(Sautee) – Thanks to a Community Impact Grant through the North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF), the Environmental Stewardship and Preservation Program (ESP) at the Sautee Nacoochee Center installed four restoration plantings and contributed plants to the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail in 2024.
Grant funds were used to buy bare root plants that were nurtured by volunteers at the
Center’s Lynda and Ted Doll Native Plant Nursery.
These plantings increase pollinator activity and control erosion on degraded stream banks.
In some cases, installed plants are multi-functional, such as in the case of Bey Family Farms in Demorest.
Owner Tariq Bey grows vegetables and flowers for local farmer’s markets (including SNC’s Farmers Market). Elderberry was planted on the streambank, among other shrubs and trees. Elderberry creates a network of roots that hold the soil in place while providing insect-attractive flowers and nourishing berries for birds. The berries can also be harvested and sold or made into value-added products.
Recipients of plants agreed to allow access for students learning about restoration planting. A “Gardening for Nature” series is being offered by the ESP program beginning in February, which will provide opportunities for home gardeners, landscapers, developers, and public planners to learn about the environmental services that native plants provide. Participants will take field trips to restoration sites.
Through the work of this NGCF grant, several hundred native shrubs, trees, and perennials will provide nectar for pollinating insects, leaves for caterpillars, erosion control, nitrogen abatement, and wildlife food sources.
The act of planting native plants in strategic places is an inexpensive solution to many ecological challenges. NGCF has granted the Center an additional $5,000 grant to continue restoration efforts in 2025.
To learn more about the upcoming restoration projects or the “Gardening for Nature” series, contact Environmental Stewardship & Preservation Director Johnna Tuttle at [email protected], 706-878-3300 (ex: 306)
