Save Georgia's Hemlocks is a 100% volunteer nonprofit organization of concerned citizens dedicated to saving endangered hemlocks through education and charitable service.  It is our vision that through our efforts of preservation, conservation, and restoration, there will be a healthy population of hemlocks in Georgia for future generations.    We focus on three main goals: (1) to enhance public awareness of the hemlock woolly adelgid crisis, current practical solutions and emerging control technologies; (2) to ensure easy access to hemlock information, advice regarding economical solutions, and direct assistance to property owners; and (3) to establish understanding of the aesthetic, economic, and environmental reasons for property owners to take timely and effective action to save their hemlocks.

Impact Summary from the Nonprofit Community Outreach includes free educational programs and presentations that are tailored to garden clubs, neighborhood associations, schools, churches, recreational and environmental organizations, and other civic groups.  During 2010 we gave 25 such programs and presentations to a total audience of 1,387 people, including 75 school children and teachers. New in 2010, Community Programs also included a free 1-day Hemlock Camp Meeting, an educational event for conservation minded individuals, nonprofits, and educational entities interested in protecting the environment in general and the hemlock in particular.  Participation: 8 other nonprofits and about 113 people.     Training Programs include free Hemlock Help Clinics that are designed for all general audiences and usually include a hands-on demonstration of treating hemlocks.  In 2010, we gave 14 such Clinics to a total of 205 people.  We also conduct highly focused, in-depth Facilitator Training (free) to teach volunteers more about the hemlocks, insect pests, treatment materials / methods, and special skills for counseling others in the community about the hemlock problem.  In 2010 we conducted 7 Facilitator Workshops and trained 58 new Facilitators, bringing the current total to 73 Facilitators.  Saplings Program includes providing hemlock saplings for the public to adopt in order to place healthy young trees in the community where they will be preserved them for the future.  We do not sell our trees but offer them for adoption, and many trees are given away for free.  In 2010 we placed over 100 trees.Financially, we have a cumulative spending ratio of 84% for education and charitable service and 16% for administrative expenses.    Our tops 2011 goals are to extend our Hemlock Help Program into more counties, offer more educational/charitable programs, and increase our community of hemlock friends.