County Coordinator Appreciation: Cliff Shaw

The Old-Growth Forest Network wouldn’t be able to continue our mission of creating a national network of protected old-growth forests without our County Coordinators! They are the on-the-ground experts of their local communities and know all about the forests that are near and dear to their hearts. To honor our amazing volunteers, we showcase one County Coordinator each month and share more about what makes them so special.

Photo by Sue Harmon of Cliff Shaw next to a giant surviving old-growth tulip tree in the Chattahoochee River Headwaters old-growth area on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

Cliff Shaw

Name: Cliff Shaw

County (counties) where you volunteer (and state): Union County, GA

Forests you’ve nominated: Chattahoochee River Headwaters Old-Growth Area

In 3-4 sentences, describe yourself to the OGFN community:

I’m a retired forester who has served as a US Forest Service and National Park Service volunteer for the last two decades in California, Nevada, Alaska, Florida, and Georgia. My home is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia where for the last 5 years I have focused my attention on finding big trees and new old-growth areas, which are described in my book  Rambling Through Old-Growth Forests Past and Present: A Personal Survey of Surviving Old-Growth on the Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattahoochee National Forests. My latest interest involves exploring the fascinating history of the people who helped make the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests our  last refuge for diversity, beauty, and solitude in north Georgia.

Favorite forest you have visited: In state- Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia

Out of State: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada and California

Favorite tree species: Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Favorite season: Spring

Favorite snack on hikes: Green Apples

What inspired you to volunteer as a county coordinator for OGFN? I volunteer as an OGFN county coordinator because I want to promote a better understanding and appreciation of our remaining old-growth forest.             

Do you have any advice to share with someone considering serving as a volunteer county coordinator? Always remember that our remaining old-growth forests are a treasure of immeasurable value and the only way to truly appreciate their beauty and importance is to make the journey to see them. 

Photo by Sarah Adloo of Cliff Shaw next to a giant surviving old-growth tulip tree in the Chattahoochee River Headwaters old-growth area on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

THIS COULD BE YOU!

Are you interested in volunteering to be a County Coordinator with OGFN? Fill out this simple form today and the Regional Manager for your area will contact you shortly.