President’s Message

The winter is typically a quiet time at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, but this winter seemed to be an exception. We continued our removal of privet with a grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission. You will notice the canopy opening up as the larger privet die back. Also, the Board was busy making plans to continue removal of invasive plant species, replant native species, and continue to expand our educational displays thanks to a generous grant from the Waterfall Foundation. We hope to have new educational signs and a new kiosk in place by fall.

As always, our volunteer day over the MLK holiday was one of the best attended of the year. With the help from a group of students from Georgia Perimeter College, members of Sukyo Mahikari, and other volunteers, we were able to cut a new trail that connects the creek trail back to the entrance of the Preserve. This new section of trail will be dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Fitch, our former volunteer coordinator. Other areas of the Preserve have also seen a makeover. Master Gardeners Barbara Antley and Karen Maddox have replanted the native plant garden at the entrance to the Preserve. Thomas Parton with help from his Boy Scout troop reconstructed the outdoor classroom in the pine forest.

On the night of Sunday, June 26th, the shed at the Preserve was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The entire contents of the shed and materials around the shed are a complete loss. Thanks to a great group of volunteers, the debris has been cleared. We now have a new shed in place and are looking for donations of new or used tools. If you have tools to donate, please contact us. Monetary donations on our website also will be used to replace the tools that were destroyed.

Chris Beck
President

©2005 Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Last modified: Aug 29, 2011