Soque Bulletin - "5 IN 5" FUNDRAISING EVENT

SOQUE BULLETIN

October 18th, 2012

THIS WEEK IS OUR "5 in 5" FUNDRAISING EVENT !

Please help us reach our goal to raise $5,000 towards our 5 major programs in 5 days

The Soque Celebration is TOMORROW - Friday, October 19th at Sutton Mill at 6pm

It's not too late to RSVP! See Below

(photo from paddle cleanup on September 29, 2012)

If you appreciate the contributions of the SRWA towards:

Greenways, Festivals, Paddle events, Workshops, Clean Water projects,Tree planting, Local Food & Farms, gardens and lots more

then thank the people who support the SRWA

by BECOMING ONE YOURSELF

JOIN THE SRWA TODAY  and attend the SOQUE CELEBRATION tomorrow for FREE

The 5 Programs of the Soque River Watershed Association

During our "5 in 5" event we usually like to share with you a snapshot of what the SRWA is busy doing behind the scenes. This is a great way for us to reflect on each of our project areas, and also allows us to share these program details with everyone. The SRWA activities are divided into 5 programs (explained in detail in our strategic plan completed this past January and available on our website)

Here's a quick snapshot of our 5 program areas

#1 - Protection and Restoration

#2 - Sustainability Models

#3 - Watershed Awareness

#4 - Policy and Compliance

#5 - Recreation Conservation Lands

PROGRAM #2 - SUSTAINABILTY MODELS

The Sustainability Models Program  is still the SRWA's newest program area (started in 2010) and helps to broaden our base of supporters by engaging residents in tangible sustainability projects. “Sustainability” is defined as an investment in new activities, technologies and behaviors that improve the long-term conservation and stewardship of community natural resources. The goal of the program is to encourage the adoption of sustainability practices that can be implemented by watershed community members at various scales. The two focus areas of the program are “learning to grow things in the service of nature” (via rain gardens, streambank vegetation, upland stabilization, and organic food production) and water efficiency, re-use and return (via rainbarrels, cisterns, and innovative stormwater practices). A third and emerging priority is “promoting sustainable land-based businesses.” The Association strives to promote the economic value of rural landscapes engaged in the production of land-based goods. All activities will focus on development of strong and long-lasting partnersships that can help to implement multiple sustainability projects over time.

There are 5 main project areas:

<![if !supportLists]>1.      <![endif]>Stormwater Infiltration systems and Rain Gardens - designed to reduce runoff, increase infiltration, and enhance long-term groundwater supplies.

<![if !supportLists]>2.      <![endif]>Rainwater Capture and Reuse projects - that conserve water by reusing rainwater through rainbarrels, cisterns and other systems

<![if !supportLists]>3.      <![endif]>“Grow Something Green” Campaign - identify areas with barren or eroding soils and stabilizing by planting different types of permanent vegetation.

<![if !supportLists]>4.      <![endif]>NE GA Locally Grown online farmers market - our core project to promote “sustainable land based businesses” has grossed $92,000 for farmers across the region

<![if !supportLists]>5.      <![endif]>Green Way Community Garden - a quarter acre, 28 plot organic garden demonstrates organic gardening principles at the Clarkesville Greenway

Project AREA #1 - Perhaps one of the most exciting projects to come to Habersham County are the

3 innovative stormwater features currently under construction at the new county courthouse.

If you haven't yet heard what these are we have extensive photos and descriptions at

INNOVATIVE STORMWATER FEATURES PHOTOS

or

INNOVATIVE STORMWATER FEATURES ARTICLE #1 (lead in)

INNOVATIVE STORMWATER FEATURES ARTICLE #2

Project AREA #2

Our efforts to Capture and Reuse Rainwater have really taken off since partnering with North Georgia Technical College

whose truck driving school helps us pick up barrels from Coca-Cola in Athens

and especically Habitat for Humanity in both Clarkesville and now Clayton's ReSTOREs

where they help us distribute barrels and kits for just $45.

The Clarkesville ReStore also installed their own 1,000 cistern back in August and can irrigate with rainwater!

You can see the design and installation for rainbarrels by reading

Harvesting Rain Using Rain Barrels and Cisterns

Project AREA #3

“Grow Something Green” Campaign

Planting trees and other native plants is one of the best approaches to restoring the landscape.

This winter we're looking forward to starting a tree planting project with the Habersham County School System.

We'll also be making one year seedling trees widely available to other residents for very low prices.

More info coming in the next few weeks.

Project AREA #4

Northeast Georgia Locally Grown

If you haven't yet tried our online farmers market, you don’t know what you're missing.

Try it once. You'll be eating fresher more local food

and supporting local sustinable farms in the process.

http://northeastgeorgia.locallygrown.net/welcome

Project AREA #5

Green Way Community Garden

We hope you enjoy watching our progress at the garden over the last 3 years. We contually expand.

This year saw a new greenhouse, compost bins, and perrennial crops such as aspargus and raspberries, and a flower garden.

Thanks to Georgia Power (2012), Fieldale Farms (2011), and Home Depot (2010) for being corporate sponsors at the $1,000 level.

DON'T FORGET TO

ATTEND the

SOQUE CELEBRATION - "5 in 5" Fundraiser

at Sutton Mill - FRIDAY, October, 19th at 6pm

Park at North Georgia Technical College on Hwy 197 North of Clarkesville

(you can't miss the signs and tent)

ALL OTHER DETAILS HERE

today!

Last minute details:

Out of Town Guests of Members welcome for $15 donation each

Bring your Checkbook (for raffle / auction / donation)

Acoustic Music by Rob Brooksher

Oatmeal raisin cookies by Ching-Yu

Rum Mojitos

Even if you can't make the event please

 help us make our "5 in 5" goals.

goal  #1 Gain 30 new members to the SRWA	goal #2 Have 120 attend the SOQUE CELEBRATION	goal  #3 Gain 10 new MONTHLY GIVERS	goal #4 30 Member Donations	goal #5 30 Raffle and Auction Donations
status 12 NEW MEMBERS 18 TO GO	status 105 ATTENDEES 15 TO GO	status 1 MONTHLY GIVER 9 TO GO (thanks Keith Boger!!)	status 22 DONATIONS 8 TO GO	status 36 Items zero TO GO
YES! I'D LIKE TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER click to join	YES! I'D LIKE TO RSVP TO ATTEND SOQUE CELEBRATION click to RSVP	YES! I'D LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY GIVING click to do monthly giving	YES! I'D LIKE TO DONATE TOWARDS THE $5,000 GOAL click to donate	YES! I'D LIKE TO GIVE AN AUCTION / RAFFLE ITEM click to donate auction or raffle item

and here's our 5 in 5 raffle and auction items

5 in 5 RAFFLE ITEMS

Bucket Raffle Details

This is a bucket raffle so each ticket ($5 each) can be directed towards the exact items you would like to win.

Presence at the event is NOT REQUIRED TO WIN.

You can purchase tickets in advance and submit your ticket stub with the name of the item written on the back. We will place all stubs in a bucket for that item at the event. At the end of the event one stub will be drawn for the winner. If the winner is not present you will be called or e-mailed to collect your prize.

TICKETS can be purchased from SRWA board members, or at the SRWA office. Call 706-754-9382 or e-mail srwa@windstream.net to purchase.

#	Item and Value	Business	Owner / contact	Board  Member or staff contact
1	Pottery Wine Decanter and bottle of Local Wine from Yonah Mountain Vineyards (Value $25 and $25 = $50)	Headwaters Realty	Jean Holmes	Jean Holmes
2	Rafting Trip for 4 down Chattahoochee River - valued $100	Wildwood Outfitters	Dave and Beverly Gale	Walter Matlock
3	Cutting board or other woodwork – Value $40	Peter Bull	Peter Bull	Bob Brooksher
4	One month unlimited Yoga classes – value $108 – minimum $50 increments of $5	A Garden for Wellness	Deana Brooksher and Cooper Seay	Bob Brooksher
5	Haircut and eyebrow wax – value $25	L&Co Hair Salon	Lindsey Sutton	Jim Hudak
6	$25 gift certificate of Local Food from Northeast Georgia Locally Grown online farmers market	Generation Mortgage Company	Bob Parker	Teri Parker
7	Gourd art - Zuni red twining gourd – value $40	Jimmy Turner	Jimmy Turner	Rocket Roy
8	Free Oil Change from Clarkesville Motor Co.– value $38	Clarkesville Motor Co.	?	Jim Hudak
9	Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, GA $10 gift certificate – bunch with something	Rocketroy	Rocketroy	Rocketroy
10	4 Weeks Fat Blast Boot Camp! - $289 Value	Main Street Gym	David & Stephanie Provine	Justin Ellis
11	Clarkesville Lanes - $20 bowling certificate	Clarkesville Lanes	Dave and Beverly Gale	Walter Matlock
12	Pottery – Jeannie Daves	Jeannie Daves	Jeannie Daves	Bob Brooksher
13	Metal Fish - $45 value	Soque Artworks	Walter, Susan, & Rush Smith	Scarlett Fuller
14	Habersham Bicycles – $20 Gift Certificate	Habersham Bicycles	Joe Elam	Scarlett Fuller
15	John Kollock print – “Headwater” print – value $50	The Saturday Shop	John and Nancy Kollock	Justin Ellis
16	Handmade cutting board  8x12-  value $40	Randy Moser	Randy Moser	Randy Moser
17	$50 gift certificate for Premier Designs jewelry	Premier Designs	Anne Hughes	Justin Ellis
	**consider donating an item to our raffle!! **

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

The following auction items will be bid on in a silent auction at the event.

If you are unable to attend you may place a starting bid on an item

by e-mailing your name, item and bid amount to soque@windstream.net

#	Item and Value and minimum bid	Business	Owner / contact	Board  Member or staff contact
1	2-night stay at Blue Shutter Cottage on Hiwassee Lake in the Bear Paw resort community: www.bearpawcottagerental.com Value $150 – minimum $75 –bid increment $10	Callie D. Moore	Callie D. Moore	Scarlett Fuller
2	Pottery Bowl – value $50 - minimum $10 - bid increments $5	Hickory Flats	?	Jean Holmes
3	Indian mask artwork – Coyote Warrior – value $500 - minimum $200 - bid increments $25	Jimmy Turner	Jimmy Turner	Rocket Roy
4	Indian mask artwork – Kindred Spirit - value $100 – minimum bid $50 – bid increment $5	Jimmy Turner	Jimmy Turner
5	Indian mask artwork – Lost Spirit - value $100 – minimum bid $50 – bid increment $5	Jimmy Turner	Jimmy Turner
6	Vase – Value $48 – minimum $10 bid increments $5	Mark of the Potter		Teri Parker
7	Custom Built Spinner Rod 6’ 6-10# 3/8-1/2 oz graphite by Bull Red Rods – value $120 – minimum bid $60 – bid increments $5	Bull Red Rods – Randy Crump	Randy Crump or Steven Patrick	Justin Ellis
8	Handmade cutting board  12x16-  value $70 – minimum bid $35 – bid increments $5	Randy Moser	Randy Moser	Randy Moser
9	Handmade cutting board  8x12-  value $40 – minimum bid $15 – bid increments $5	Randy Moser	Randy Moser	Randy Moser
10	Luggage – Value $150 - minimum bid $60 – bid increments $5	TeamService1	Joni and Harold Kennedy	Bob Brooksher
11	2 hr. guided horseback tour and lunch for six $400 minimum $150 -  bid increment $25	Montara Farm Trish Stump and Larry Becker	Bob Brooksher	Bob Brooksher
12	Peggy Karr Glass functional Artisan Platter and Wrought Iron Stand    Value:  $120      Min: $40	Woods Furniture	Sherry Callahan	Bob Brooksher
13	Rafting Trip for 4 valued $100 - minimum bid $50 – bid increments $5	Wildwood Outfitters	Dave and Beverly Gale	Walter Matlock
14	Genevieve’s Dancing with Trees - Introductory Tree Climbing Event - $200 value – minimum bid $75 – bid increment $10	Genevieve	Genevieve	Bob Brooksher
15	Woven Basket – Value $90 – minimum bid $30	Liesel Potthast	Liesel Potthast	Bob Brooksher
16	California Cooler Bag - T-Rex Rolling Collapsible Cooler - minimum bid - $20 - valued at $68 – bid increments $5	Alan and Anne Hall	Alan and Anne Hall	Justin Ellis
17	John Kollock print – “In God’s Country” print – value $50 – minimum bid $25 – bid increment $5	The Saturday Shop	John and Nancy Kollock	Justin Ellis
18	Jewelry - "Cool Waters" ensemble - necklace, bracelet and earrings of beautiful blue-green beads and antiqued silver - valued at $106	Premier Designs	Anne Hughes	Justin Ellis
	**consider donating an item to our auction!! **

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE EVENT!

AND THANKS TO ALL THE SUPPORTERS OF OUR 5 IN 5!

we're just about half way there.

HELP US GET THERE BY DONATING NOW

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382

Soque Bulletin - SRWA hiring OUTREACH COORDINATOR

 

SRWA hiring OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Soque River Watershed Association

Outreach Coordinator (part-time)

Closing Date: October 26th

 

Job Description:

The Soque River Watershed Association is seeking a part time Outreach Coordinator to recruit new members, solicit donations, organize fundraisers, promote SRWA activities, and serve as a spokesperson for the organization. This position includes administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, keeping financial records, and database management. 

 

The Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for membership development, fundraising activities, membership mailings, database management, financial management (using Quickbooks), filing payroll taxes, office management and communications tasks such as website, newsletter and publications. The successful applicant should be confident and outgoing in working with people, and enthusiastic towards the goals of the SRWA.

 

Principle Responsibilities:

·         Cultivate relationships with individuals; businesses and organizations that can help support the SRWA mission both financially and programmatically.

·         Increase funding to the SRWA through developing local sources of support (new members, major donors, endowment giving, events).

·         Work with a Fundraising Board to develop and meet quarterly fundraising goals.

·         Develop the SRWA database into an effective tool for membership recruitment, communications, and outreach.

·         Increase outreach of the SRWA through news releases, website development, and social media.

·         Maintain books in accord with sound accounting practices using Quickbooks.

·         Prepare monthly and quarterly financial and fundraising reports.

·         File monthly and quarterly payroll taxes.

·         Maintain orderly office management systems (filing, supplies, phone calls)

·         Participate in and promote SRWA programs and activities.

·         Coordinate volunteers to assist with activities of the SRWA.

·         Set personal and organizational goals that significantly advance the mission of the SRWA while building professional skills and recognition within the community.

 

The Outreach Coordinator is supervised by the Executive Director.

 

This is a part-time position (14-20 hours per week) with possibility of greater hours if desired based on performance. Hourly wage with possibility of advancement based on performance.

 

Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree preferred

·         Highly organized and detail-oriented individual a must

·         Friendly and Socially outgoing and confident

·         Some experience in fundraising, communications, or administration preferred

·         Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

·         Extensive computer experience required – Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Quickbooks, Photo editing, publishing, web design or Mac experience a plus.

·         Social or professional connections within Habersham County a plus , or strong interest in building such connections.

·         Basic understanding and strong interest in water resource conservation required.

 

How to apply

In a cover letter: describe why you would like the job; and an instance in which you engaged other individuals in a cause or activity that was important to you. E-mail the cover letter, a resume, and three references to Justin Ellis, Executive Director, soque@windstream.net or mail to PO Box 1901, Clarkesville, GA 30523. Phone calls are discouraged. More information about the organization is available at www.soque.org.

 

 

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

 

 

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382

 

 

 

Soque Bulletin - August 14th, 2012

SOQUE BULLETIN

August 14th, 2012

1) Rainwater Harvesting Workshop this Thursday

2) Paddle Clean-Up - September 29th

3) "5 in 5" Soque Celebration @ Sutton Mill - October 19th

4) Possible Tour of Grist Mills - October 20th

5) Tree Planting event in November

6) Northeast Georgian Column by Duncan Hughes from August 3rd

1) Rainwater Harvesting Workshop this Thursday

We'd love you to attend our ANNUAL rainwater harvesting workshop coming up in just a few days. If you'd like to attend please RSVP so we can plan on having enough food on hand. Send an e-mail with your name and number of attendees to soque@windstream.net. Directions - take 197 north of Clarkesville. After you pass the Presdient's house on the right, take your first right. There will be a giant parking lot and rainbarrel directional signs pointing the way to The Visual Technology Building which is a large new building adajacent this parking lot.

This year in addition to a quick presentation on how to install a rainbarrel and how to build a raingarden, we'll also be highlighting how the new Habersham County Courthouse is a model for rainwater management by turning it back into groundwater and preventing it from becoming stormwater. And best of all our lunch features local heirloom tomatotes, local bread, local chicken salad, and local blueberries in a delicious cobbler (all for a $5-$10 donation). That can't be beat. See you soon we hope!

2) Paddle Clean-Up - September 29th in conjunction with Rivers Alive

Even though we're over a month away from our paddle clean up date, we encourage the last small handful of you who'd like to attend to sign up soon. We're limited to 40 total volunteers and we're already at 32. The one restricition is that you Must have your own boat and be able to carry it on your car. We'll have folks drop their boats off at Farm Hill just north of the City of Clarkesville. The paddle clean up will take out at Habersham Mills Lake. Trip should take no more than 2-3 hours. We'll meet up at 9am at the Old Clarkesville Mill Parking Lot (in front of the lions). We'll have several vehicles to drive folks back to their cars to come pick up their boats at the Lake. We expect to find some interesting accumulations of trash in this area as we've not been here before. To reserve your spot e-mail Justin at soque@windstream.net. All participants will get a Rivers Alive t-shirt.

This is the first paddle clean up organized on the upper Soque. The route will be either 3 or 4 miles long and take about 2-3 hours.

3) "5 in 5" Soque Celebration @ Sutton Mill - October 19th

Mark your calendars now for this year's big FALL Soque Event. Each year for the past two years the SRWA has held our annual meeting as a FREE EVENT for all members and supporters of the Association. Well we're doing it again this year, only we're flip-flopping the timing from Spring to Fall (we had our Soque Festival Paddle trip in the spring instead). Many of you remember last year's Caribbean themed party at Sutton Mill on a stunning tributary to the Soque River (remember the jerk chicken, spicy pork, mojitos and rum and cokes). We'll be nailing down details soon re: what type of event we'll have this year. Feel free to give us your ideas since it's a party in honor of you! But in the meantime reserve Friday, October 19th on your calendars starting at 6pm, and make sure your Membership is up-to-date (e-mail Kimberly at srwa@windstream.net if you're not sure). That's your ticket to another great event to celebrate and benefit our beautiful Soque Watershed.  And why is it called the "5 in 5"? Because each year we do a fundraising drive to raise $5,000 in 5 days. You can help by inviting a friend or neighbor who isn't currently a member of the SRWA, or consider making a special gift to support all our projects. We'll do a rundown of all our accomplishments this year during the party. This event will replace our annual Soque Roast for this year so we hope you plan on coming!

Sutton Mill is one of the scenic centerpieces of our community and we hope you'll come on out and enjoy it with us.

The fall colors should really jazz it up.

4) Possible Tour of Grist Mills - October 20th

Following our "5 in 5" fundraiser at Sutton Mill we're making plans to have our second TOUR OF GRIST MILLS. Many of you may recall back in the spring of 2010 when we visited: Loudermilk Mill on Hazel Creek, Sutton Mill, Watts Mill (otherwise known as Mark of the Potter) and Nora Mill. We need to confirm that these Mills can participate again this year, but we're planning on following our big Friday event with a more leisurely tour around the watershed on Saturday to look into our past when water, food and livlihood we're closely linked (come to think of it, they still are).

5) Tree Planting event in November

For many years now the SRWA and our partners have recognized more and more the importance of vegetation, especially woody vegetation in contributing to numerous environmental services that we take for granted. For example, trees and other woody vegetation is the principle contributor to stable streambanks. If and when trees are removed, streambanks often crumble as the soil alone cannot resist the power and turbulence of a stream during high water. We've also learned that trees are one of the biggest contributors encouraging rainfall to percolate back into the soil recharging our groundwater table. Trees help build soil organic matter which acts like a sponge, and they create shade, and a food source for stream critters. Basically trees are great for the environment. But we haven't seen the watershed movement as a whole fully embrace the promotion and the planting of trees, and we've been slightly guilty of that as well. That's why this Fall we plan to sponsor a Tree Planting promotional event that will make small one year saplings available very affordably throughout the county (and hopefully beyond). We also want to educate ourselves and the public on tree care. Which trees should be planted where? How should they be planted and how can we insure they thrive? Last but not least we'll have at least two tree planting volunteer opportunities. One on a public property that folks can come back to and enjoy year after year, and one on a private farm where we've installed a cattle fencing project sometime in the last three years.

We hope you may be looking forward to this new project as much as we are. While we don't have final dates nailed down yet, you can expect to see something around the second week of November. If you're a tree enthusiast and would like to get involved, let us know! There's a place for you.

6) Northeast Georgian Column by Duncan Hughes from August 3rd

Take a look at Duncan's great article from two weeks ago. There will be a new column by Justin Ellis in this Friday's paper. Go check it out!

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382

Soque Bulletin - July 23rd, 2012

SOQUE BULLETIN

Monday July 23, 2012

It doesn't look like much now but where Mike Bramblett (the County's facilities director) is standing

will be a curbless main drive into the courthouse, with all the runoff directed into a vegetated swale located where he's staring.

We'll continue to photograph each phase of these new structures and describe them in upcoming newspaper columns, see below.

1) Support Local Farms - SHOP at Northeast Georgia LOCALLY GROWN

2) SRWA and Grace Calvary Church team up to maintain GREENWAYS bridge and boardwalk

3) SRWA staff to write monthly columns on conservation and sustainability topics

4) SRWA Radio and Podcasts now available on www.soque.org

5) Soque Camp for kids everyday this week

6) Upcoming Events - Rainbarrel / Raingarden Workshop - August 16th & Paddle Clean Up - September 29

1) Support Local Farms - SHOP at Northeast Georgia LOCALLY GROWN

It's the height of the growing season. We encourage you to support local farms and enjoy the fruits of the summer by shopping at the Northeast Georgia Locally Grown farmers market. If you haven't tried before it's an online market, with orders taken Sunday night from 9pm until Monday night at 9pm (so you still have plenty of time this week). You can order foods from dozens of farms across Northeast Georgia and they'll harvest fresh produce just for you. There's a plethora of other foods such as breads, milk, meats, eggs and more. Pick up is at Grace Calvary Chuch in Clarkesville on Wednesday from 5-7pm, or in Tiger, GA same times. Give it a try we think you'll enjoy it. (We also encourage you to visit the Clarkesville Farmers Market at the Garden of Wellness.) We'll be conducting a USER survey in a week or so to get your feedback. Thanks for supporting local foods and we hope you'll EAT WELL!

http://northeastgeorgia.locallygrown.net/welcome

Locally Grown is a project of the SRWA to promote sustainable land based businesses

in Habersham County and beyond

2) SRWA and Grace Calvary Church team up to maintain GREENWAYS bridge and boardwalk

If you've ever taken a walk along the Clarkesville Greenway you've noticed that two of the prettiest features are the boardwalk over the "Wetland that Built Itselt" and the bridge over Rocky Branch that takes you to Mary Street Park. Luckily both of these structures are going to get some needed maintenance thanks to a YOUTH GROUP all the way from Gainseville, FL and Grace Calvary Church. They were looking for a volunteer project, and offered to help us put fresh Wood Sealer which will lengthen the life of these structures by a decade or more. We'll have pictures of their work project which begins tomorrow morning around 10am. We encourage  you to head down to the Greenway sometime after Wednesday (both structures will be closed for 24 hours following the treatment) and see how nice they look. It's good to have support like this for our community resources. Big thanks to the City of Clarkesville as well who provided the materials needed for this project. If you have a group seeking a community project let us know. There are many opportunities to give something back.

3) SRWA staff to write monthly columns on conservation and sustainability topics

The Northeast Georgian recently graciously asked us to write two monthly articles for the newspaper about a range of conservation and sustainability topics. Every other week Duncan Hughes and Justin Ellis will alternate in submitting a story about a broad range of topics and projects. Big Thanks to the Northeast Georgian for this great opportunity. Here's a copy of last Friday's article. We hope you enjoy.

We received some very kind feedback to this article the following day:

"I just read your column in the Northeast Georgian explaining what a "watershed" is and how water "works" in the natural world. Thank you for the clearest explanation I've ever heard--particularly the description of groundwater, a mystery to many of us. I know you probably speak to school groups from time to time, but I think lots of other groups would benefit from hearing you give such explanations. I will be looking forward to this column from you and Duncan! Thanks!"

Thank You! We're looking forward to writing more!

4) SRWA Radio and Video Podcasts now available on www.soque.org

The digital age has really made it easier and easier to disseminate information in quick and useful ways. We're trying to catch up with these trends by making some of our pre-recorded Radio and Video stories readily available. We haven't mastered these techniques yet, but we do have a new Media Player on our website that allows you to listen to MP3 radio shows and watch videos directly from our website. You can also download the AUDIO mp3 and put them on your I-POD and other mp3 player to listen to while on the go. We have about 6 short programs available now and will be adding another half dozen in the weeks ahead.

One reason we were inspired to give this a try was a recent program with Candice Felice at WPPR, the NPR affiliate here in Demorest on July 20, 2012. During the program she interviews  Justin Ellis, the SRWA Director, and Ben Dockins the manager of the Clarkesville Farmers Market and asks some interesting questions about growing organic food, the linkages between agriculture and clean water, and the availability of local food across Northeast Georgia. To find this new feature click on the following link:

http://www.soque.org/audio.html

5) Soque Camp for kids everyday this week

Duncan Hughes is leading our kids camp this week during which they will get to climb to the headwaters, collect fish and macroinvertebrates, visit local farms, and canoe the Soque River. Ah, to be a kid again. We'll post photos to our Facebook page of the weeks activities.

6) Upcoming Events - Harvesting RAIN using Rainbarrel / Raingarden Workshop - August 16th & Paddle Clean Up - September 29

Mark your calendars for the SRWA's next two events. First is our annual RAINBARREL and RAINGARDEN Workshop coming up in about three weeks on August 16th. The workshop and LUNCH is once again held at the Visual Technology Building at North Georgia Technical College from 12-2pm.  Spread the word as this is one of our best attended workshops. We'll cover all the details on the benefits of Harvesting Rain using rainbarrels and raingardens. We'll also tour the rain garden built over 2 years ago on the college campus. Rainbarrels will be available for this day only at the discounted price of $35 (normally $45) as our way of saying thanks for learning about the importance of reusing rainwater in the environment. Last but not least we'll again have the tastiest Local Food Lunch in all Habersham County with Heriloom Tomates from Moonshadow Farms on locally baked bread, and blueberry cobbler from local blueberries for desert. A lunch donation of $5-$10 is encouraged.

Please help us spread the word by printing out the attached PDF Flier and putting one up in a public location!

Last year's workshop attendees observe and learn about the Rain Garden at NGTC.

Paddle Clean Up - September 29 - in conjunction with Rivers Alive.

You may want to make your reservations early for our only paddle clean-up of the year. The trip is limited to 40 total volunteers. Must have your own boat and be able to carry it. We'll have folks drop their boats off at Farm Hill just north of the City of Clarkesville. The paddle clean up will take out at Habersham Mills Lake. Trip should take no more than 2-3 hours. We'll start at 9am to meet at a location to be determined. We'll have several vehicles to drive folks back to their cars to come pick up their boats at the Lake. We expect to find some interesting accumulations in this area as we've not been here before. To reserve your spot e-mail Justin at soque@windstream.net. All participants will get a Rivers Alive t-shirt.

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382

Soque Bulletin - July 5th, 2012

SOQUE BULLETIN

July 5th, 2012

The SRWA is hosting a series of SEE THE SOQUE events where we'll take people to see

public areas of the SOQUE WATERSHED that not many people know are public.

Our first stop is a 1 mile section of the upper Soque at Jackson Bridge Road on 197.

1) SEE THE SOQUE EVENT - "SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP @ Jackson Bridge" - Saturday July 7th - 9am

2) Rainbarrels are back at the HABITAT RESTORE

3) GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FARM TOUR - over 150 attend first time event

1) SEE THE SOQUE EVENT - "SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP @ Jackson Bridge" - Saturday July 7th - 9am

If you are itching for an opportunity to see more of the SOQUE your next opportunity will be our SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP – Saturday July 7^th. The Jackson Bridge recreational area is a 1 mile stretch of the mainstem of the SOQUE RIVER all within National Forest Lands. The area is commonly known by fisherman and is the only signficant access site for Trout Fishing on the Soque River. It's located between Brigadoon Lodge and Blackhawk Flyfishing on 197. We haven't done a clean up here in over 4 years.

The Soque River Watershed Association is participating in American Rivers National River Cleanup event. We should have some free t-shirts for volunteers. Volunteers will meet at 9am at Old Clarkesville Mill (left parking lot) and carpool up to the bridge by 9:30 (you can meet us at the bridge if you're coming from the northend of the county). We'll provide all the garbage bags and gloves you'll need. The area around the 197 bridge is all within the National Forest and encompasses a one mile section of public access to the Soque. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's beautiful.

After the cleanup the group will enjoy a short hike on the opposite side of the road to explore another National Forest Land propety. For more details call 706-754-9382 or soque@windstream.net.

Here's a simple map of the National Forest Boundary line upstream of Jackson Bridge.

2) Rainbarrels are back at the HABITAT RESTORE

Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help distribute rainbarrels throughout Habersham County and North Georgia has been one of our most successful partnerships, getting bigger and stronger each year. Last year we introduced our new and improved rainbarrel designs that make hooking a rainbarrel up easier than ever. Everything comes with a Do-It-Yourself kit that takes about 15 minutes to assemble and only needs a power drill. You'll drill a spigot hole in the barrel (hole saws included), an inlet/outlet hole in the top of the barrel, and one small hole in your existing downspout.

Everyone who has used the new barrels agrees these designs are great as it keeps mosquitos out, and solves the problem of overflow from the barrel (it all goes right back into your downspout).

Barrels at the Habitat ReStore in Clarekesville are $45 and include everything you'll need to set up this very effective WATER CONSERVATION tool.

Rainbarrels are $45 and available now at Habitat for Humanity

We have a goal to sell 50 barrels through Habitat this year!

For more details on the new design for these rainbarrels click here to see our installation brochure.

3) GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FARM TOUR - over 150 attend first time event

We were amazed to see about 45-50 total carloads and somewhere around 150 total individuals attending the first ever GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FARM TOUR despite the 104°-109° heat (and hotter in some places).

The tour was designed to showcase the diversity and collaboration amongst local food farms that are growing sustainable and organic food to sell to local food eaters. This was a huge expansion of our Tour of Sustainable Farms event we've done the two years prior, with this event covering 14 total farms, two community gardens, and two local chefs serving fresh local dishes.

Here's some of the feedback we've received from attendees:

·         "One of the best weekends I've had in a long time."

·         "What a wonderful and wholesome way to spend a weekend with our family!"

·         "An enjoyable and educational way to meet great people involved in interesting farming techniques and to enjoy a day exploring the mountains."

·         "Absolutely fantastic! Getting to know just a few of the small farmers in the area was very motivating."

We're still trying to collect feedback from attendees so if you were there please take our survey and you'll receive a small gift as our thanks for attending and helping us improve for next year. Click for the SURVEY.

If you weren't able to attend this year but want to see what you missed, and get excited about next years event, go to the FACEBOOK page for the brand new FARMERS NETWORK that helped organize the event. Proceeds from the event will go towards future collaborative projects for this new FARMERS NETWORK.

We have a ton of photos from the weekends event. If you took photos please share them with us by e-mailing or posting to the FACEBOOK page.

Huge thanks to all the participating farmers for their extreme generosity and hospitality.

Be sure and support them by buying and eating their food all year round.

We also had some nice newspaper coverage.

the GAINSEVILLE TIMES - http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/69543/

the NORTHEAST GEORGIAN -  http://www.soque.org/pdfs/FARM_TOUR_2012_press.pdf

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382

Soque Bulletin - June 22, 2012

SOQUE BULLETIN

June 22, 2012

1) SOQUE RIVER FESTIVAL - Smashing Success

2) GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FARM TOUR - Just one week away

3) SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP - Saturday July 7th - 9am

"FIRST EVER" SOQUE RIVER FESTIVAL

SMASHING SUCCESS

Barbara Steinhous and Jerry Richmond enjoying their paddle during the 4th of 10 trips down the river on Saturday June 16th.

(photo by Lane Gresham - Northeast Georgian)

We have some great photos of the FESTIVAL on our FACEBOOK page and PICASA.

If you have photos from the festival we'd love for you to share them with us.

1) SOQUE RIVER FESTIVAL - Smashing Success

Last weekend's SOQUE RIVER FESTIVAL exceeded all our expectations. We had over 200 people come out for the event, including exactly 150 who floated down the river, and eight who toured the Proposed Greenway on bicycles. We're collecting feedback from everyone who attended and this is one of the comments we received.

"The whole thing was great! Loved the relaxed feel of the event - everyone seemed to have fun, and at the same time, there was a sense of ease....as if we were floating along the river even when on dry land......delightful!"

For those who attended, thanks for contributing to a successful day! We can't thank you enough for being a part of our "very first" SOQUE FESTIVAL!  We had PERFECT WEATHER, GREAT TURNOUT, DELCIOUS FOOD, LOTS OF HELPERS, AND VERY ENTHUSIASTIC ATTENDEES.

If you didn't make it this year, we hope you'll take a look at some of the photos from this year, and ask around, as we think you'll be hoping we host a similar event next year. Based on the community reaction, we certainly hope to do something similar again next year, that's why we'd really like to get YOUR FEEDBACK. Even if you didn't attend the event, but followed our publicity, your input for a similar event next year would be helpful to us. If YOU DID ATTEND this year's festival…….

PLEASE TAKE OUR QUICK SURVEY

ENTER TO WIN A FESTIVAL T-SHIRT

and ORGANIC SEED STARTING KIT

Congratulations to Mark Cross for winning our door prize of a FESTIVAL T-SHIRT

You could be the next to win if you take just 3-5 minutes to complete our survey.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, AND SUPPORTERS

We could never have pulled this off without their help

Also special thanks to:

Tom Hensley and Springer Mountain Farms for providing Chicken, water and sponsorship, Matt Mixon for sponsoring our Laminated Maps for the Event, Doug Henry and Headwaters Realty for sponsoring our volunteer rewards, Cool River Tubing for loaning us Lifejackets, Habersham Bicycles for sponsoring the Greenway Bike Tour, Northeast Georgian for printing our registration form, Deana Brooksher and Garden of Wellness for preparing our local foods (and Jen Lynch, Marie Tannander and Liesel Potthast), Steven Patrick and Sheena (for Fish Frying), Andy Haygood (4H shuttle driver), John Mather for manning the grills. SERVERS - Deb Kilgore, Bob Kilgore, Teri Parker, Liesel Potthast, John Mather. REGISTRATION – Kimberly, Jean, Barbara Moser, Ching-Yu, Morning Washburn, and others. DRIVERS -Bob Bouchard, Dale Holmes, Randy Moser, David Budd, Andy Haygood ,Tom Pinion, Alex Smith. BOAT LOADERS -Stephen Giles, Charles Cunningham, Colt Martin, Jeffrey Turner, Blake Limbaugh, Jonathon Thacker and Brother and Dan Calhoun. GUIDES -Walter Matlock, Dan Calhoun, Bob Brooksher, Doug Henry, John Bigelow, Duncan Hughes, Scarlett Fuller, Ben Dockins, Justin Ellis, and Walter Matlock again. ARTWORK - Linda Anderson. DONATIONS - CERTUS bank – festival site, Marty Simmons and partners – put in site (and maintenance), City of Clarkesville and public works – mowing of site, CopperPot – Kitchen for food prep, Ice from Grace Calvary Church, Squash from Community Gardeners, Habersham County - Courthouse parking lot ,Bluegraphics - discounted t-shirts. BIKE TOUR –Walter, Scarlett, Joe Elam.  KIDS ZONE - Duncan Hughes – bug hunt, Janet Westervelt – bug hunt and id, Laura Turpen – rainbarrel painting, Julianne Wilson – face painting, Rocket Roy fly casting, Robert Sullivan - Fly tying, Bob Brooksher - games. SANITATION - Travis and Tammy Halbrook - Chase Sanitation. MUSIC - Richard & Lynda Averack, Walter Daves, Jeanie Daves, Jennie Inglis and Mark Baker. The Yonah Pickers Dulicimer Band, Lynn McCollum, Dee Petty.   LOANERS - Trucks from Scarlett Fuller and Duncan Hughes, Shuttles from Clarkesville United Methodist Church and Extension 4H, Trailers from Wildwood Outfitters and Bob Brooksher, Lifejackets from Cool River Tubing, Tables from Marty Simmons, Grills from Dan Calhoun, Brian Sandven, Justin Ellis. Boats loaned by: Duncan Hughes, Dudley Sisk, Doug Henry, Tom Hodges, Bob Brooksher, Dan Calhoun, Janet Westervelt, Anne Shirley, Wildwood Outfitters, Walter Matlock, Peter Bull, Tom Woods, Harold Kennedy, Justin Ellis. SITE PREP and SET UP - Dennis Clines, Marty Simmons, Randy Moser, Walter Matlock, Bob Brooksher, Duncan Hughes, Justin Ellis, Tom Pinion, Duncan Hughes, Harmony Fontaine, Debbie Bouchard, Barbara Steinhous and many others

There are probably many others that contributed to this event that we've failed to mention here. It was a great community effort. Thanks to each and every individual who attended and helped out!

Group #1 prepares for their trip with the most experienced guide on the Soque - Walter Matlock.

To stay connected to other great SOQUE EVENTS

send a reply e-mail and request to be added

to the SOQUE BULLETIN e-newsletter

or please JOIN the SRWA

Membership is what makes these events possible

2) GEORGIA MOUNTAINS FARM TOUR - Just one week away

For the last two years the SRWA has hosted a Tour of Sustainable Farms that has been one of our most well attended outings of the year. This year we decided to step it up a notch, and rather than have just 3 farms visited as a caravan on a Saturday, we expanded it to 18 total farm and food stops, spanning 5 counties all across North Georgia, and even touching into North and South Carolina. The reason is that the local sustainable food movement has exploded over the last three years and we wanted to showcase all of the farms and individual farmers that are making it possible. This year we're also including two optional MEAL STOPS by local chefs who know the value of local food (Jamie Alred at Lake Rabun Hotel and Jeff Morris at Copper Pot). To help raise money for a brand new Georgia Mountains Farmers Network, a portion of the proceeds will be used to help build farmer collaboratives throughout NE Georgia. Online advance ticket sales are over, but you can still purchase your weekend pass or brochure at the SRWA offices in downtown Clarkesville (call to arrange a time), at the Simply Homegrown market at Clayton, the Soque Lover Gardens! booth at the Clarkesville Farmers Market (we'll be there after 10am), Mountain Fresh Creamery in Clermont, The Root Cellar in Clayton, or you can show up the day of the event at the first featured farm of the day (LoganBerry Heritage Farm near Cleveland on Saturday) or Cedar Hill Enrichment Center (in Gainseville on Sunday).

To see the list of farms, the map of farm locations, and other details….click on the poster below to see the website and link to our brochure.

Fill up your car and bring family and friends on a weekend adventure to see local sustainable foods in action.

http://georgiamfn.blogspot.com/

3) SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP - Saturday July 7th - 9am

If you are itching for an opportunity to see more of the SOQUE your next opportunity will be our SOQUE RIVER CLEANUP – Saturday July 7^th . The Soque River Watershed Association is participating in American Rivers National River Cleanup event by leading a litter cleanup at Jackson Bridge on Hwy 197. Volunteers will meet at 9am at Old Clarkesville Mill (left parking lot) and carpool up to the bridge by 9:30 (you can meet us at the bridge if you're coming from the northend of the county. We'll provide all the garbage bags and gloves you'll need. The area around the 197 bridge is all withing the National Forest and encompasses a one mile section of public access to the Soque. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's beautiful.

After the cleanup the group will enjoy a short hike. Details call 706-754-9382 or soque@windstream.net.

Justin Ellis

Executive Director

Soque River Watershed Association

www.soque.org

706-754-9382