When you drive into Dalton you are greeted by the stunning view of Rocky Face Ridge. This ridge is more than just a pretty landmark or great place to hike, it is a vital component of Dalton’s natural infrastructure. The Dalton Resilient Community Committee is launching a new survey to gather residents’ opinions on Dalton’s natural assets and environmental resilience.
The committee’s Rooting for the Ridge educational effort seeks to encourage local understanding of the crucial role that Rocky Face Ridge plays in providing benefits that enhance the community’s quality of life. The initiative is a collaborative effort funded through the Thrive Regional Partnership’s Resilient Communities program, run in partnership with the Open Space Institute, and administered by Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful. It is led by a dedicated group of residents of Dalton and Whitfield County.
Residents can take part in the survey by visiting They can learn more about Rooting for the Ridge by visiting rootingfortheridge.com.
Rocky Face Ridge isn’t just for outdoor enthusiasts. Its forested slopes help mitigate flooding, erosion, landslides and heat waves in Dalton. Numerous native plants and animal species call the ridge home.
If you are a history fan, you may know the ridge holds historical significance for the area with numerous undisturbed Civil War fortifications.
“The National Park Service says that our county has more intact Civil War breastworks (earthen and stone) than any other in the country and most of them are on the slopes of Rocky Face Ridge,” stated committee member Kathryn Sellers.
The Resilient Community initiative aims to boost Dalton’s ability to prepare for, withstand and recover from natural disasters like flooding, erosion and landslides. Enhancing community resiliency can include several solutions including nature-based measures such as planting more trees, creating green spaces to absorb excess water during heavy rains and updating zoning regulations to limit development in high-risk areas.
Chris Stearns, a member of the committee and the Dalton Tree Board, said about the project, “With the changing climatic conditions our region is experiencing, Rocky Face Ridge plays a pivotal role in protecting our community from adverse changes such as hotter summers and more intense and frequent rainstorms.”
Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Thrive Regional Partnership, and management by Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful, the Rooting for the Ridge project will develop educational materials and signage in addition to the community survey. The survey is a crucial tool in this initiative, enabling residents to share their insights and opinions on the natural assets of Dalton and the measures needed to enhance the town’s ability to handle weather-related threats. Public input is invaluable to ensuring a resilient community.
Submitted by Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful.
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