The Unpopular Poplar
Contributed by South Fork Conservancy
A LMMNA Community Partner
Many Lindridge-Martin Manor trail users have noticed the fallen 50-foot, 16,000-pound tulip poplar which is jammed into the banks of the South Fork along the Confluence Trail as well as the litter which it collects.
It is harder to notice the inch-by-inch erosion it is causing along trail banks and the limits it places on the movement of local wildlife. The South Fork Conservancy recently put out a call to help fund the removal of this tree and reports they are very grateful for everyone who has joined so far.
They are already one-third of the way to a goal of $1,500 to fully fund the removal of a large portion of the trunk of the tree. If you are able to give at this time, consider making a gift to help the conservancy reach their goal!
You can also join our last litter cleanup at the tree by RSVPing here.
This big popular collects trash and debris.
‘Unpopular Poplar’ Update From South Fork
Thank you all so much for your generosity and support during our crowdfunding effort to remove a large section of the tree jamming the South Fork.
It was deeply heartwarming to see so many of you come together to help the creek flow freely again. South Fork Conservancy supporters contributed $2,525, breaking through our goal! This means that your support will not end with this specific tree project; we will use the funds for future restoration projects along the Confluence Trail.
In partnership with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, 20 volunteers helped to prep the tree for removal by joining together for a creek cleanup earlier this month. An astonishing 1,300 pounds of garbage was removed and disposed of safely. Oddest find of the day? A working sand timer!
On Aug. 13, the 50-foot, eight-ton tulip poplar’s trunk which was jamming the creek was cut by Boutte Tree, Inc. This complex project required a full day of work, over 200 feet of rigging, and a powerful winch.
Several sections of trunk, each weighing up to six tons, were removed from the stream channel to help reduce bank erosion next to our nature trails. South Fork plans an upcoming volunteer day to remove some of the remaining litter which is jammed along the root ball which will stay in the creek.
Please stay tuned for more updates. If you didn’t have a chance to contribute to the crowdfunder but want to support our work, you can make a gift at our website. Every dollar makes a difference. Also, visit the South Fork website to volunteer for clean-up days and other outreach activities.
The first clean-up effort was a big success. Another one is needed to clean up after tree removal.