The Lumpkin Coalition, in its fight against the invasive woolly adelgid, is now turning to private landowners to help its cause.

The first part of the group's public awareness campaign is a postcard now being sent to all Lumpkin County property owners who live along major streams and rivers, which is the hemlock's preferred habitat.

The postcard includes the Hemlock Help Line (706-429-8010), which allows homeowners to schedule a coalition volunteer to conduct a free on-site consultation and inspection to determine if hemlocks on the property have woolly adelgids and offer treatment options. Property owners who would like to contract with a professional to do the job can also get a list of reputable businesses that can provide this service. Or, volunteers can show property owners a way to treat the trees themselves.

The Lumpkin Coalition is a nonprofit volunteer organization that helps raise awareness of the hemlock problem and promotes action. It also provides support for beetle-raising labs in Georgia that help combat the woolly adelgid.

More more information, call the Hemlock Help Line.