Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuaries --- A Good Idea!
By Jennifer Cordier

Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary Certificate awarded to Joe Garner of the GMREC.

Spring has arrived in the mountains! This is a magical season which delights our senses. We rise to the music of songbirds, breath in the citrus scent of witch hazel blossoms, thrust our hands into freshly turned soil, dream of harvesting that first snow pea and look with wonder on a landscape which has awakened from its' winter's rest.

As soon as the maples begin to turn red, I am drawn to the creek and woods looking for old friends. Toothwort, trout lilies and violets welcome me at the creek, but the woods require more patience. Soon I'll see bloodroot, trillium, lady's slippers, solomon's seal, flame azalea, mountain laurel and much more! How fortunate it is to live in a place of great beauty and amazing plant diversity. Spring is certainly the season for gratitude.

Gratitude provokes thoughtfulness, which suggests new ideas, leading to positive action. The Preservation Committee of the Community Council of the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center, has launched a new project designed to promote environmental stewardship and to foster the preservation of native plants in our southern Appalachian mountain region. This project affords landowners the opportunity to designate a portion of their property as an Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary.

How does Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary Project work?

I.The Invitation:

Area landowners and plant enthusiasts in Union, Fannin, Towns, Cherokee and Clay counties, are invited to be recognized through this program that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our native landscape.

II.The Application:

An application may be obtained by visiting our webs ite: www.gmrec.uga.edu/comm.co uncil/preserve.html or by contacting Clare Johnston ( 7 0 6 - 7 4 5 - 2 6 5 5 ) clarejo@uga.edu.

The application outlines the qualifications for certification and provides an opportunity for landowners to take a close look at native plants on their property - a good field guide will come in handy for this step!

III. The Site Visit:

After completing an application, a site visit will be made by the project's native plant consultants. If the property qualifies, the owner will be given a certificate recognizing their property as an Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary. In addition, the applicant may purchase a sign (Etched Fieldstone Marker or Handcrafted Pottery Marker) to be placed on the property.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How big must my property be to qualify as an ANBS?

Your property may be less than an acre or greater than 10 acres. To qualify, however, a significant portion of the property should be maintained in its' natural state.

2) I am not a botanist. Must I identify every tree and plant on my property for the application?

No. Your are asked to take as complete an inventory as possible with the help of your "handy field guide". This is a great opportunity for you to become knowledgeable about your land.

3) Is there a fee for certification?

No. The site visit and certificate are free. There is a charge for the optional markers: Etched Fieldstone Marker = $70 and the Handcrafted Pottery Marker = $16.50

4) How will the project be tracked?

A large map of the participating counties is on display at the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville, Georgia. As each property is certified, a pin will be placed on the map indicating the approximate size of the property. Watching the project grow will be a sure sign of positive community action towards greater environmental stewardship.

To learn more about the work of the Preservation Committee, the Plant Rescue Project and the Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary Project, contact Jennifer Cordier at 706-745-9317 (ivylog@ alltel.net) or Glen Henderson (abletinker@aol.com).