Lesbian
campground founder dies

The cofounder of a Georgia campground for lesbians died December 31 of emphysema and congestive heart failure, the Southern Voice reported. Joyce Tree, 79, started the Swiftwaters campground with her late partner, Dorothy Osbold, about 26 years ago, according to the article.

While living in Dahlonega, Ga., about 20 miles north of Gainesville, Tree and Osbold saw the need to create a safe place for single women to camp. After Osbold died, Tree became close with Pat Roberts, a woman who would be her partner for the next 15 years. Roberts told the Southern Voice that the campground will continue.

Tree's memorial service will be held at Georgia Mountain Unitarian Universalist Church in Dahlonega. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Joyce Tree Memorial Fund at any BB&T bank branch. The donations will be distributed to Tree's favorite charities. (The Advocate)