Conservation in Nature
By Joyce Hall Native Plant Rescue

Our highlight of the summer was taking our two grand boys to Len Foote Hike Inn near Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. We feared the five mile hike, the only access travel to the inn, in the unusually hot weather even for August. However, the woods provided a few breezes and it was certainly cooler than Atlanta or the coast where we had picked up the boys. The walk provided many observations of our natural Georgia forest. One outstanding tree, the black locust, is one of the hardest wood species and is rot resistant native lumber so it is used as a bog bridge on the trail. The excellent trail map details all these points of learning.

We observed many snags, standing dead trees, which provide habitat and food for many animals. Also observed were fallen snags decaying into soil on the forest floor. The mountain spring that provides water for salamanders, frogs, plants and humans gives a sense of how things work together in nature. The natural brush piles created by fallen limbs are a haven for small animals. The trail to and from the inn is an ecosystem we can all emulate to appreciate more fully where we live.

This is just some of the beautiful native settings found around the inn. The lovely native plants and garden are watered during dry times by rain water harvesting.

Len Foote Hike Inn uses conservation techniques in every aspect of the design and certainly doesn't compromise the beauty. The inn is built on stilts to prevent the need to grade the mountain. This also decreases erosion and retains a pervious surface so ground water can continue to filter down.

The lovely native plants and garden are watered during dry times by rain water harvesting. Recently I saw the most beautiful rain water catching urn at Hastings Garden Center in Atlanta that would add to the most formal garden setting. A little pricey but one could rationalize since it is for the environment.

Passive solar water heaters are used at the bath house at Len Foote and saves 60% on water heating. The panel on the roof looked attractive. Photovoltaic solar panels are on the roof of the sunrise room and provide 30-50% of power saving $300 per month. The high ceilings and open design in the common areas reduce lighting needs and allow air circulation in winter and summer to help heat and cool with fans.

Because paper and food make up 50% of trash in the landfill nationwide and 90% at Len Foote vermicomposting is used. The result is 400-500 lbs. of organic fertilizer per year. The staff explains the clean plate policy. You are encouraged in the family style setting to take all you want but eat all you take. That wasn't a problem since the food was so delicious.

The composting toilets save 200,000 gals of water per year. The bath house could not have been more immaculate and odor free.

All of this conservation has awarded Len Foote Hike Inn the Gold Level Certification in Energy Efficient Design by the United States Green Building Council.(WWW.usgbc.org.) It is an inspiration to all, particularly those of us who come to these beautiful mountains and want to pass on the beauty of nature to the future.

Lest you think observing all this conservation is the only reason to go it isn't. The program on birds given by the staff botanist, the celestial calendar, the bats, the wilderness experience will never be forgotten by us or our grand boys. As my husband and I were enjoying the night sky on the balcony the boys, continually exploring, stopped by and our very cool 15 years old said,"This is a nice place."

Len Foote Hike Inn is owned by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and operated by the non-profit Appalachian Education and Recreation Services (affiliated with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club). AERS is dedicated to teaching visitors about the environment and protecting Georgia's wilderness. The lodge is opened 365 days a year and reservation can be made by calling 1-800- 581-8032.

Closer to home you may want to visit our Southern Appalachian Ethno Botanic Gardens and Woodland Medicine Trail at the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center. It is developed by the Community Council's Preservation Committee volunteers. To volunteer, contact Jennifer Cordier (706-745-9317) ivylog@alltel.net or Glenn Henderson, abletinker@aol.com.