PAST PROGRAMS:
Community Forestry Training
Trees offer numerous environmental, economic, social, and health benefits. The GACDS Community Forestry Training Program, conducted from September 2009 through August 2010, increased public awareness of the benefits of urban forests. The program strengthened community forestry efforts throughout the state by providing volunteers with the information and resources needed to sustain community forestry programs. Through the training program, GACDS:
fostered a greater appreciation of the environmental, economic, social, and health benefits offered by community forests
increased knowledge of urban forestry issues
created a better understanding of how to initiate an urban forestry program or improve an existing one
developed supervisors' knowledge of possible community forestry program partners, and
provided districts an introduction to fundraising activities and grant writing to support community forestry programs.
The Georgia Forestry Commission's (GFC) Sustainable Community Forestry Program provides a wealth of information on urban and community forestry. On their Resources - Web Links page you can find everything from tree identification tips to legislation and research links.
The Georgia Urban Forest Council's (GUFC) mission is to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. Do you know if your community has a tree ordinance? Find out on the GUFC's "Georgia's Tree Ordinances". Do you think you know a champion tree? The Georgia Champion Tree Program, overseen by the Georgia Forestry Commission, recognizes the largest tree of a particular species. Instructions are given for taking tree measurements; nominations may be submitted online.
wwwUrbanForestrySouth.org provides support for urban and community forestry programs in the Southeast. Publications and presentations on the benefits of trees, tree care, and other topics are available to be downloaded.
The National Association of Conservation Districts' (NACD) Urban and Community Conservation page provides information on what conservation districts are doing in urban and community conservation, along with resources and tools.
The Georgia Forestry Commission's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program awards funds to communities in Georgia for projects that stimulate and enhance community forest resources. Grant priorities are: management plans for community forests, city arborists, tree ordinances/policies, and tree advocacy/advisory organizations. Making the Shade, sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission, provides grants for planting shade trees at elementary schools.
Local Work Group Training
One of the most important duties of a soil and water conservation district is to lead the local conservation planning process. To accomplish this, districts are responsible for assembling and coordinating the activities of their Local Work Group to assess local natural resource concerns, prioritize needs, and identify funding to address the concerns. In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, GACDS conducted Local Work Group Training (September 2009 - September 2010) to guarantee that resource concerns are being addressed in the delivery of conservation programs. The training sessions updated partners on Farm Bill programs and covered conservation priorities and practices.