The natural inquirer [Winter 2006]

CEO~CIA. STATE PA.

STOR.IC SITES - WINTER2006

rail-Time Hourly Positions Converted to Salaried Positions
by Larry Blankenship, Program Manager

Effective October 16, 2005, all Full Time Hourly Positions within the Department of Natural Resources were converted to Salaried Positions. Approximately 440 Full Time Hourly Positions were converted to Salaried Positions within the Parks and Historic Sites Division.
The conversion of the Full Time Hourly Positions to the Salaried Positions has been a goal of the Department of Natural Resources and the PRHS Strategic Plan. Due to the conversion, 440 additional associates are now able to participate and receive the benefits of both the State Employee Retirement System and Social Security Additionally, many of the associates whose positions were converted received salary increases as their salaries were brought up to the job minimums of their new positions.

We are excited that all of our 929 associates who work full time are now eligible for ERS benefits and can spend their whole career with the department if they desire. This has been a goal that we have been working towards for several years.
In converting the 440 Full Time Hourly positions within a matter of two weeks, the Atlanta Office, Region Offices and Personnel had to select the existing salaried position titles that most closely matched our Full Time Hourly Associates job duties. Overall the process of transition of the 440 effected positions went relatively smoothly for such a large project, but we are still working through some minor glitches in the final classification of approximately 25 positions.

~~~-u~ 6 HiSTORIC SITES

Q2j'(Jili

7r;'" ANNIVERSAR

1931 2006

Gov. Sonny Perdue, shown with Commissioner Noel Holcomb, Board Member a~'a former Senator Loyce Turn"''*er and Director Becky Kelley, issued a proclamation for the 75th Anniversary ofGeorgia's State Parks &Historic Sites Division and encouraged all Georgians to appreciate these important natural and cultural sites. DNR Board members and Atlanta Office staffalso attended.

This is what State Parks & Historic Sites is all about!

Januuy 16,2006
H011orable Becky Kelley Georgia Department of Natural Resources Suite 1352
2 Martin Luther King. Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA. 30334

Director's Office Parts & Historic Sites DIY.

Dear Honorable Becky Kelley,

EXEMPLARY SERVICE AND DEDICATION
During this past weekend I had the distinct h011or to interact with Ranger Michael at the Florence Marina State Parle. Unfortunately I did not get his last name, but feel you should be able to discern the correct Ranger.

Being a cancer patient I treasure the time and events that I share with my two s011s. This weekend I decided to
take them em a "Father Soo." fishing trip. On Friday due to the inclement weather we were unable to arrive as
originally scheduled. I called and spoke to Ranger Michael who stated that was totally fine. When we arrived Saturday morning we were greeted with a very large smile. Ranger Michael asked what we were visiting for, encouraged my sons on their chances for catching fish, and thoroughly described the entire park and amenities
to us all.

My soo.s had never fished with minnows, and when I purchased them from Ranger ;Michael, he told my youngest s011 "I put in a few extra for you!" My soo. walked away with a big smile 011 his face ready to land every fish in the lake. He made check in quick, easy, and painless. He described the entire park to us and where the best areas to fish. As we drove into the camping area we found it clean, well tended, and inviting. We sat up our tent on spot 20, a handicapped space due to my illness.
We returned to the Ranger area 011 several occasions to buy more minnows, ask questi011s, get firewood. etc.
On one occasion there was no firewood aVllilable and Ranger Michael went and got us some, and delivered it to our camp site. Through it all his service, dedication and knowledge made this a very memorable experience for the boys and a true delight for me.

Its funny, my sons and I have patches 011 identical boony hats showing each campsite we visit. This is our way

ofremembering the times we have shared. My hopes are that whatever eventual outcome, my soo.s will look at

these hats and remember the good times we had many years before. However, I now have to move one patch

to a neW location, because I want the froo.t spot to have the patch of our best experience, the patch from

Ranger MiChael's Florence Marina State Park, proudly displayed there. Please help me recognize Ranger

Michael for exemplifying the ideals and office associated with what a Ranger should be.

.

,-

D011 Price

cc: Commissioner Noel Holcomb, GA. DNR.

P.S. Please share his last name with me, I am embarrassed I did not get it before we left!

-

Ea_ch day every one of us has the opportunity to touch th I"

.. . .

Michael Rowan at Florence Marina (And wh t

d ef IIvesdof our VISitors m positive ways. This day it was

all of Y?u for doing what comes so n atural agoainwotnh er u an 'IspeCia1Impact It was.) Thanks, Michael, and to

2----------------------- everytime. Allthebest,Becky.

g e extra mi e to make sure that our guests have a great time

Celebrating a Milestone! 75 Years of Conservation and Preservation
by Kim Hatcher, Public Affairs Coordinator

Indian Springs State Park and Vogel State Park were founded in 1931 to create the beginning of Georgia's state park system, one of the oldest park systems in the United States. To celebrate this 75th anniversary, the park system kicked off a year-long celebration with a breakfast held January 25 at the Carter Center in Atlanta. Attendees included leaders within the department and division, legislators, reporters, Friends members, and other stakeholders. The division has also planned a year full of events that commemorate its legacy of protecting Georgia's natural, cultural and recreational resources. From exciting programs to commemorative merchandise, a thrilling year lies ahead.

What's New:
mJ Logo The Georgia Department of Natural Resources developed a new logo for fi1h the anniversary to be featured on all ~ publications and commemorative
ANNIVERSARY merchandise.
, 1 1006
Georgia Public Broadcasting Documentary Media partner Georgia Public Broadcasting is producing a one-hour documentary on the history of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites that will premiere summer 2006. This documentary will appeal to the intrepid and armchair traveler alike and will tell a textured tale of the history, the scenery and the personality of Georgia and Georgians. The production will also be streamed through a Web link on www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th or www.gpb.org.
Celebrity Public Service Announcements One of the elements to promote the 75th Anniversary is a series of recorded television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) to air in major media markets across the state. Famous Georgians were invited to share their thoughts on what the park system has to offer and the influence it has had on their lives. Celebrities who have already recorded spots include entertainer Jeff Foxworthy, news broadcaster Deborah Norville, singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Commemorative Merchandise At www.GeorgiaTradingPost.org, state park enthusiasts can purchase a variety of commemorative items such as golf accessories, compasses and embroidered clothing. Available for a limited time with the Georgia State Parks 75 th Anniversary logo, prices range from $5 to $30. While several park gift shops will carry merchandise for purchase on-site, the largest selection will only be available online.
Events Visitors can participate in several events and exhibits celebrating the parks' rich past throughout 2006. Planned functions around the state include a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Reunion at Vogel, a look back at the "Gold Rush" at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, a '50s era dance and re-opening of the historic hotel at Indian Springs, and a celebration of Scottish Heritage complete with demonstrations, food and music at Fort King George. For more information on these and many more events, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th.

Shared Memories As part of the effort to research personal stories for production of the GPB documentary, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites requested submissions of shared memories. So far, responses from past park visitors have been received from as far as Texas, Pennsylvania and Connecticut and include stories of falling in love, family bonding, camping adventures and getting snowed in during a visit. These and many other anecdotes can be accessed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th.

Director Becky Kelley addresses a crowd ofmore than 150 stakeholders during the 7S'h anniversary kickoff breakfast held at th e Carter Center
3

Garden Angels
by Marty Fleming, Manager, Jarrell Plantation Historic Site
Jarrell Plantation presents a living farm complete with animals, plants and demonstrations of daily life past. An integral part of this effort is the planting and tending of gardens in summer and autumn. Jarrell Plantation is very fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer workforce. We are most blessed to have Dot and Paul Garrison. This couple is very active in our Friends group and participates in every special event. Dot and Paul till, plant, fertilize, control pests and tend the site's vegetable garden. They do everything except harvest. The site staff is always willing to harvest and consume the bounty created by their love and labor

An Old Fort Finds A New Location
by Eric Bentley, Manager, Fort Yargo State Park

Last spring, the look of Fort Yargo changed when our staff moved the old fort from the location that it had rested for many years, to a new location in the main part of the park. This change took a great deal of preparation on our part, but in the end, it was a dream come true. After many years of operating three entrances to Fort Yargo, we decided to end the hassle of providing maintenance and law enforcement at an entrance two miles away
After DNR archaeology staff determined that the old fort was not in its original location, we worked with the Friends of Fort Yargo on fundraising. They found a great deal of local support for what we were trying to do . The Rotary Club of Winder made a considerable donation as part of their Centennial Celebration.

Looper's Moving of Gainesville was contracted to move the old fort.
Footings were poured at the new location, and we decided to build a concrete block foundation, then hide the blocks with native stone. Once the fort was moved, we continued with the block work, constructing steps and filling in underneath. Engineering and Construction had a new wooden shingle roof put on the structure. Our final steps to be done this spring are adding the chimney, placing native stone around the outside, and mounting the historic markers. Our staff had great support from other DNR divisions, Engineering and Construction, and our Interpretive Services Unit. Without their help, this project would have never gotten off of the ground.
5

Etowah Mounds Dugout Canoe Project
by Ken Akins, Manager, Etowah Indian Mounds

One of the first interpretive goals discussed at Etowah Mounds was the possibility of creating a dugout canoe in the traditional "burning and scraping" fashion of the Native Americans. The search entailed many months of contacting agencies such as the Bartow County Tree Preservation Office and Georgia Forestry in a futile attempt to get a tree big enough, straight enough and even old enough to be a specimen that the Etowah people would have been proud of. In addition we needed a tree free from knots, which makes for easy digging, and a tree already dead, as green wood would be wet and prone to cracking. We would have used a pine if it met the specifications but what we were really looking for was the tree of choice for native peoples of north Georgia: the poplar, a long lasting yet soft tree that is easy to work with. What we were asking for, in the words of a Georgia Forestry official, was a miracle.
That miracle happened in the most ironic circumstances. During the high water and wind from the remnants of the terrible Katrina disaster, the Etowah River delivered a giant poplar tree to the riverbank just below Mound B. The tree had lain beneath the Etowah for decades preserved by the cold water and was perfect for making a dugout canoe 30 feet long which was the average size of a canoe back then. Weighing over 25 tons and landing in a nice shady space, we decided to leave it basically where it lay, just as the Native Americans would have done it hundreds of years ago .
Last summer I hired an intelligent and highly motivated theater major named Drew Moats, a fellow part Cherokee, not only proud of his heritage, but also willing to discover through a new field called "archaeological experimentation" how truly resourceful the Native American culture once was. In Drew's own words: "Instead of looking at our ancestors' tools and methodology and assuming the modern way superior, we started experimenting with stone tools, friction fires and other basic yet ingenious technology that brought humanity out from the caves in the first place. Much to the surprise of many, these tools and techniques were often on par if not superior to

methods used today " What could be a more rewarding first project for Drew to work on than the Native American's most prized object? Dugout canoes could take whole families to distant towns and opened up arteries of trade extending hundreds, even thousands of miles from Etowah. The 30-foot canoe could hold 12 to 14 passengers.
Since October Drew has been using control burning on the log two days a week by using hot hickory coals which have burned into the middle of the tree. The gunwhales are protected by wet red clay mixed with grass. When the coals are extinguished large scallop shells are used to scoop out the soft charcoal. This process is repeated over and over The project has become a favorite for school children who often participate in the process. It will take Drew at least a year to complete the project -- but who's in a hurry? It's an ongoing living history demonstration for visitors to the site.
A link from Etowah's page on www.GaStateParks. org monitors the progress each week and will include Drew's personal journal of his experiences and accomplishments. Educators who have visited the site are particularly interested in accessing this link each week for their school children. One sad note added to Drew's log, though, is he is being cut back to only one day a week as there is less part-time labor money available to even pay minimum wage. Nevertheless Drew will continue the project in hopes another miracle will come his way.
7

Buzzard Day 2006
by Jennifer Glover, Interpretive Naturalist, Reed Bingham State Park

For as long as anyone can

The Turkey Vulture is

remember, the tall pines

slightly larger and more

along Little River have

solitary than its relative

been home to thousands

the Black Vulture. Both

of Turkey and Black

species are equipped with

vultures. During the

a bare head, sharp beak,

coldest winter months,

and chicken-like feet for

populations can double or

holding down the soon-

even triple as these birds

to-be rotting carcasses

arrive from as far away

that they call food . You

as Canada. Here at Reed

can tell the difference

Bingham State Park, we

between the two birds

host a full day of activities

by looking at the adults'

once a year focusing on

heads or wings while in

these yearly visitors. On

flight. Turkey Vultures

January 21, "Buzzard

possess a bright red head

Day" came through again and we celebrated these birds with an ivory-colored bill and silvery flight feathers

with a canoe trip through the roosting areas on the

that cover the length of the underside of the wing as

river, pontoon boat rides, a Bird of Prey program given well as a long tail. Black Vultures possess a gray head

by Clinton Murphy from the Parks at Chehaw, the lOK with a black bill and have a white patch only near the

"Road Kill Run" which led runners/walkers across the

tip of the wing, and their tails are short.

park and through the nature trails, and an astronomy

program presented by Dr Martha Leake from Valdosta State University

American Vultures are more closely related to storks and ibises than they are to hawks and eagles. Unlike

their African cousins that cannot smell, they use their

By December, the vultures had already increased in

well-developed sense of smell to search for carrion.

numbers to the point where, just before sunset, the sky They are often observed soaring in circles in the sky

appeared to have been peppered with the two species.

where they look for food, play, and gain altitude for

They come from all over the United States and Canada long flights. Some might think they are quite ugly

to enjoy the weather, beautiful view and safety of this

in appearance and disgusting in their habits. That

part of the Little River and savor the taste of our once almost bald head is easy to keep clean while eating,

well-fed roadkill.

and defecating on their feet helps to cool them off. If

you think it is wise to approach a vulture, think again.

We have two of three North American species of vultures that call Reed Bingham their winter home, the Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura - and the Black Vulture- Coragyps atratus. Both species are incorrectly

They have a nasty habit of regurgitating their last meal when they feel threatened. If it weren't for vultures, there would be an awful lot of carcasses left on the roadways creating quite a stench.

referred to as "buzzards", to which they are not even

closely related. True buzzards are a family of hawks,

We think that these are amazing birds with great

for example, European buzzards. Early settlers

adaptations that deserve to be acknowledged. We hope

probably gave them this name since Europe does not

that each year more people come to our little corner of

have vultures and these birds soar similar to members Georgia to experience these magnificent birds in their

s------------..............__..............-------- of the hawk family that they were used to seeing.

natural habitat.

Hard Labor Creek State Park Holds Quota Hunts
by Sheri Rhoades, Interpretive Ranger, Hard Labor Creek State Park

Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge is the state's second largest park with 5,805 acres. White-tailed deer are an enjoyable sight at Hard Labor Creek, but unfortunately the population exists in unnaturally high numbers. The over abundant population destroys plant communities and habitat needed by other wildlife. Population estimates have placed this park's deer population at 700+. With the ideal number for Hard Labor Creek's acreage being 250, the overpopulation is dramatic. According to Don McGowan of the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, "the overall health of the deer was less than expected. Also the deer were quite old with a large number in the 8-10 years range." According to research, it has been determined that as much as 35% of flora native to Hard Labor Creek has been destroyed due to the overgrazing by deer herds.
The Department of Natural Resources has implemented a new deer management system with quota hunts used to thin herds. Ronnie Eakins, Region III manager, said, "that the Division has made a historically huge step in being more active and making better educated decisions in managing the state's parks."

The two hunts at Hard Labor Creek took place on November 15 and 16, and January 10 and 11. Two hundred fifty hunters were chosen for each hunt by a lottery drawing. Of that number, the actual hunters that participated were 207 in November and 185 in January. Two hundred fourteen deer were harvested in November and 185 in January
"An interesting aspect of these hunts was the requirement to harvest an anthlerless deer before taking a buck. This requirement, along with the opportunity for hunters to donate to Hunters For The Hungry was a critical factor in our success," said Chuck Gregory, Resource Preservation Program Manager "Of the 350 deer harvested, 250 were does and does have to be removed if the population is to be decreased."
Many nice bucks were also taken. The largest had 13 points and a field-dressed weight of 137 pounds. The oldest hunter was 83 and the youngest was 11. Glen Dowling of the Georgia Wildlife Federation has commented that the Hard Labor Creek hunts have by far been the most successful for Hunters for the Hungry One hundred fifty two deer were donated and will go a long way to meet the needs of many Georgians.

Fourth grader Emily Grizzle completed all three levels of Dahlonega's Junior Ranger Program. She's posing with Teresa Krummel, Interpretive Ranger.
w

Classifieds
Wanted:
John Deer 2155 tractor (Mistletoe) Willing to trade a box turtle or albino gray rat snake in exchange for a friendly milksnake or corn snake. (Little Ocmulgee) Owl feathers, a beak or talons for a Birds of Prey Program (Mistletoe)
Free:
Good Ford flail mower (Mistletoe) Cottage surplus -- 10 microwave ovens, card tables, dining room tables, desks and couches (Elijah Clark)
9

Adventures in Possum Care
by Johnna Tuttle, Interpretive Ranger, Smithgall Woods

On October 12, Charlie came to the utility closet where I was working and said "Thanks, gotta go." At the time, I didn't know that's what he was saying, but in retrospect, he had been spending more time in the woods and by the creek in days prior Charlie was an unexceptional possum save for the intensive care he had been given in his first two months of life. His caregiver had nurtured him with milk, then tuna, baby food, and other delectables in an indoor cage with a lot of cuddling (beginning in her bra). From the time he came into the care of humans (less than 6 inches in length) until he came to Smithgall Woods, Charlie had never seen the great outdoors.
Possums seem more likely than many animals to find their way into care at state parks. Unfortunately, their care can be complicated. For "nature's vacuum cleaner" they sure are finicky animals as far as diet goes. Many do not survive regardless of our best intentions. Fortunately there is such a thing as the National Opossum Society (NOS) . These folks are wacky for opossums. Their enthusiasm has led to indepth guidelines for opossum care and release. Here are a few things I learned with Charlie. These lessons would apply to any opossum over half pound. Thanks to Annette Holt, a wildlife rehabilitator from the lowlands, for much of this information.
Cage
Wire mesh cages can be hard on a opossum's delicate feet (my Mother would not agree that anything on an opossum was delicate, but she never had a close relationship with one) . A cage as large as possible with logs and limbs to climb on will best serve a developing opossum. For a blissful opossum, do not forget the hammock. Charlie was passionate about his hammock. We had an overhanging stick, which provided two sides of the support for hanging a "hammock" (towel hung with string). A stick allowed Charlie to climb to his favorite "hang-out."

Diet There is too much information on diet to print here, but here are a few basics. Opossums do not like being constipated any more than the rest of us. Without daily poop, you have one ornery critter Check exercise and diet immediately Yogurt and live insects are really important because they help keep digestive flora in check. Our "clean" food does not provide the "good" bacteria they get in the wild that promotes good digestion. The yogurt also provides calcium, critical for developing bones.
1 . Variety is important. A basic recipe for routine feeding is 1 part cat chow soaked in water until soft, 1 part vegetables (fresh cooked or baby food) and ~ part yogurt. This ought to make up about 70% of their diet. After nine months, begin reducing cat food and fat to prevent obesity
2. Canned salmon, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, chicken livers, sardines are all good occasional additions. With tiny opossums, start with mealworms or crickets twice a week and increase amount and frequency as they get older Watching opossums hunt crickets in a bathtub is a rare pleasure. If not a bathtub, a box will work. These foods can make up about 10% of the diet.
3. Fruit would normally be an important part of their diet. Include native berries and persimmons when available; otherwise fruits such as peaches and apples work well. These can make up 20% of their diet.
Exercise Exercise is critical. If they don't have a big cage, there will have to be roaming time. They are not sprinters, so taking them on a walk was not a problem for me. Just stay away from heavy underbrush. Obesity is a problem with caged opossums - crossed eyes in females are a sign of obesity (or possibly annoyance with caregivers).

to ------------..................__................se-eP-os-sum-o-np-ag-e1-2

New Feathered Guests
by Jennifer Glover, Interpretive Naturalist, Reed Bingham State Park

Every year, visitors and staff at Reed Bingham State Park get to witness the mass arrival of migrating vultures and geese. This year the vultures and geese brought some extra special guests with them. Our new guests belong to the group known as the birds of prey There are at least four of these magnificent symbols of freedom here at the park this winter You have probably figured it out by now they are Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). They get their scientific name from the Latin words for sea (halo), eagle (aeetos) and white (leukos).
Although solitary eagles have visited us throughout the years, this is the first time there have been four birds at one time. They love the river and the open waters of the lake because it provides them with plenty of fish, which is their favorite food . We noticed our new guests when the Canadian Geese arrived in the early part of November There were two adults and two juveniles soaring high above the lake.
Not long after they arrived, we dropped the water level in the lake to where there was little more than a large creek along with a huge muddy area scattered with shallow pools. We did this in order to rebuild

our boat ramps. No complaints were heard from the bird community, not even from the eagles that were observed walking along the edges of these shallow pools looking for food side by side with hundreds of egrets and ibises. They continued to fish as the waters came back up to normal levels.
The week of Christmas brought the exciting news that the two adult birds were, indeed, building a nest. They chose a site right off of the Little River high up in a pine tree with a dead lookout tree next to it. While most onlookers mean no harm, the eagles see people as a threat and may move or even abandon their nest. Therefore, the park closed the area to keep human disturbance to a minimum and to give these birds the best chance they could possibly have to raise healthy offspring.
As of January 6, the nest did not look quite big enough to be completed but the birds were working hard to finish it. Hopefully by spring we will all be proud "parents" to some of the America's greatest birds. Since eagles often use their nest year after year, if we are very careful (and lucky) they will continue to use our park as their home for years to come.

Madison County residents Chip and Dena Chandler were honored during the January Board ofNatural Resources meeting for their help in purchasing 100 acres of land adjacent to Watson Mill Bridge State Park. Essentially acting as a "land trust," the Chandlers purchased and held the property until the state had the necessary funding to buy the land. Burton "Chip" Chandler serves as a charter member and current president of the Friends ofWatson Mill Bridge State Park. Pictured left to right: Real Estate Project Officer J Wade, Dena Chandler, Chip Chandler, State Park Director Becky Kelley and Park Manager Lee Moon.
------------..................--..............----------11

Possum continued from page 10
Handling Don't. All babies are cute and cuddly Unless there is no chance of release, let them learn that people are best kept at a distance.
Illness The females are prone to ovary and reproductive tract inflammatory conditions that are difficult to treat.
Release When they reach 7-10" or about 2 pounds, they are big enough to be released. Release at or near dusk near a stream or pond where there is a lot of underbrush. Some say they can be released as late as Thanksgiving.
Release Criteria (from the NOS): 1. Can they eat all foods offered them? Are they acclimated to wild food (insects)? 2. Are they calm and tidy? 3. Are their eyes clear, bright, and alert? (Not pinched or glazed) 4. Do they have pink nose and gums? 5. Are they de-wormed? 6. Can they run, grip, and climb without fatigue? 7 Is their breathing normal? 8. Are they wary and cautious when humans are around?
It won't be long before young opossums will be making their way into our facilities. The above applies to possums a couple of months old. If you find a newborn with no mom around, finding a licensed rehabilitator with experience in opossums would probably be the best bet. For referrals for licensed rehabbers in your area, call DNR's Special Permit office at 770-7613044. In the meantime, Connie Haynes with the Special Permit Unit suggests putting it "in a cardboard box with a non-terry piece of cloth ... put the box on a heating pad (half on, half off) to help keep its temperature up." Good luck with these interesting creatures.
For more information, go to www.possumrescue.com or www.oppossum.org or call the orphan care chairman of the National Opossum Society at 410-233-1102.

An Ancient Find
by David Foot, Manager, Vogel State Park

Can you imagine playing in a park stream and finding a ring that took you back in time 40 years? Sounds like something from a mystery movie. This is exactly what happened to eight Girls Scouts camping at Vogel State Park with their two leaders in April 2005. The girls from Blairsville found a Druid Hills (Atlanta) High School Class of 1961 ring in Wolf Creek. All excited, they said, "finders keepers." However, it was suggested that perhaps they might be able to find the owner Searching the Internet, one leader found an alumni directory for Druid Hills High School. The initials in the ring matched an alumnus from 1961.
After numerous e-mails with class members, a sister of the man whose initials matched those in the ring was found. She said her brother had died in 1998, but she remembered him losing the ring soon after he received it in 1961. His parents had been upset with him. The sister met with the scouts to receive the ring and thanked them for their honesty and thoughtfulness. For their honesty, the scout troop received a very generous donation and each of the girls received special recognition for their participation in the find.
This was very exciting and rewarding for the girls. They saw how being kind made someone else happy Consider performing a random act of kindness. It will pay you big dividends many times over.

Too Funny Not to Share!

Georgia Public Broadcasting had interns

transcribe the ~nterviews they conducted for the

upcomi g d~cumentary on Geo~~~~'State Parks.

Here

ihe of the amusirig ,,, ;.; cterstandings

e transcripts.

Weed Dingum = Reed Bingham

Cloudbend Cabin = Cloudland Canyon
Warmfill Historic Site =Wormsloe

Hostel Brownville = Hofwyl-Broadfield

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail & the Trail of Tears Association
by David Gomez, Manager, N ew Echota Historic Site

If you live in north Georgia, you may soon be seeing new road signs promoting Native American sites. Established under the National Trail System Act, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail joined the company of such well-known trails as the Santa Fe Trail, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and many others in 1987
In cooperation with the National Park Service's Long Distance Trails Section, sites such as New Echota and the Vann House work closely with the membership of the National Trail of Tears Association (TOTA) and the Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association. Also joining these research efforts are historians and archaeologists such as Dr Sarah Hill and Dr. David Crass.
One of the responsibilities of the state chapters of the Trail of Tears Association is hosting the annual Trail of Tears Conference & Symposium. This year's host was the Tennessee Chapter of the TOTA and was held October 31-November 3 in Chattanooga. Providing presentations by well-known historians, archaeologists and authors, as well as field trips to significant sites associated with the Cherokee Removal, the conference provided an opportunity for attendees from all nine states in the TOTA the chance to learn more about the Cherokee Trail of Tears and a chance to see significant Cherokee structures and sites.

As part of this year's 200-year anniversary of the establishment of the Old Federal Road, plans for the project provide for five objectives:
gather historical material about the Federal Road
prepare a brochure of a driving route of the Federal Road
to prepare an audio cd for travelers
prepare road sign text for the Georgia Department of Transportation
provide a Federal Road traveling exhibit, complete with maps, photographs and other material.
After completion of this project, as people travel throughout north Georgia area, the logos will become a familiar part of our landscape.
The Georgia Chapter of the TOTA was selected to host the 2007 Annual Conference and Symposium. The conference will be held in Rome, Georgia in October of 2007 and I invite anyone interested in Cherokee history and 19th century Georgia history to make plans to attend. Remember "it takes a village." Come be a part of it.

As is often quoted these days, "it takes a village." Other partners working to tell this story and preserve sites associated with the Trail of Tears are such agencies as the Georgia Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration (FHA) . One project underway in Georgia under sponsorship of the DOT and FHA is the documentation of the route of the Old Federal Road, an important thoroughfare that provided access during the early 19th century through the Cherokee Nation, connecting Georgia and Tennessee.
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AmeriCorps continued from page 15

AmeriCorps volunteers work on a mural and seed collecting at Panola Mountain.

The second team we had added more interest to our classroom by helping paint wall murals depicting landscapes found in the park.
I know there are other parks that have used this organization before, and I've heard only good things about AmeriCorps. I suspect there are many parks out there that might have considered using this organization, or some who are not so familiar with them. It took me a while to find the proper contact, so I would like to share this information with any interested party Frances Townsend is the AmeriCorps representative who can assist with the application processes. She is based at Southeast Region Campus, 2231 South Hobson Ave, Charleston SC 29405-2430. Her phone number is 843-743-2600 ext 3011. Her email address is FTownsend@cns.gov I would also be happy to help any park that is interested in getting a team but may have questions or issues of concern. This is a great organization and a great resource, and I think any park out there could profit by using a team for all facets of park improvement.

that site. The application plans also help you consider what your team will do in case of bad weather.
The main reason our park signed on the teams was to remove exotic plants, mainly Chinese Privet. In two years, the three teams removed about 5.5 acres total of this exotic tree. What impressed me about the team was how fast they learned how to use chainsaws and their interest in the proper way to cut and treat the stumps of the trees. Cutting privet was not the only project the teams worked on at our park. One of this year's team played a major role in our native grass seed collection efforts. They quickly learned how to identify the seed heads of different native grasses and spent two days walking along side Hwy. 16 between Monticello and Eatonton, negotiating rough terrain, keeping clear of traffic, and collecting 16 pounds of native grass seed for us. This seed was planted in a three-acre expansion area of our native grass and wildflower garden club project. The team also helped us conduct a nature hike for about 150 children and parents who came to our park for a fall field trip.