HemlockFest organizer receives national conservation award

DAHLONEGA - Forest Hilyer of Dahlonega is the recipient of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Conservation Medal for his conservation efforts. The national award was presented during a ceremony at HemlockFest in Dahlonega on November 2. <br /> <br /> Sponsored by the Atlanta Chapter NSDAR, Hilyer's award is one of only a few bestowed nationally each year. NSDAR is a worldwide service organization with nearly 3,000 chapters devoted to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. Lisa Simpson, Conservation Chairman of the Atlanta Chapter, was on hand to present the award. <br /> <br /> "Forest Hilyer is a quiet but energetic warrior for the preservation and maintenance of our mountain forest," Simpson said. "He has his hands on so many projects it's hard to count them. His strength of character, his tireless efforts and his dedication to preserve forests, specifically the hemlock trees, certainly make him deserving of the DAR Conservation Medal." <br /> <br /> Hilyer's conservation efforts span the past decade and have focused on preserving forests and watersheds in North Georgia. He co-founded Lumpkin Coalition in 2003 and continues to chair the all-volunteer organization. Through Lumpkin Coalition, Hilyer spearheads HemlockFest, a benefit music festival that raises awareness and funds to minimize the impact of the non-native hemlock woolly adelgid parasite, which is devastating the hemlock trees of North Georgia at an alarming rate. <br /> <br /> In its ninth year, HemlockFest has raised more than $100,000 to support predator beetle rearing labs at area colleges and universities. This effort to introduce predator beetles, which feed on hemlock woolly adelgids and are a safe and effective biological control, are helping to save native forests and preserve quality-of-life.

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