The second annual Weed Wrangle-Knoxville is a citywide effort led by the Knoxville Garden Club to help remove invasive species at several popular outdoor destinations around town. This year, volunteers will gather on March 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Baker Creek Preserve and four other locations to help wrangle the pesky, non-native plants that hinder the growth of the native plants in these areas. Legacy Parks is excited to continue a partnership with the Knoxville Garden Club into a second year through the coordination of volunteers at Baker Creek Preserve! Just email Sarah at szimmerman@legacyparks.org to sign up!
The invasive plants that we will tackle were likely introduced for agricultural or landscaping decades ago, but threaten our native trees, plants, and wildlife today. Although many of them have beautiful blooms and scents, they can offset the natural balances of the places we enjoy hiking, biking, and playing.
With direction from experts in invasive weed management from Invasive Plant Control and the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council, volunteers will take the necessary steps to restore Knoxville’s landscapes to a healthy, native ecosystem. Our work will make a difference not only on this property, but will help prevent these invasive species from spreading to other private yards and public spaces.
Through the Weed Wrangle, volunteers will learn what it takes to free an area of invasive plants and the impact they can have on our ecosystem. By spreading the word about best practices, we will begin to establish a community that is knowledgeable about caring for the native plants in their own yards and the spaces we all share throughout East Tennessee.
