Do you love trees? Do you wish there were more shade trees at Little Creek Farm & Park? If the answer is yes, have we got a fun project for you! Play the Horsemanship Challenge Quiz and raise money for new trees for the Park.
Atlanta Riding Academy’s Dana McDaniel has been working with the Little Creek Farm Conservancy Tree Committee and the Dekalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department to identify location sites and species that are suitable and available for planting at the Park.
Dana became involved with this project a few years ago when trees that were dead or unhealthy were removed from the property, involving trees on the west side of the Park that provided not only shade, but served as a noise and traffic buffer. The loss of those trees had a significant impact on both riders and horses, and Dana began to look into ways of replacing them.
In addition, in early 2019, two large 100-year old water oaks near Lawrenceville Highway and Hollywood Drive were lost in a trenching accident during water main replacement, and additional tree removal in the area occurred with the townhouse development at that site. Commissioner Katie Gannon responded to the news by sending an email to the County CEO, COO, Director of Watershed Management, Director of P & S, the townhouse developers, the Dekalb Neighborhood Council, and Commissioner Steve Bradshaw. She stated, “the loss of the trees and canopy is sad and disappointing. Even more disturbing and of equal concern to me is the loss in public trust that comes with this entire debacle. The County and its contractors must do better. The County contractor will be required to plant a number of new trees based upon the size of the ones lost. The County arborist will determine how much recompense is required. We will look for publicly owned spaces nearby to plant trees. There should certainly be opportunities within Little Creek Horse Farm.”
These opportunities have yet to be developed, but now that Little Creek is open to current boarders and some students, as well as for socially distanced volunteer efforts, the tree project has been resumed and Dana discovered a great way for our community to help. The object is to provide funding tied to an educational opportunity in order to obtain ten to fourteen saplings. These trees will be placed in the area containing the paddocks, jump ring, and rehabilitation turnout pasture. Each tree costs $50 to $100.
The Conservancy interviewed Dana about this fundraising opportunity:
How did you tie together the idea of a Horsemanship Program Challenge to trees? Every year I try to think of a way to promote horsemanship education. This year was hard due to quarantine and distancing, so the idea was to provide virtual education, in the form of a game show. Since we are in year two of trying to obtain the saplings, I did not want to miss another planting season and this seemed like a good way to have fun, promote education, and support the tree project. When the new trees arrive, people will see them everyday and know they helped get them there. Participation in the Horsemanship Program Quiz Challenge, with a suggested donation of $25 for each participant, will help reach both goals.
How much do I need to know about horses to play the Horsemanship Program Quiz Challenge? The topics are specific and technical. Knowledge of horse care, equipment and riding is required to get a top score. However, no one should be discouraged about not knowing the answers. Your scores will not be made public. An online Horsemanship Study Guide is provided with your enrollment. The information is available to anyone with an interest in these topics, and while a donation is not required, it is how we will be raising money for the trees. Taking the Quiz gives riders pointers on where they need to build their skills and trainers the feedback as to what they should be teaching.
How do I register for Horsemanship Program Challenge and take the Quiz? It is easy. An enrollment form is available here: https://form.jotform.com/202864411201038. Once you fill out the form, it automatically responds with links to the online Guide to Horsemanship and a link to the online Horsemanship Quiz. The first Quiz is timed and only takes 10 minutes. The top scores will be invited to take another Challenge and winners will be determined. The top participants will be contacted and we will work as a group to decide on the format for the final Quiz. It could be virtual, online or in person within social distancing guidelines.
Can I get the Guide to Horsemanship without playing in the Quiz? Yes, this is free education available to anyone who wants it. Contact dana@atlantariding.com and I will send it to you. Again, a $25 donation to the tree project is appreciated, but not required.
If I don’t want to take the Quiz, how do I donate to the Tree Fund? Donations can be made to the LCFC via this PayPal link. Please make sure you note that you want the donation designated to the tree fund.
Are there any other ways to help? Sure. Trees are typically planted in the winter when they are dormant, so if efforts are successful, look for a tree planting volunteer day to be announced by the LCFC. Also, funds will go farther if a local supplier wanted to help by offering a discount or a donation of trees.
Is there a deadline to participate? The official date to have the first round of the challenge scored is November 8th. However, if there is still interest, I will make sure everyone has an opportunity to play, but only entries prior to November 8th will be considered for the final round, which is tentatively scheduled for November 14th.
This is a wonderful opportunity to increase your horse knowledge, while at the same time benefitting Little Creek Farm & Park with the planting of much needed trees. Many thanks to Dana, LCFC, Dekalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, and Dekalb County Commission for their support of this effort.