End of YEAR THANKS from SRWA!

Dear SRWA Blog,     12 REASONS to CONSIDER AN END OF YEAR  (or beginning of 2015!)  GIFT TO THE SRWA We know that most people only support a small handful of organizations with their charitable donations each year. We want to be respectful of your time and resources and simply share with you 12 simple reasons we think that your END OF YEAR GIFT TO THE SRWA will make a difference in your life, and your community.       #1 37 Farm Projects have fenced 16.5 miles, excluding 1,220 cows from streams (since 2008), resulting in both the upper and lower Soque River being removed from the state's impaired waters list for fecal coliform bacteria by EPD. That's a tremendous success. Sediment and nutrient pollutants are our next targets for cleanup. #2   Since 2012 the SRWA has planted over 3,000 Trees, stabilizing 2 schools, and 3 farm streambanks, reducing sediment runoff. We also have sold over 1,200 native trees to the public. You can  ORDER TREES HERE NOW Orders End Friday, January 2nd #3   Innovative Stormwater Features constructed at the new County Courthouse improve stormwater treatment and infiltration, and serves as a model for green development. As a result, Piedmont College is including similar innovations in their new Student Village construction. The City of Clarkesville likewise seeks funding to allow the reconstruction of the downtown to include green infrastructure.  Read this brochure for details #4   The Clarkesville Greenway expansion into Mary Street Park is almost completed, adding another half mile of scenic walking and biking trails.  #5 An eroding streambank on Rocky Branch was Restored using a natural channel design technique. City of Clarkesville staff assisted by donating labor and resources to complete the project.  #6   The Northeast Georgia Locally Grown farmers market has sold $211,280 of locally produced food since April 2010. With a recent addition of a third pickup in Gainesville and a small grant, 2015 is likely to be a record year for local food sales from sustainable farms. EAT WELL, BUY LOCAL!   #7   Our 28 plot - quarter acre Community Garden on the Greenway continues to produce an abundance of fresh organic food. We are also nearing completion of a Greenhouse that should allow us to propagate and sell rare streamside plants unavailable from local nurseries. #8 Numerous volunteers help to remove trash from area streams during River Clean-Ups. #9 Rebuilt an Eroding Dirt Road using a technique called water bars that reduces erosion and long-term maintenance costs. #10 We’ve collected over 50 submissions for a BOOK about people’s EXPERIENCES on the SOQUE called “Soquee River Days”, in honor of John Kollock who inspired all of us to appreciate our unique and beautiful surroundings. Please share with us your story and photos before December 31st. See other entries at http://soqueriverdays.blogspot.com #11 Through our Keep Habersham Beautiful program we planted 75 fruit trees in public areas including 4 schools and the Clarkesville greenway. The City of Cornelia is planting additional fruit trees. All trees are accessible to the public.    #12   We THROW REALLY GOOD PARTIES and EVENTS - this year’s events included: our Fall Party featuring the restored Historic Habersham Mills, a regional Farm Tour attended by over 500, and our BEER TASTING Christmas Party.  ​​​   We want to THANK EVERYONE who made 2014 a very good year! Special thanks to the over 5o individuls and organizations that helped us recover from the fire back in March! It was truly amazing how the community came to support our recovery. If you believe in what we do please consider an end of year or beginning of year gift! And we hope you'll come by and visit us at the new office in 2015 (downtown Clarkesville across from the theater)!    Justin Ellis Executive Director Soque River Watershed Association www.soque.org 706-754-9382   Donations to the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) are tax deductible.   You can JOIN the SRWA or make a Donation by clicking HERE

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Soque River Watershed Association PO Box 1901 Clarkesville, GA 30523 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.