News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Edgar Evins State Park will invite volunteers to join rangers in removing invasive Japanese Privet during Saturday’s statewide Weed Wrangle.
Ranger Lee Chadwell said invasive plant species are a huge problem in local state parks. He said they outcompete native plants but do not offer the same nutritional value to native animals. He said while this is a year-round battle, he is excited to have the extra hands this weekend.
“One, it’s great to have the volunteers and the help,” Chadwell said. “And then two, it’s also great for us to be able to talk about what the issue is and how they can help on the park or other parks, but also, just in their own area.”
He said the bulk of the work will take place on an old homestead beneath the park’s Saddle Dam. He said volunteers can meet at the park entrance at 9:00am.
“Tennessee state parks are areas that have been set aside for resource, cultural, and historical values, and we want to make sure that we preserve these areas for generations to come,” Chadwell said. “So, not only would you be doing something to help protect something for you to enjoy, but for the future generations of Tennesseans to enjoy as well.”
Chadwell said being that this is the Volunteer State, it only makes sense that residents are eager to come out and help when called upon. He said without the help of the community, these invasive species are a legitimate threat to the natural beauty of the state. He said Ailanthus, also known as “the tree of heaven,” is another plant the volunteers will help remove.
“We’ll be using mechanical instruments, saws, clippers, things of that nature to remove those, as well as tree-pullers,” Chadwell said. “And then we’ll also be using some chemical aspects to put on top of that to ensure that they don’t regrow.”
He said people should wear comfortable clothes that they do not mind getting dirty. He said the park will benefit greatly from even just a couple of hours of work.
