Debris Burning

Debris burning is the #1 cause of wildfires. It accounts for over 50% of all wildfires in Georgia. All debris burning requires a permit with the exception of agriculture fields and pastures that only require notification. The burning of household garbage is prohibited and not permitted by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Also burning inside the city limits of Tifton is prohibited. A major cause of debris burn wildfires is not obtaining a burn permit and burning with improper weather conditions. Permits are good for one day and can be obtained by calling 1-877-652-2876 or by logging onto www.gatrees.org . For more information please contact the local Tift County Forestry Unit at 229-386-3346.

Al K. Potts
Chief Ranger/Forester Technician

Landscape Design Reflects Zero-Energy House Theme

In sync with the zero-energy theme of the ‘Green House’ going up at 403 N. Park Avenue, landscape architect Stephen Rakestraw has offered a design which features native and edible plants arranged to provide beauty, diversity, character and privacy to the emerging home. Following the energy-conservation lead, water use will also receive detailed attention.

A rainwater catchment system will provide most of the irrigation needs. The natural slope of the lot from west to east (front to back of the house) will be carefully shaped to enhance the flow, pooling and storage of the rainwater. A vegetable garden, along with blueberries and pineapple guava trees will flourish even during dry spells, as a pump and cistern system designed to dispense captured water will stand at the ready.

Volunteering along with Rakestraw are two UGA experts, John Ruter and Joe LaForest. Dr Ruter, a leading UGA ornamental horticulturist, will select and help secure the plants. LaForest, a certified arborist and president of the Tifton Tree Board, will oversee any pruning of the existing trees needed to maximize sun exposure to the energy-producing roof photovoltaics, while protecting the magnificent swamp chestnut oak and sycamore which reign over the property. He will also guide new tree plantings and care.

Green House Project director Tony Grahame – America’s #1 Green Builder – enthusiastically embraced Rakestraw’s plan. Also present were representatives from the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence, which owns the house.

Members of the Foundation’s ‘Green House Committee’ attending were Frankie Mathis, Mike Davis and Bill Jackson. President Marianna Keesee and Executive Director Mike Brumby were also there to receive the landscape plan. Historic Preservation Charter President Charles Styer, who has photo-chronicled every phase of the construction, was on hand to capture the occasion.

Photo by Charles Styer

Planting at City Hall with the Girl Scouts

Mr. Gary Hawkins with the Girl Scouts and KTB will be planting flowers, herbs and vegetables at City Hall on Saturday the 14^th of April at 10:00 A.M.

Trees by Allen Pritchett and Bassett

The Tree Board was recently asked to look at the trees in front of Allen, Prichett, and Basset.  There are 5 oaks and a magnolia on the site.  All of the trees have extensive decay and have previouly lost sections.  The Tree Board has recommended removal of these trees and will be developing a recommendation of trees to replace them.

BugwoodBlog: Give us your Oak Caterpillars!!!

Give us your Oak Caterpillars!!!: Researchers at the University of Georgia are initiating a regional-level study on oak caterpillar outbreaks in the southeastern U.S. Our project objectives are to better understand the ecology and distribution of caterpillars feeding on oak trees in early spring, and to provide guidance on management of caterpillars.

Click the link above to find out how you can submit your caterpillars to the project!