The Land Connection
March 2019
The Georgia Piedmont Land Trust (GPLT) protects land where you live, work and play.
We protect land that supports healthy habitats where wildlife thrives and people can connect with nature.
GPLT Presents to GGC Students

On March 14 GPLT Executive Director Carol Hassell presented to the Conservation Biology class at Georgia Gwinnett College. The presentation was focused on educating the students about land conservation and how a land trust accomplishes this goal. She then went on to discuss the various types of disciplines and jobs available to individuals interested in protecting land and the environment for our enjoyment today and for generations to come.

This is part of the outreach and education program that GPLT delivers to interested groups in our service area.
GPLT Work Day at
Hybrid American Chestnut Orchard 1

In March 2013 GPLT planted its first Hybrid American Chestnut Orchard. This project was spearheaded by board member Dale Higdon, a retired GA Forestry Commission Forester. At this time 22 chestnut seedlings were planted and all eventually died. Over the next 4 years there were approximately another 50 seedlings planted, most of which were various hybrids of American-Chinese chestnuts. Currently there are 8 hybrids surviving including 2 that are 4 years old and the others are in the 2-3 year range. There are 4 pure Chinese chestnuts, one of which has grown very fast. Because this was a very poor planting site, it was not expected to have a good survival rate but Dale hopes the remaining trees will live long enough to produce some nuts.

Dale hosted a work day on March 27th at this orchard. There were a large number of sweetgum, other tree saplings and briars growing in the orchard. After clearing the orchard the team removed all of the cages around the trees, the old blue trunk protection tubes were replaced with new tubes and each tree was treated to a healthy application of mulch.
Many thanks to the work team of Hank Ohme, Suzy Downing and Frank Steurer for taking on this project with Dale. Suzy rescued a green tree frog that took on the task of overseeing the clearing crew.
Before
After
Green Tree Frog overseeing the effort.
  Historic Cemetery Cleanup

At the request of the Gwinnett Probate Court of Gwinnett County in 2003, GPLT agreed to become the successor trustee to an historic cemetery that was being threatened with ever approaching development.

We are grateful to the Suwanee Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the City of Sugar Hill Historical
Preservation Society and the Gwinnett County Historical Preservation Society for spending several days in March giving their time and hard work clearing and maintaining the cemetery. What a difference they made. Thank you.
Historic Battlefield Visit

On March 6 Executive Director, Carol Hassell, and board members, Rebecca Spitler and Dale Higdon, were joined by historian Robert Jenkins on a walk of a property owned by GPLT that contains part of an historic battlefield.

Robert is an attorney by trade from Dalton, GA but his passion and past time is Civil War history. He has meticulously researched the Western Theater of the War, and has uncovered many letters, diaries, articles and accounts which have remained out of the public eye for over 100 years. Robert has also authored several books, most notably, "The Battle of Peach Tree Creek: Hood's First Sortie" and "To the Gates of Atlanta: From Kennesaw Mountain to Peach Tree Creek".

Robert generously gave us a day of his time to help us discover the potential historic locations and features of this property to include Civil War earthworks. Prior to meeting us he researched the area and the battle(s) that were fought at or around the GPLT property so he could share with us what might have transpired at each location we walked to. Additionally, he was able to share with us some of the American Indian history and lore of the area. We learned so much and appreciate Robert sharing his time and knowledge with us.
Healthy lands support ecosystems that help slow the rush of floodwaters and allow soils to absorb excess rainwater.
GPLT Attends 2nd
Whitfield County Stakeholder Meeting

In 2016 GPLT partnered with the American Battlefield Trust and Whitfield County to protect a 300 acre battlefield at Rocky Face Ridge. This property will become an iconic park for the Dalton area providing visitors outdoor recreational amenities that will include hiking, biking, picnicking and historic interpretations. Whitfield County is thoughtfully preparing this park for public access. The process, involving key stakeholder groups, will result in brand and design standards to ensure clear identity and communications.

On March 19 GPLT attended the second of 3 branding meetings. Kaizen Collaborative, the creative organization guiding the group through the process and creating the designs, presented the top 4 names selected by the group for continued consideration and several logo designs. Additionally, recommendations for signage and other park amenities were presented.

There was a lively discussion by the participants and a consensus was reach in the selection of a preferred logo with suggested alterations. The group narrowed down the 4 potential names to 2 names that the group will vote on to establish the final name. There will be further discussions and mock-ups provided to refine the logo and signage.
How can I support GPLT?
Protecting important lands is all we do. But we cannot do it without you. Please support our mission with a donation today.
Pictures taken at 2 different GPLT protected properties.
Top: Yellow swallowtail butterfly.
Bottom: Box turtle laying eggs.
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Photos Courtesy of Hank Ohme, Carol Hassell & Dale Higdon