
instructions, call 706-429-8010 or email
donna@SaveGeorgiasHemlocks.org no later than noon on Friday,
September 25 and provide both your phone number and email
address. |
Sat., Mar. 21 |
International Day of Forests and the Tree:
This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise
awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside
forests.
If you've seen hemlocks that aren't looking healthy and
you're wondering why,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what's happening. |
Sat., Mar. 21
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for September 19.
SGH-USFS
hemlock treatment project in Three Forks -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will continue the project begun during our Hike & Help the
Hemlocks last November to finish treating or retreating approximately 120 hemlocks on
Chester Creek, Upper Noontootla, and Long Creek in the Three Forks area.
Click here for
Project Details and maps.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sun., Mar. 22
|
POSTPONED
-- conducted in virtual class on
August 8.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop in
White County:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline. |
Mon., Mar. 23
|
POSTPONED
-- conducted
in virtual class on June 6.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop in
Pickens County:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline. |
Wed, Mar. 25
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
sapling rescue and potting project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH
and Project Chimps will partner to rescue 100 - 200 hemlock saplings on
their campus, pot, and treat them for HWA protection.
The plan is that Project Chimps will maintain the little trees in a
nursery setting on their property for 6 to 12 months and then decide how they will be
used. Click here for
Project Details and maps.
Project Chimps is located at 2013 Lowery Rd. in Morganton.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Thurs, Mar. 26
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
Hemlock Help Clinic for Master Naturalists: SGH will present a
1-hour Hemlock Help Clinic to the Upstate Master Naturalists of South
Carolina.
It will provide detailed information on the hemlocks, the invasive insect that's
killing them, why timely action is vital, options property owners have
for saving their own trees, and opportunities for volunteers to help
save the trees on public lands. After class, the group will
go to a nearby location for a short treatment project.
The location
will be the
Oconee County History Museum, 123 Browns Square Dr. in
Walhalla, SC.
|
Sat., Mar. 28
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
-DNR hemlock treatment project at Smithgall Woods -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : SGH will
partner with the DNR, Friends of the Park, and other community members
to treat a large number of hemlock trees in the park.
Following a project overview and safety briefing, volunteers will work
in small teams to treat or retreat the trees, applying Imidacloprid by
soil injection. The trees should be easy to find as they will
already have been flagged with their DBH written on the flagging tape.
We'll pause at mid-day to eat our sack lunches and then resume work
until finished or 3 p.m., whichever comes first. Click here
for the
Project Details.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Apr. 4
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH-TU
hemlock restoration project on the Soque River -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH in
partnership with the Savannah River Chapter of Trout Unlimited will
conduct a project to plant several dozen hemlock saplings along one of
their favorite fishing sections of the Soque River in Habersham County.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sun., Apr. 5
|
SGH
Leadership Team spring meeting: This meeting was conducted by
teleconference and focused on a
review of the first quarter accomplishments and planning for second
quarter activities and beyond.
Click here for the
Meeting Agenda
and the Meeting
Notes. |
Wed., Apr. 8
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for virtual class on September 26 & October 3.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Union & Towns Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
Class will be
taught on-line, and registration
is required. To register and receive your sign-in
instructions, call 706-429-8010 or email
donna@SaveGeorgiasHemlocks.org no later than noon on Friday,
September 25 or Friday, October 2 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Fri., Apr. 10 |
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for virtual class on September 12.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Cherokee & Gordon Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
Class will be
taught on-line, and registration
is required. To register and receive your sign-in
instructions, call 706-429-8010 or email
donna@SaveGeorgiasHemlocks.org no later than noon on Friday,
September 11 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Apr. 11
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for August 1.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Lake Winfield Scott -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating 84 trees in the beach area and
may add more trees for treatment.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Apr. 18
and
Sun., Apr. 19 |
CANCELED.
Bear
on the Square: SGH will have a booth at this important festival in
Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem, why it's so
important to take timely action, what property owners can do to save
their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Wed., Apr. 22 |
Earth Day:
Celebrated on April 22 annually,
Earth Day is globally coordinated by the Earth Day Network, whose
year-round mission is to broaden, diversify and activate the
environmental movement worldwide, through a combination of education,
public policy, and consumer campaigns.
Click to read announcement of the
Global Climate Change Agreement, December 12, 2016.
If you have hemlocks that haven't
been protected,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on what you can do. |
Wed., Apr. 22
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for virtual class on October 3 & 17.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
in Fannin County:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
|
Sat., Apr. 25 |
CANCELED.
Blue
Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival
-- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH
will have a booth at this important
festival in Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem,
why it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do
to save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. In addition, there will be special materials to
highlight the
importance of hemlocks to the health of local trout populations, our
partnership with Trout Unlimited, and opportunities to work together on
behalf of the forests and waterways we share. Healthy
hemlock saplings will be available for adoption.
|
Sun., Apr. 26 |
POSTPONED,
awaiting Forest Service approval for project.
SGH-GATC
hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We will treat approximately 180 trees in a newly
added HCA along the Appalachian Trail. Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Donna at
donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or 706-429-8010 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., May 2
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
CANCELED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
hemlock treatment project at YMCA Camp High Harbour -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We will be retreating approximately 200 trees that were last treated in
November 2013.
The location will be
Camp High Harbour,
685 Camp Harbor Rd., Clayton, GA 30525. Project details and maps
will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sun., May 3
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
POSTPONED,
awaiting Forest Service approval for project.
SGH-GATC
hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We will treat approximately 180 trees in a newly
added HCA along the Appalachian Trail. Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Donna at
donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or 706-429-8010 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., May 9
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for October 17.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Lumpkin & Dawson Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
|
Wed, May 13
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH
and Project Chimps will partner to continue the hemlock protection
program that was begun last year.
The plan is to treat another 200+/- trees at the chimp sanctuary.
Project Chimps is located at 2013 Lowery Rd. in Morganton.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address.
|
Sun., May 17
|
CANCELED.
Hope for next year!
SGH
HEMLOCK CAMP MEETING & PICNIC
WHAT:
Save Georgia’s Hemlocks Annual Hemlock Camp Meeting and Picnic-- a
"gathering of kindred spirits to celebrate and preserve the magnificent
hemlock"
THIS YEAR'S THEME: A day of appreciation and inspiration for our volunteers
and partners.
WHERE:
ETC Pavilion on Legion Rd. in Ellijay
FEATURES: Keynote speakers, music, barbecue from Poole's plus everyone's potluck
covered dishes to share, educational materials and experts on
hand, introduction to some new initiatives we think you'll be
interested in, raffle of some very cool
items, and an opportunity to visit with old and new friends who
share your interest in protecting the beauty and health of the natural
resources we all enjoy.
|
Wed., May 20
|
POSTPONED
-- rescheduled for virtual class on August 29.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Murray & Whitfield Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline.
|
Sat., May 23
and
Sun., May 24 |
CANCELED.
Blue
Ridge Arts Festival -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this important festival in
Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem, why it's so
important to take timely action, what property owners can do to save
their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Sun., May 24 |
CANCELED.
Lake Rabun Association Memorial Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and have volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the invasive insect that's killing them, why timely
action is vital, options property owners have for saving their own
trees, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Sat., June 6 |
National Trails
Day: A
celebration of America’s magnificent Trail System, NTD occurs annually
on the first Saturday in June and features a series of outdoor
activities, designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails
in the United States. Individuals, clubs and organizations from
around the country host National Trails Day® events to share their love
of trails with friends, family, and their communities. NTD
introduces thousands of Americans to a wide array of trail activities:
hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, trail running, and bird
watching and more. For public and private land managers alike,
National Trails Day® is a great time to showcase beautiful landscapes
and special or threatened locales as thousands of people will be outside
looking to participate in NTD events. |
Sat., June 6
|
Hemlock
Day at Anna Ruby Falls: In celebration of National Trails Day, SGH
had an education station to provide information about the hemlock problem, why
it's so important to take timely action, what property owners can do to
save their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our
public lands. Due to group limitations in compliance with CDC
pandemic guidelines, attendance was lower than usual, but we still had
about 40 visitors to our booth and got 4 healthy hemlock saplings
adopted.
The location was the
Anna Ruby Falls Visitors Center, 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd. near
Helen. |
Sat., June 6
|
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Pickens County:
Five new Facilitators were trained in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
The class was conducted on-line, and a hands-on demo / practice session was held
a few days later. |
Sun., June 7 |
POSTPONED,
awaiting Forest Service approval for project.
SGH-GATC
hemlock treatment project -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We will treat approximately 180 trees in a newly
added HCA along the Appalachian Trail. Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Donna at
donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or 706-429-8010 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., June 13
|
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Dade & Walker Counties:
Two new Facilitators were trained and one was refreshed in this class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
The class was conducted on-line, and a hands-on demo / practice session was held
a few days later. |
Sat., June 27
|
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at High Shoals and Corbin Creek:
Eight volunteers retreated 76 trees at these two sites in
Towns County that were last treated in 2008.
This was our first group outing since the coronavirus pandemic began,
and we found we were able to operate safely under CDC and USFS
guidelines. Click here for
Project
Details and driving maps. |
Sat., July 4
|
Independence
Day: This is a good day to enjoy with your family and friends
by doing something good for your community and celebrating all the
wonderful blessings we have.
|
Sun., July 12
|
SGH
Leadership Team summer meeting: This meeting focused on a
review of the second quarter accomplishments and plans for third
quarter activities. Click here for the
agenda. The meeting
was conducted virtually using ZOOM. Click here for the
meeting notes. |
Sat., July 18
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
--
LOTS OF
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating approximately 180 trees in 3
sites on this HCA near Helen in White County. Project details and maps will be posted
soon.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Tues., July 21 |
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at Bob Creek -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating a small number of trees on this
site to complete the project begun in August of last year and
may add more trees for treatment.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat, Aug. 1
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at
Lake Winfield Scott
-- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating approximately 85 trees at the
LWS beach area near Suches in Union County and
may add more trees for treatment.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Aug. 8 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for White, Lumpkin & Habersham Counties:
Two new Facilitators were trained in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
The class was conducted on-line, and a hands-on demo / practice session
will be scheduled as soon as possible. |
Sat., Aug. 22 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Union, Towns & White Counties:
Five new Facilitators were trained in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
The class was conducted on-line, and a hands-on demo / practice session
will be scheduled as soon as possible. |
Tues, Aug. 25
|
POSTPONED
-- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project at
Swallow Creek, Falls Branch/, and Scataway
--
VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating approximately 80 trees on these
sites near Hiawassee in Towns County and
may add more trees for treatment.
Project details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Aug. 29 |
CANCELED.
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Murray, Whitfield, Walker & Dade Counties:
This class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
|
Sun., Sept. 6
|
CANCELED.
Lake Rabun Association
Labor Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and have volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the invasive insect that's killing them, why timely
action is vital, options property owners have for saving their own
trees, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Mon., Sept. 7
|
Labor Day: In the United States this is a public holiday
celebrated on the first Monday in September. It honors the
American labor movement
and the contributions that workers have made to the strength,
prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. So as you and your
family enjoy the last "official" weekend of summer, we hope you did
something fun outdoors and make some good memories.
|
Sat., Sept. 12 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Cherokee, Gordon & Pickens Counties:
One new Facilitator was trained in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
The class was conducted on-line, and a hands-on demo / practice session
will be scheduled as soon as possible. |
Sat., Sept. 12 &
Sun., Sept. 13
|
Trail
Fest -- SGH had a virtual booth at this festival in Dahlonega to provide information about the
hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action, what
property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers can
help save trees on our public lands. To visit our virtual booth, click
here. |
Sat., Sept. 19 |
POSTPONED
- will be rescheduled in 2021.
SGH
USFS hemlock treatment project in
the Three Forks Area
-- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED: We will be retreating approximately 120 trees at
Chester Creek, Upper Noontootla, and Long Creek near Blue Ridge in
Fannin County and may add more trees for treatment. Project
details and maps will be posted when available.
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Sept. 26
|
National
Public Lands Day: National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the
nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands.
Its purposes are:
* educating Americans about the
environment and natural resources, and the need for shared stewardship
of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
* building partnerships between the public sector and the local
community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration
of America's public lands; and;
* improving public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers
assisting land managers in hands-on work. |
Sat., Sept. 26 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Rabun, Towns & Habersham Counties:
Three new Facilitators were trained in this class is designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
Class will be
taught on-line, and registration
is required. To register and receive your sign-in
instructions, call 706-429-8010 or email
donna@SaveGeorgiasHemlocks.org no later than noon on Friday,
Sept. 25 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Sat., Oct. 3
|
Sapling
Rescue & Potting Project: SGH supported an Eagle Scout
candidate on a project he led in the Dahlonega area to rescue and
pot hemlock saplings for future use on
hemlock restoration projects on trout streams, offering for
adoption at a festival, or donation to a school to plant along a
woodland path on their campus. Ten scouts and four scouting adults
rescued, potted, and treated 33 lovely little saplings. Good job,
everyone! And big thanks to Bill Tinkler for his generosity in
allowing us to rescue the little trees on his property! |
Sat., Oct. 3
|
CANCELED.
Foxfire
Mountaineer Festival
-- BOOTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this festival in Clayton to provide information about the
hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action, what
property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers can
help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will
also be available for adoption. |
Sat., Oct. 3 &
Sun., Oct. 4
|
CANCELED.
Georgia
Marble Festival: SGH
will have a booth at this festival in Jasper to provide information about the
hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action, what
property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers can
help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will
also be available for adoption. |
Sat., Oct. 10
and
Sun., Oct. 11
|
CANCELED.
Blue
Ridge Arts Festival -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this important festival in
Blue Ridge to provide information about the hemlock problem, why it's so
important to take timely action, what property owners can do to save
their own trees, and how volunteers can help save trees on our public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption. |
Sat., Oct. 17 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Gilmer, Fannin & Lumpkin Counties:
Four new Facilitator were trained and one was refreshed in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
Class was
taught on-line, and the new Facilitators participated in a small demo /
hands-on training session the following week, operating under CDC
pandemic guidelines. |
Sat., Oct. 17 |
CANCELED.
Georgia
Mountains Beer Fest at
Gibbs
Gardens:
SGH will have a booth at this festival to provide information about the
hemlock problem, why it's so important to take timely action, what
property owners can do to save their own trees, and how volunteers can
help save trees on our public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will
also be available for adoption.
Gibbs Gardens is located at
1987 Gibbs Dr. off Yellow Creek Rd. in Ball Ground, GA 30107. |
Sat., Oct. 24 |
SGH Hemlock Help Clinic & Facilitator Training Workshop
for Union, Habersham, Hall & Dawson Counties:
One new Facilitator was trained in this class designed for people who want both understanding and practical
knowledge and skills related to the hemlock problem:
* An overview of the importance of
hemlocks, the invasive insect that's killing them, and options property
owners have for saving their trees.
* Complete how-to instruction covering the trees, the insects, assessing infestations,
cultural practices, chemical treatments, biological controls, cost
considerations, personal and environmental safety.
* Volunteer training to advise and assist other property owners and to
work with the U. S. Forest Service and Georgia DNR to save hemlocks on
our public lands. Click here for the combined
Clinic & Facilitator Training description and outline
- virtual.
Class was
taught on-line, and the new Facilitators participated in a small demo /
hands-on training session the next day, operating under CDC pandemic
guidelines. |
Sat., Oct. 24
|
Sapling
Rescue & Potting Project: SGH supported an Eagle Scout
candidate on a project he led in Ellijay. Five Scouts and two
scouting adults rescued, potted, and treated 47 hemlock saplings for future use on hemlock restoration
projects on trout streams, offering for adoption at a festival, or
donation to a school to plant along a woodland path on their campus. |
Mon., Oct. 26
|
Hemlock
restoration project on Jacks River: Ten volunteers from SGH,
Georgia ForestWatch, and the U. S. Forest Service (operating under CDC
pandemic guidelines) conducted a project to plant 2 dozen hemlock
saplings in and around a user-created camp site that has become a bad source
of sedimentation into the river at a very important area for federally listed fish
and mussels. The Forest Service has been working on re-directing the runoff
from the gravel road and has seeded
the area, but they asked our help to plant trees in it along with
other efforts to discourage use.
Click here for
Project Details and
a map/directions to the meeting place. |
Sun., Nov. 1
|
SGH Leadership Team
fall meeting: This meeting focused on a review of our third
quarter accomplishments, considering activities through the end of
the year, and previewing plans for FY 2021. The meeting was
conducted virtually using ZOOM.
Click here for the
agenda
and the
meeting notes. |
Fri.,
Nov 13 –
Sun., Nov. 15
|
Hornaday
Conservation Weekend:
This annual event sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America is dedicated
to Scouts' conservation and learning while working toward earning the
William T. Hornaday Awards. SGH had an education station to provide information about the hemlock
problem, why it's so important to take timely action, and how Scouts can
plan and execute several types of hemlock conservation projects leading
to merit badges, Eagle Scout rank, and/or Hornaday Awards.
We had an estimated 40 contacts at this year's event.
The location was
Camp Woodruff, 31 Woodruff Dr., Blairsville, GA 30512. |
Sat., Nov. 21
|
POSTPONED
- will be rescheduled in 2021.
HIKE
& HELP THE HEMLOCKS at Fall Branch Falls: Continuing a longstanding
tradition, SGH and the Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) will
partner
for our annual Hike & Help the Hemlocks, an education and service event
to save the hemlocks from the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.
We're also inviting other partners to join us, including Blue Ridge Mountain
Trout Unlimited, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, and The Nature
Conservancy. An invitation flyer, project details and maps will be posted here when
available.
Following a
short orientation and safety briefing, volunteers will work together in
small teams to treat or retreat approximate 170 trees along the Benton MacKaye
Trail at Fall Branch Falls near Cherry Log in Gilmer County. Participants
will not only be helping to save those trees
but will also have the opportunity to learn how to treat their own hemlocks
(if they don't already know).
We're planning a catered picnic lunch at 1:00, with several
lunch-and-learn presentations and a time to get to know other
participants who share a love of the outdoors. The weather should
be cool
and crispy, the scenery lovely, the work rewarding, and the company
great!
Registration
is required. To sign up, contact Kim at
kimberlyraewood@gmail.com or 706-455-2313 and provide both your
phone number and email address. |
Thurs., Nov. 26
|
Thanksgiving
Day: Gratitude is much on our
minds during the Thanksgiving season as we reflect on our blessings –
perhaps families, friends, homes, health, or jobs, – and our hearts go
out to people who have suffered losses. It’s also a time to think
about broader kinds of blessings, not just those that we have but those
that surround us – the beautiful part of the country where we live, the
bountiful natural resources in our area, our freedom to enjoy them,
and yes, our responsibility and privilege to protect these treasures.
If you'd like to turn your gratitude
into action,
please read this reprinted article and then contact us for an update
on how you can help save the hemlocks. And Happy Thanksgiving! |
|
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Click here to see
Events Completed in FY 2019.
|