You can help Save the Hemlock Trees: Hemlockfest 2009
(And have fun doing it!)

The Lumpkin Coalition (a non-profit 501c3 charitable organization) announced the fourth annual Hemlockfest in North Georgia. Hemlockfest 2011 will be held at Starbridge (just one hour north of Atlanta near the historic town of Dahlonega) on November 4, 5 & 6.

The survival of hemlock trees is being threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid, an aphid like insect introduced from Asia and now spreading through the north Georgia forests. This benefit will raise funds and awareness to help save these magnificent trees that arguably define southern Appalachia and keep our rivers cool enough to sustain such temperature-sensitive species as trout and crayfish. 100% of donations/proceeds from the festival will go toward advancing the hemlocks defense against the woolly adelgid. Our efforts the last three years contributed significantly to the establishment of a beetle (which prey on the woolly adelgids) rearing lab at the University of Georgia as well as giving support to the beetle rearing labs at Young Harris College and North Georgia College and State University.

FireDance as well as Music from such genres as singer songwriter, folk, blue/newgrass, blues, classic oldies, Celtic rock, and jam band will be performed. Experts on the hemlock issue will be available to answer questions. Many fun family and child activities will take place, arts and craft vendors will be present and food, drink, t-shirts, and other festival merchandise will be available for purchase.

Tickets for the three day two night (primitive camping option only – no car camping) festival range in price from free (for those ages 15 and under) to $15 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday or $50 for the whole weekend (includes camping).

Ticket purchase (100% tax deductible) can be pre-ordered by credit card through a pay-pal service at the following website: http://www.inticketing.com/events/171836.

For directions or further information (on the hemlock/woolly adelgid issue, the bands, ticketing, where to make donations, how you can help, etc.) please visit our website at http://hemlockfest.org/ or e-mail us at: info@hemlockfest.org. You may also call: Forest Hilyer at 706-265-5282.

The Lumpkin Coalition is a 100% volunteer nonprofit 501c3 charitable organization that formed in 2005 to address issues concerning North Georgia, Lumpkin County, its residents and visitors. We are dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end we support the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.