YHC teams with local community on Cupid Falls projects

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (12/04/2025) — Some lessons can't be learned in the classroom, so students taking courses in Young Harris College's Outdoor Studies Program looked to real-world action to help keep a beloved ecosystem healthy and vibrant.

Teaming with the City of Young Harris and several community organizations, YHC students worked on a service project at Cupid Falls at Corn Creek Preserve near the YHC campus.

"Cupid Falls is such a unique space, we are always eager to combine forces with the local community to work on the natural settings there," said Dr. Joseph Pate, Professor of Outdoor Studies.

The annual projects have been going on for more than 12 years, and connect YHC students with the following local organizations and community partners:

• City of Young Harris and Mayor Andrea Gibby.
• Young Harris Placemaking Committee and Main Street Director Rosemary Royston.
• Enotah Garden Club and Carol Townsend.
• Towns & Union County Master Gardeners and Mark Franza.
• Mountain Beautification & Revitalization Association and Gordy Jones.

"I loved being able to help out at Cupid Falls," said Madison Pelfrey, a Biology major at YHC. "Helping preserve such a beautiful space was truly so connecting during such a stressful week. Everyone there was so welcoming and so willing to teach my class and I about nature. I look forward to helping out again in the future."

The students and volunteers worked on several projects, ranging from planting riparian grasses next to Corn Creek, weeding and mulching various beds, and the rain and butterfly gardens, as well as cleaning the area next to the boardwalk and picking up trash. The group also cleared underbrush next to the new Cupid Falls Overlook Platform.

"Service projects like this allow students to learn the natural, cultural, and historical significance of the environments in which their classes take place," Pate said. "Beyond giving back to our community, these service days are intended to connect students to community members and local non-profits. Outdoor Studies values service, compassion, and stewardship. To be of service is to value both oneself and others. As students further understand their connection to broader communities, they are made aware not only of the needs of those communities, but also how they can make a difference."

Service projects like this allow students to learn the environmental, cultural, and historical significance of the environments in which their classes take place, Pate said.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Cupid Falls Engagement Initiative," said Ian Pierce, a Graphic Design major. "Just the act of being outside and learning what to do when replanting the grass was fun in and of itself, and the people were very helpful and good to talk to. It was time well spent."

Aliyah Lowe, Biology major, agreed: "Cupids Falls is one of my favorite places near campus, and helping make it better and prettier was an honor. I enjoyed getting my hands a little dirty to help create a better environment for everyone who loves this park as much as I do."

18 students from two Outdoor Pursuits classes participated, representing a variety of majors from Communication Studies and Graphic Design to History, Biology, and Environmental Science.

"Helping out yesterday was tons of fun," said Colburn Connelly, a Management major. "It was great to get outside and give back to the community by helping plant some new grass and cleaning up the trails. Being out at Cupid Falls was especially rewarding for myself as I tend to spend a lot of time up and around that area."

"Helping at Cupid Falls was very successful," Annalise Malone added. "We planted new shrubs and flora around the falls, and our class worked to clean up the area. It felt good knowing we were able to help keep our community beautiful."

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas.

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