Weed Wrangle scheduled March 4 at Tennessee state parks
Published 12:07 pm Friday, February 24, 2023
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Tennessee State Parks invite Tennesseans to participate in the state’s annual Weed Wrangle on Saturday, March 4, part of a national effort to remove invasive plants from public spaces.
Tennessee has 39 state parks participating.
The events are to restore natural habitats by removing invasive species or replanting native species. State and community experts will supervise the removal of trees, vines, and flowering plants, while volunteers learn ways to address their own green spaces. The volunteer events will also count for community service and Tennessee Promise service hours.
Examples of the efforts in the Weed Wrangle include removing invasive species at a home site in Edgar Evins State Park; putting together crappie beds to promote native plant growth in Cub Lake at Natchez Trace State Park; removing Chinese Privet from the Discovery Loop trail at T.O. Fuller State Park; and picking up and hauling off nature debris caused by storms and wintry weather at Pinson Mounds State Park.
At Roan Mountain State Park, volunteers and park ranger staff will take part in a battle against invasive plants. The volunteers will work to continue the battle against non-native Chinese Privet around the Visitor Center area and along the Doe River. The event will begin at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center and end at 5 p.m.
Gloves, eye-wear, and tools will be provided by the park. Volunteers are asked to bring good working shoes, clothing for unpredictable weather, a water bottle, and any snacks. In addition to removing invasive privet, volunteers will help to plant native plants into restoration sites to help outcompete the non-native plants in the future.
At Sycamore Shoals State Park, park personnel and volunteers will work to remove the invasive English Ivy along the historic riverfront trail. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m. The park will provide gloves and bags for removal.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate work clothing, including proper footwear, and bring gloves, along with water and snacks.