Next Board Meeting
April 18
About Us
Hello! We are a rapidly growing grassroots group of energetic citizens who are deeply concerned about the preserving the precious natural resource our endangered hemlock trees represent and dedicated to making a difference through education and charitable service. With some of our leadership having participated in initiating a successful Hemlock Help program in Lumpkin County in February 2009, we soon recognized the urgent need for similar efforts in the rest of north Georgia. So we decided to branch out and, with the help of many partners and volunteers, have founded a new nonprofit organization -- Save Georgia's Hemlocks -- to implement Hemlock Help for Homeowners in all the northern counties of Georgia where the woolly adelgid is threatening our hemlocks.
Our Guiding Principles
Our Program Description sets forth the problem statement, program goal and objectives, services and scope, and implementation plan, as well as the following guiding principles:
n Do all for the benefit of homeowners and their hemlocks with no benefit accruing to any participant.
n Operate in the most efficient, cost-effective manner, adhering to nonprofit best practices and standards of excellence.
n Do all with simplicity, transparency, and the spirit of charitable service.
It is our intention to keep the organization lean, proactive, community-based, and uncomplicated. We welcome all individuals and groups who share our vision to save north Georgia's hemlocks for this and future generations. Click here to meet our Board of Directors, and we're pleased to announce that three new members, all wonderfully talented, have recently joined us to help us do more and do it better.
Progress and Financial Performance
Click here to see the full 2009 Year-End Report of our accomplishments and financial condition. Details are available on request.
Here is a snapshot of our 2010 first quarter activities (12/1/09 - 2/14/10). Click here to see the full Current Activity Report including financial information.
n 4 Hemlock Help Clinics – 85 attendees
n 7 new Facilitators trained
n 1 Neighborhood Hemlock Help Planning Clinic – 12 attendees
n 100 calls on Hemlock Help Line
n 1 published article
n 1 radio interview
n over 250 volunteer hours
n 5 new partner organizations and 89 new hemlock friends
Our Plans for the Future
More counties -- In early spring of 2010, the Hemlock Help for Homeowners program will be implemented in additional north Georgia counties with the goal of staying on the leading edge of the HWA infestation as it spreads. Click here to see a coverage map with roll-out dates.
More clinics -- We will continue to raise awareness and advocate for action through Hemlock Help Clinics in both new and currently implemented counties. We will also actively seek opportunities to present the HWA issue to groups that are non-resident but have an interest in preserving the hemlock as a key factor in the aesthetic quality, environmental balance, and economic health of the north Georgia area. Check the Hemlock Clinic Schedule for upcoming Clinics and other activities.
More enabling -- We will place (or facilitate placement of) additional soil injectors in north Georgia counties as demand rises, will encourage and assist more retail outlets to carry HWA treatment products in order to increase availability, and will train more volunteer Facilitators (see below) in each county to assist individuals and groups in managing the health of their hemlocks.
More education -- We will continue to do research on the HWA problem and solutions, participate in citizen science initiatives, publish timely information from a wide variety of serious sources as it becomes available, and encourage citizens to become more knowledgeable of (and exercise greater stewardship over) the natural environment.
More service -- We will work to foster partnerships to advocate for and support community action, build a strong core of volunteers and provide meaningful opportunities through which they may become involved, and serve as an organizational structure for assisting private land owners and public land managers in special Hemlock Help projects.
More sharing -- We will implement a funding strategy that draws financial and functional support from a broad community base of individuals and organizations, enables us to carry out specific Hemlock Help objectives, and allows us to share our resources charitably with others in support of our common goals.
Our
Needs
Spreading the word -- Please share these three key messages with your friends, neighbors, and business associates through word of mouth and any e-mail lists, newsletters, bulletin boards, or web site you have access to:
n The hemlocks are in trouble and will die unless effective action is taken soon.
n Homeowners can save as many of their hemlocks as they want, and it's easy and inexpensive.
n Save Georgia's Hemlocks can provide a great deal of practical help.
Helping others -- Consider becoming a volunteer Facilitator by learning more about the HWA problem and solutions and then being available to help your neighbors identify/assess HWA infestations, understand/choose appropriate control options, and find the right resources to get started. The training only takes a few hours and is provided at no cost; click here to see the Facilitator Job Description.
Supporting
the effort -- Please help by making a
tax-deductible donation to support the efforts of Save Georgia's Hemlocks. We are fiscally conservative and
use our resources very carefully. Our budgetary goal is to keep
overhead expenses to 10% or less in order to devote 90% or more of our resources
to clearly defined program activities, and our books are open to public
inspection. Please make your check payable to Save Georgia's Hemlocks and
mail it to:
Save Georgia's Hemlocks
37 Woody Bend
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Meetings
Board meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. They may include both Board business and general information, and we encourage the participation of all interested parties.
Our next Board meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 3:00 p.m. at the Shearer home in Dahlonega. Click here for map and directions. The agenda will be posted here at least one week in advance; please send any items that need to be added to the agenda before that time. Facilitators and other interested persons are welcome at attend.
Organizing Documents
n Bylaws