A resident of Lake Burton recently donated to Save Georgia’s Hemlocks (SGH) to save the hemlocks on Billy Goat Island. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that there were no hemlocks on the island. After consulting with Georgia Power, SGH could plant hemlocks on the island using the donated funds.
On Saturday, April 29, the project came to life. Volunteers from the Lake Burton Civic Association and SGH planted fifty trees in three separate coves on the island. Special thanks to Andrew Hunt for generously donating the use of his barge and workers to transport the saplings and planting materials to the island.
Hemlocks are critically endangered species, and this project is essential for their preservation. Buz Stone, the SGH leader for this project, said, “Talking about ‘Endangered Species,’ put hemlocks near the top of the list.” Most people who live in or visit the north Georgia mountains know the impact of the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive species from Asia that exclusively attacks hemlocks. However, many need to be made aware that there are methods of treatment that can save hemlocks. Treating them with a chemical soil injection, which is safe for the environment when appropriately applied, protects hemlocks from invasive insects. Spring is the best time to treat hemlocks for two reasons: white egg sacks are visible, indicating an infestation, and the tree is actively pulling up soil ingredients.
Save Georgia’s Hemlocks is a 501c3 non-profit organization that works towards protecting hemlocks in Georgia. For more information, their Hemlock Help Line is 706-429-8010.
