JARS v63n4 - ARS and Middle Atlantic Chapter Receive Recognition and Awards

ARS and Middle Atlantic Chapter Receive Recognition and Awards
Sandra McDonald
Hampton, Virginia

Some members of the Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS Species Study Group and friends have been working on projects involved with native azaleas in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for a few years. So far these projects include Gregory and Hooper Balds. The September 2007 issue of JARS contained our first article "Gregory Bald: From Species Study Group to Annual Treks, Azaleas Photos, Aerial Photo, and a Mower" on pages 63-66. As a result of this work we recently received the following awards:

Certificate of Appreciation
This certificate is awarded to the American Rhododendron Society in recognition of valuable contributions to National Park Service.

Signed: Kristine Johnson, Supervisory Forester

Steven Shaper, Biological Science Technician

Kristine Johnson gives Jim Brant a certificate recognizing ARS contributions to the National Park.
Kristine Johnson, Supervisory Forester in the National Park Service, gives
Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS President Jim Brant a certificate recognizing ARS
contributions to the National Park. The chapter had obtained a mower for the
Gregory Bald mountain top through the ARS Endowment Fund. The chapter has
subsequently supported summer clean up work there with monetary donations.
Photo by Sandra McDonald

Certificate of Appreciation
The State of Tennessee State Capitol

By virtue of the authority vested in me, I hereby confer upon the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society this Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding service in the best interests and in the highest traditions of the State of Tennessee

Signed: Phil Bredesen, Governor, March 31st, 2009

National Forests in North Carolina
On behalf of the National Forests in North Carolina, I want to thank you and your volunteers for your work restoring Hooper Bald. With your help, we have made an important first step in conserving and enhancing both valuable habitat for rare species, as well as an important recreation site for forest visitors. Your efforts to improve the display of wild rhododendrons will reward forest visitors for years to come.

Although we have made progress, we realize there is still much to do. With your continued support, we look forward to working with the American Rhododendron Society in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Steve Lohr, Ranger, Tusquitee Ranger District