Six IN-PERSON Sessions Sep 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12, 19 In the late 1700s, the Cherokee first took refuge in the hills and valleys of North Georgia where they forged their way into the forests and found all their means of livelihood—water, food and shelter. As tradesmen and gold seekers surged into the region, they shared resources and followed the Cherokee trails through the forests. By the time the railroad came to Gainesville in the early 1870s, growing numbers of prosperous businessmen, doctors and lawyers began building their homes on the Green Street plateau north of city center. Between 1880 and the 1930s local builders built lavish homes, and homeowners created “parklike” landscapes on their large front lawns. By 1965, some Green Street homes were in need of a facelift. Two young architects arrived in Gainesville to set up shop but first persuaded the City to rezone Green Street for professional businesses to occupy the houses. Ten years later in 1975, the Green Street plateau merited note on the National Register of Historic Places for two reasons. First, the historic-style architecture was locally interpreted by local builders using local materials. Second, the “parklike” landscape still lined both sides of the street. Together, we will study the classic collection of Green St. architecture, delve into secrets behind their doors, and identify the heritage plants still extant on the property over 100 years after they were shipped on ice to Gainesville by rail from the Augusta Fruitland Nurseries. Founding exec. director of the Redbud Project, the grassroots community organization to promote awareness of the unique natural habitats of the Gainesville Ridges region, Margaret Rasmussen looks to history to appreciate the present. A National Garden Club environmental consultant, GA Master Naturalist, certified in native plants by the State Botanical Garden of GA, & Hall County Master Gardener, she is a graduate of S. Carolina, URochester, UBuffalo, & Alfred U.