Alternatives
› Can’t wrangle weeds? Sign up for litter patrol around Grundy Lakes at South Cumberland State Park in Monteagle at 9 a.m. CST Sunday, March 5. Participants will meet at the beach parking lot and set off in canoes on a mission to beautify the waters and learn about the aquatic life at the park. For more information, email jason.reynolds@tn.gov or call 931-924-2980.› Can’t make it this weekend? Fort Loudoun State Park in Vonore will hold its Weed Wrangle from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 11. Participants will remove privet from the hiking trails to help save wildflowers and keep the deer healthy. Participants should be prepared to pull, cut and carry small shrubs. Bring work gloves and water. For more information, email lauren.baghetti@tn.gov or call 423-884-6217.
Seven state parks in the region will take part in a statewide cleanup Saturday, March 4, to rid Tennessee's state parks and natural areas of non-native plant species. Weed Wrangle is enlisting volunteers to help eradicate invasive plants in these public spaces.
Participants should wear sturdy, close-toe shoes and clothes they don't mind getting dirty.
You can give planners a head count by registering for an individual event at http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/weed-wrangle. Here's a preview of how and where you can help.
Booker T. Washington State Park
5801 Champion Road, Chattanooga
* When and where: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; meet at Picnic Area 2.
* Duties: Pulling and cutting plants.
* Bring: Water and a snack, plus gloves, if you have them.
* Information: Daniel.basham@tn.gov, 423-322-5160.
Cumberland Mountain State Park
24 Office Drive, Crossville.
* When and where: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CST; meet at the boat dock parking lot.
* Duties: Remove invasive plants and clear back mountain laurel that has taken over the historic Civilian Conservation Corps picnic area.
* Bring: Snacks, water, gloves.
* Information: monica.johnson@tn.gov, 931-484-6138
Fall Creek Falls State Park
10821 Park Road, Spencer
* When and where: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. CST; meet at Nature Center.
* Duties: Clear autumn olive from the campgrounds.
* Bring: Gloves and a snack, plus branch cutters if you have them.
* Information: cara. alexander@tn.gov, 423-881-3297.
Harrison Bay State Park
8411 Harrison Bay Road, Chattanooga
* When and where: 2-4 p.m.; Nature Trail trailhead near campground.
* Duties: Remove Chinese privet.
* Bring: Water and work gloves.
* Information: jordan.brison@tn.gov, 423-344-6214.
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
404 Spring Creek Road, Delano.
* When and where: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; meet at park office.
* Duties: Defend native plants from aggressive invaders in the Gee Creek Invasive Annihilation.
* Bring: Sack lunch, gloves.
* Information: bg12245@gmail.com, 615-631-2916.
Red Clay State Historic Park
1140 Red Clay Park Road SW, Cleveland
* When and where: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; meet at Gazebo.
* Duties: Invasive species removal.
* Bring: Gloves, water, sunscreen, bug spray.
* Information: logan.cammarata@tn.gov, 423-478-0339.
Tims Ford State Park
570 Tims Ford Drive, Winchester
* When and where: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CST; meet at Visitors Center.
* Duties: Retake the once vast hardwood forests from the choking overgrowth of non-native Callery pear, Japanese privet and Tree-of-Heaven. Light to moderate physical labor, done on low, rolling hills along park trails, will include cutting, lifting and loading logs and branches into trucks, hauling loads to pickup sites and using hand tools. Participants are not required to work the entire allotted time.
* Bring: Water, sack lunch.
* Note: Work gloves and tools will be provided. Restrooms and water refills will be close.
* Information: philip.hylen@tn.gov, 931-962-1183.