Gratitude is much on our minds as we approach the Thanksgiving season and reflect on our blessings: families, friends, the beautiful part of the country we live in and its bountiful natural resources, our freedom to enjoy them and, yes, our responsibility and privilege to protect these treasures. But part of this picture is in grave danger.

Millions of our hemlock trees, the magnificent signature evergreens that provide a unique and critical habitat for many animal and plant species, are being killed by an invasive insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid. Without timely intervention, their loss will have devastating and long-lasting results aesthetically, environmentally, and economically.

There is, however, a way to avert this disaster. Trees on private land can be saved by a treatment process that’s safe, effective, economical and easy enough for most property owners to do themselves. Volunteers can also help save the hemlocks on our public lands.

So if you’re truly grateful for our beautiful natural surroundings and want to do something to help preserve them now and for the future, please come to a training class taught by Save Georgia’s Hemlocks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 in Dahlonega and Hiawassee. To register, email donna@savegeorgiashemlocks.org or call 706-429-8010. And thanks!

Donna Shearer
Chairman, Save Georgia’s Hemlocks

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