Click here to register for this opportunity!
Calling all lovers of gardening!Join the Cumberland River Compact for a prairie upkeep and gardening event at the Clarksville Greenway's Pollard Road Trailhead.
In April 2024, Compact volunteers planted 1,000 native plant bulbs in a 5,000 square foot pocket prairie to absorb and filter stormwater flowing off the greenway’s parking lot before it runs into the West Fork Red River. Naturally, some weeds and invasives have crept into the prairie over the past year, threatening to overpower the native plants and decrease their benefits for water quality and wildlife. Volunteers will remove these weeds and invasive grasses, then fill empty areas with new seed, giving the prairie a much-needed refresh.
By participating in this event, you play an active role in improving the health of the West Fork Red River, a 100-mile-long tributary of the Cumberland River Basin!
What to Bring & Wear:
- A shovel and gloves, if you have them (not required).
-
Clothing and shoes that can get dirty or even muddy, depending on recent weather conditions. Long pants are recommended to protect yourself from ticks, and closed-toe shoes are required.
-
A hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
-
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and snacks if needed.
What We Provide:
-
Gloves, shovels, mulch, seeds, and buckets.
-
An overview of the project and a brief training on plant ID at the site, provided by the Compact’s resident plant expert, Cooper!
-
A brief educational talk about water conservation in Middle Tennessee and how restoring native prairies can reduce water pollution in the Cumberland River basin.
Volunteer Requirements:
-
Registration is required. Register here!
-
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but must be capable of bending and squatting. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for anyone under 18. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
-
If you are volunteering to receive credit for service hours, please bring necessary documentation from your school or organization for one of our staff members to sign at the end of the event.
-
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing parking details and additional information about the event.
Contact:
For all questions or additional information, including questions about how to volunteer as a group, please reach out to volunteer@cumberlandrivercompact.org.
Check out a recent blog post to learn more about restoring prairies in Tennessee!
