Schedule of Events
Throughout the year we
will continue our schedule of
SGH
presentations, training, service projects, and festivals
for FY 2022 (December 1, 2021 - November 30, 2022). The dates that are known so
far are shown below, and more will be added as the opportunities arise.
■
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.
Events Planned for FY 2022
|
Tues., Apr. 19
2 - 5 p.m.
|
Hemlock planting at Hurricane Creek -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will
partner with Stacie James of the University of North Georgia Ecological
Protection Lab and the UNG Sustainability
Club to plant 20 hemlock saplings along the creek near the Hurricane
Creek Field Research Station in Dahlonega. We will provide the saplings and
all the planting materials and hope to have a good turnout of energetic
students.
The purpose of this project is to enhance the vitality and diversity of the
riparian zone now and possible prepare the site for future use as a field
insectary in which to raise predator beetles to combat the hemlock woolly
adelgid.
The event will take place at 3990 Dawsonville Highway (Hwy 9), Dahlonega,
Georgia 30597. If you'd like to help, please contact Donna at 706-429-8010
or donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org.
|
Sat., Apr. 23 &
Sun., Apr. 24
|
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 will be
Hancock Park and the
historic square in downtown Dahlonega. To volunteer,
please contact Betty Larsen at
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com
or 706-633-0358 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
.
|
Fri., 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. It's a great
time to go out and do something good for our planet -- plant a tree or a
garden, clean up a public space or waterway, start a compost pile or
start recycling. Click here for
tons of great ideas!
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. 23
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
Hemlock treatment project at
Alex Cove
-- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will be treating or retreating the
hemlocks at Alex Cove (HCA 65) on the Blue Ridge Ranger District in
Union County. Click here for Project
Details
Registration is required. To
volunteer, please contact Jim Wentworth at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Fri., Apr. 29
|
National
Arbor Day: In the last 50 years, the Arbor Day
Foundation has planted and distributed nearly 500 million trees in more
than 50 countries around the world to fight global issues facing
humankind. The ADF web
site says, "We plant trees because people need trees. And when
planted in the right place, they have great impact. Trees help slow
climate change, filter our air and water, foster biodiversity, and
strengthen our communities. They create the kind of
transformational change the world needs now." Please see their
web
site for lots of good ideas for celebrating this special day and keeping
it going all year.
SGH wants to follow their example.
With your help, we can plant trees today for a better tomorrow. If
you'd like to adopt some healthy, pre-treated hemlock saplings, please
call the Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010 to learn what's available.
|
Sat., Apr. 30
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
|
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, we'll have
healthy hemlock saplings available for adoption as well as special materials
highlighting 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.
Their web site says,
"More than 3,500 visitors are expected at Trout Fest
2022 learning
where, when and how to fish for trout while also booking their fishing
guides; participating in free fly-fishing/trout-fishing instruction;
buying their outdoor gear, art and clothing; snacking on great foods and
enjoying the Trout Fest Beer Garden with cold beer, wine and
ciders."
Sounds like fun!
The location is the
park
in downtown Blue Ridge. To volunteer,
please contact Betty Larsen at
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com
or 706-633-0358 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Sat., April 30 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Habersham & Hall Counties: This class is designed for
people who
want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, APRIL 29. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., May 15
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Anna Ruby Falls -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
This will be the second day of a multi-day project in support of the U. S.
Forest
Service to retreat approximately 1,200 hemlocks at this beautiful
recreation area on the Chattooga River Ranger District in White
County.
Project Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Sat., May 28 &
Sun., May 29
|
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. To volunteer,
please contact Betty Larsen at
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com
or 706-633-0358 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Sun., May 20
|
Lake
Rabun
Association Memorial Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the threat presented by the invasive insect that's
killing them, how property owners can identify and manage the problem, why
timely
action is vital, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on
public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption.
The location was the Lake Rabun Pavilion,
1757 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552.
|
Sat., June 4
|
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 4
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
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 importance
of
hemlocks in our communities, the threat presented by the invasive insect
that's killing them, how property owners can identify and manage the
problem, why timely action is vital, and opportunities for volunteers to
help save the trees on public lands, and how volunteers can help save
trees on our public lands. Healthy saplings will be
available for adoption.
The location is the
Anna Ruby Falls Visitors Center, 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd. near
Helen. To volunteer,
please contact Betty Larsen at
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com
or 706-633-0358 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Sat., June 4 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Pickens & Cherokee Counties: This class is designed for
people
who want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, JUNE 3. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., June 12
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Anna Ruby Falls -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
This will be the third (and hopefully final) day of a multi-day project in
support
of the U. S. Forest
Service to retreat approximately 1,200 hemlocks at this beautiful
recreation area on the Chattooga River Ranger District in White
County.
Project Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Sun., 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 9 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Dawson & Lumpkin Counties: This class is designed for
people
who want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, JULY 8. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Wed., July 13
7 - 9 p.m.
|
SGH
Leadership Team summer meeting: This meeting will focus on a
review of the second quarter accomplishments, activities scheduled for
the third quarter, and plans for realigning the Leadership Team for
greater efficiency and utilization of team members' talents.
The meeting will be held via ZOOM, and the
Meeting Agenda with sign-in instructions will be posted soon.
|
Sat., July 16
|
Hemlock treatment project at
Waters Creek and Upper Waters Creek
-- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will be treating or retreating the
hemlocks at Waters and Upper Waters Creek (HCA 72A) on the Blue Ridge Ranger
District in
Lumpkin County. Project Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required. To
volunteer, please contact Jim Wentworth at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Sat., July 30 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Murray & Whitfield Counties: This class is designed for
people
who want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, JULY 29. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., Aug. 7
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Dicks Creek -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
SGH will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at Dicks Creek (HCA 300)
on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Lumpkin County.
Project
Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Sat., Aug. 13
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Lower Dicks Creek & Miller Creek -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
SGH will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at Lower Dicks Creek and
Miller Creek (HCA 72B) on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Lumpkin
County. Project Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jim Wentworth at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Mon., Sept. 4
|
Lake
Rabun
Association
Labor Day Meeting
in Lakemont:
SGH will have an educational exhibit and volunteers on hand to
provide information about the hemlocks and their importance to the Lake
Rabun community, the threat presented by the invasive insect that's
killing them, how property owners can identify and manage the problem, why
timely
action is vital, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees on
public
lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for adoption.
The location is the Lake Rabun Pavilion,
1757 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552.
|
Mon., Sept. 5
|
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
do
something fun outdoors and make some good memories.
|
Sat., Sept. 10 &
Sun., Sept. 11
|
Trail
Fest -- BOOTH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will have a
booth at this important 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. Healthy hemlock saplings
will be available for adoption.
The location is
Hancock Park and the
historic square in downtown Dahlonega. To volunteer,
please
contact Betty Larsen at 706-374-6435 or
706-633-0358
or
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com.
|
Sat., Sept. 10 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Dade & Walker Counties: This class is designed for
people who
want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sat., Sept. 17
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
|
Appalachian
Trail Day at
Brasstown Bald Visitors Center & Recreation Area-- BOOTH
HELPERS
NEEDED: SGH will have a booth at this celebration of the
Appalachian Trail 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.
From their web site:
"The Brasstown Bald
Visitors Center sits
atop Georgia's highest mountain at 4,784 feet above sea level.
Surrounded by the Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest, its cloud
level observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the Southern
Appalachian Mountains and valleys. On a clear day, one can see four
states. The unique circular building is home to an 8,000 sq. ft. museum
featuring interactive cultural and natural history exhibits."
The event will include information booths
of several recreation and conservation organizations, interactive activities
for the
whole family, a
hiking trail to the top of the mountain featuring educational signage
about the AT as it passes through each state, interpretive talks by the
rangers, and some interesting videos.
The location is
the lower parking lot and visitor
center at Brasstown Bald, 2941 Hwy. 180 Spur,
Hiawassee GA 30546. To volunteer, please contact Betty
Larsen
at 706-374-6435 or
706-633-0358
or
bettyandjohnyoga@gmail.com.
|
Sun., Sept. 18
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Gold Mine Branch -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
SGH will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at Gold Mine Branch (HCA
10) on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Rabun County.
Project
Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Sat., Sept. 24
|
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. 1
|
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
Rabun County Civic Center, 201 West Savannah Street, Clayton.
|
Sat., Oct. 1 &
Sun., Oct. 2
|
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, 500 Stegall Drive, Jasper.
|
Sat., Oct. 1 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for Dade & Walker Counties: This class is designed for
people who
want the 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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., Oct. 9
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Tallulah River Campground -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
SGH will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at Tallulah River
Campground (HCA
37) on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Rabun County.
Project
Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Wed., Oct. 12
7 - 9 p.m.
|
SGH
Leadership Team fall meeting: This meeting will focus on a
review of the third quarter accomplishments, activities scheduled for
the fourth quarter, and plans for realigning the Leadership Team for
greater efficiency and utilization of team members' talents.
The meeting will be held via ZOOM, and the
Meeting Agenda with sign-in instructions will be posted soon.
|
Sat., Oct. 15
|
Hemlock treatment project at
Helton Creek
-- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: SGH will be treating or retreating the
hemlocks at Helton Creek (HCA 64) on the Blue Ridge Ranger District in
Union County. Project Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required. To
volunteer, please contact Jim Wentworth at
wentwrth@windstream.net or
706-897-0645 and provide your name, phone number, preferred email
address, and your county.
|
Sat., Oct. 15
|
Georgia
Mountains Beer Fest at
Gibbs
Gardens
-- BOOTH
HELPERS NEEDED
:
SGH will have an education station at this festival in Ball Ground to
provide
information about
the importance of hemlocks in our communities, the threat presented by
the invasive insect that's killing them, how property owners can
identify and manage the problem, why timely
action is vital, and opportunities for volunteers to help save the trees
on public lands. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for
adoption.
Gibbs Gardens is located at
1987 Gibbs Dr. off Yellow Creek Rd. in Ball Ground, GA 30107.
|
Sat., Oct. 22
|
Dahlonega
Community Service Fair -- BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: SGH will have
a booth
at this
fair 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. Healthy hemlock saplings will be available for
adoption. Visitors can also learn about other kinds of
community service opportunities.
The location is St. Elizabeth's Episcopal
Church, 1188 Hamp Mill Rd., Dahlonega.
|
Sat., Oct. 22 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for ALL Counties: This class is designed for people who
want the
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 Facilitator
Training description and outline.
Registration is required no later than noon on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21. Please
contact
Derrick Morris at 404-593-3173 or derrick1p1@gmail.com.
The class will be taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., Nov. 6
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Upper Cliff Creek -- VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED:
SGH will be treating or retreating the hemlocks at Upper Cliff Creek (HCA
20) on the Chattooga River Ranger District in Rabun County.
Project
Details will be posted soon.
Registration is required.
To volunteer, please contact Jon Jones at
jdjones611@gmail.com or 910-987-0306 and provide your name, phone
number, preferred email address, and your county.
|
Sat., Nov. 12
|
Hornaday
Conservation Weekend
--
BOOTH HELPERS NEEDED: 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.
|
|
.
.
|
|
.
.
|
Completed Events in FY 2022
|
Thurs., Dec. 9
|
Hemlock treatment project in Sky
Valley:
Under the leadership of Buz Stone for SGH and Debbie Dalhouse for Sky
Valley, nineteen volunteers from SGH, Sky Valley, and the
community treated 50 large hemlocks and 400 - 500 small ones along the
Mud Creek Falls hiking trail. Several of the biggest
ones needed Safari, which was a challenge to apply in the cold weather,
but we got it done.
THANKS BUZ, DEBBIE, AND EVERYONE FOR A JOB
WELL DONE!
|
Sat., Dec.
25, 2021
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Christmas
Day: Our warmest greetings go out to all our members,
volunteers, friends, and supporters.
We hope it is filled with the warmth,
joy, and peace of this special season.
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Sat., Jan.
1, 2022
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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.
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Fri., Jan. 7
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Sapling
planting at Smithgall Woods: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Fran
Meehan, the Naturalist at Smithgall Woods, asked our help to plant
some hemlock saplings along one of their hiking trails where a large
hemlock died due to storm damage. If you can
come out and help, we'd love to have you join us.
Thanks to FRAN MEEHAN, CHUCK BLAINE,
CURTIS HIXON, AND WILL WAGNER for a good, short project to plant three
new trees under the shadow of the old one on the Laurel Ridge Trail.
Plan to take a hike on that trail some time soon and see the new little
ones. They're marked with planting stakes and orange flagging
tape.
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Sun, Jan. 9
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SGH
Leadership Team winter meeting: This meeting served as the
kick-off for what we expect will be a very busy and productive year in
2022. While we were hoping to do this kickoff meeting in
person, the Covid problem is still out there and making a number of people
uncomfortable about that idea, so convened Board Members, Officers,
and Program Managers by ZOOM instead. Separate ZOOM meetings will
be scheduled for Lead Facilitators (Wednesday, January 12, 7 p.m.),
Instructors, and Scout Liaisons.
Click here for the
agenda and
ZOOM sign-in instructions.
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Wed, Jan. 12
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SGH
Lead Facilitator meeting: This meeting served as the
kick-off for an enhanced Facilitator Program and your very important
role in it. For our new Lead Facilitators this was a good
introduction, and for our current Leads most of the
roles and responsibilities described in the revised Lead Facilitator Job
Description below are things you've already been doing. And as
always your input was greatly appreciated
!
Meeting notes will be circulated soon.
Click here for the updated
Lead Facilitator Job Description and
ZOOM sign-in instructions.
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Mon., Jan. 17
|
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.
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Sat., Feb. 12
10 a.m.
|
Presentation
to the Georgia Native Plant Society. The
event
was held at
Young
Harris College,
Maxwell
Center, Room 107. Fifteen members and guests attended and asked a lot of
great questions.
In the U. S. the eastern hemlock is a keystone native
species ranging from northeastern Alabama to Maine and parts of the upper midwest.
The group was very interested to learn about the multiple unique roles these trees
play, the pest that's threatening them with near extinction, and what steps they can
take as private property owners and volunteers to help save them.
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Fri., Feb. 18
|
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.
Note that while most of the country
celebrates Arbor Day in April, Georgia celebrates it in February because
that's early spring is the very best time to plant trees in our
hardiness zones. You can adopt HEMLOCK saplings from SGH (call the Hemlock
Help Line at
706-429-8010) or
order OTHER tree seedlings from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
BTW, i
f 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.
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Fri., Feb. 20
|
Sapling
planting project: In celebration of Arbor Day in Georgia, five
volunteers from SGH participated in a special hemlock planting at Tammen Park,
Blue Ridge. Hope you’ll come out and see these beautiful trees; they're right
next to the parking lot.
SGH also has healthy, pre-treated saplings for adoption
for a modest donation. If you'd like to learn what's available, please call the
Hemlock Help Line 706-429-8010.
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Fri., Feb. 25
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Sapling rescue in Rabun County: Nine
volunteers came out on a misty spring morning to do maintenance and some sapling
thinning along a well used trail in Rabun County. Approximately 130 small
saplings were
thinned from overcrowded stands, leaving room for the bigger ones to grow up
full and
healthy.
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Fri., Feb. 26
|
Sapling potting in Rabun County: Four
volunteers met at Buz Stone's house to help pot some of the saplings that were
rescued
during yesterday's trail maintenance project. Thanks everyone for a job well
done. As
soon as the little trees are stabilized in the pots, they'll be ready to be
donated or
offered for adoption.
If you're interested in adopting one or more saplings, please call the Hemlock
Help Line
706-429-8010 for contact information for our three sapling nurseries
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Fri., Feb. 26
|
Customized Facilitator Training Workshop
for Cartecay volunteers: Nine new Facilitators were trained in this
class that
was specially customized for individuals planning to serve as either team
leaders or
volunteers on the March 12 hemlock treatment project on the Cartecay River in
Ellijay.
The scope was limited to the basic processes for applying Imidacloprid 2F by
Kioritz
soil injection for the land-based volunteers and applying CoreTect tablets by
soil
insertion for the paddlers.
The class was taught in person at the Gilmer County Library with a demo /
hands-on
practice segment immediately following the classroom portion
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Sat., Mar. 12
|
Hemlock treatment at Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
SGH partnered with a local Boy Scout troop to continue protection of the
hemlocks at Foxfire in Rabun County. Seven SGH volunteers and ten Boy Scouts and
Scouting adults braved the cold and wind to treat or retreat a total of 426
trees and then enjoyed some good pizza. Super job, everyone! The hemlocks lift
their branches to you.
The location was 98 Foxfire
Lane, Mountain City, GA 30562.
Click here for the Project
Details.
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Wed., Mar. 17
|
Hemlock Treatment at UGA Experiment
Station, Blairsville: SGH partnered
with the UGA Experiment Station staff and Preservation Committee volunteers to
treat or retreat the hemlocks around
this facility. Working in small teams to apply Imidacloprid liquid by Kioritz
soil injectors, 16 volunteers treated 136 large
trees and 81 small ones in about 2 hours. Great job, everyone!
The
Experiment Station’s formal name is Georgia Mountain Research and Education
Center, located at 195 Mountain Experiment Station
Road, Blairsville, GA 30512. Click here to read the Project
Details.
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Sat., Mar. 19
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator Training
Workshop for Fannin & Gilmer Counties: Two new Facilitators were trained
in this class designed for people who want the practical knowledge and skills to
actively participate in saving the hemlocks. Click here for the Facilitator
Training description and outline.
The class was taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as soon as
possible.
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Mon., 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.
|
Fri., Mar. 25
|
Hemlock treatment project at
Smithgall
Woods, Helen: SGH partnered with the DNR and Friends of the Park to
retreat the hemlocks in a section of the park. Working in small teams to apply
Imidacloprid liquid by Kioritz soil injectors, 9 volunteers treated 111 trees in
about 3 hours. Click
here for the Project
Details.
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Sat., Mar. 26
|
Hemlock treatment project at Copper
Ridge, Dahlonega: SGH partnered with members of this neighborhood to
retreat a section of the hemlocks on their common area. Working in small teams
to apply Imidacloprid liquid by Kioritz soil injectors, 10 volunteers treated
159 trees on some super steep terrain. Click here for Project
Details.
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Sat., Apr. 2
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POSTPONED -- NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED Hemlock treatment on the Cartecay
River: SGH will partner with paddlers, fishermen, and other volunteers to
treat the hemlocks in the DNR Wildlife Management Area along the Cartecay River in
Ellijay, Gilmer County. Project Details will be posted when a new date is set.
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Sat., April 9
|
SGH Volunteer Facilitator
Training
Workshop for White & Union Counties: One new Facilitator was trained in
this class designed for people who want the practical knowledge and skills to
actively participate in saving the hemlocks.
Click
here for the Facilitator
Training description and outline.
The class was taught via ZOOM,
and the demo / hands-on practice segment will be scheduled separately as
soon as
possible.
|
Sun., Apr. 10
|
Hemlock
treatment project at Anna Ruby Falls
SGH began a multi-day project in support of the U. S. Forest Service to retreat
approximately 1,200 hemlocks at this beautiful recreation area on the Chattooga
River Ranger District in White County. Click here for Project
Details
Under the leadership of Jon Jones, 16 SGH volunteers and
USFS staff treated or retreated 205 tagged trees and an estimated 275 small
ones, for a total of 480 trees. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
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Wed., Apr. 12
|
Hemlock treatment project at Black Rock Mountain
State Park: SGH partnered with the DNR to treat or retreat 62 hemlocks in
this park. An amazing group of 16 SGH volunteers and park staff got together
under the leadership of Buz Stone and Jessica James got the whole job done
is just a couple of hours. THE TREES THANK YOU!
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Wed., Apr. 13
|
SGH
Leadership Team spring meeting: This meeting focused on a review of the
first quarter accomplishments, activities scheduled for the second quarter, and
plans for realigning the Leadership Team for greater effectiveness and
utilization of team members' talents.
The meeting was held via ZOOM. Click here for the Meeting
Agenda. Meeting Notes will be posted shortly.
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