The annual spring exotic invasive plant removal at the Oak Ridge Barrens Natural Area will be Saturday, March 7.
Located next to Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge, this Barren is a joint project of the City of Oak Ridge, State Natural Areas Division, and Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning. One of only a few cedar barrens in East Tennessee, the area is subject to invasion by Chinese lespedeza, Japanese privet, autumn olive, mimosa, Nepal grass, multiflora rose, and woody plants that threaten the system’s prairie grasses.
“Our continuing efforts help to eliminate these invasives and other shade-producing plants that prevent the prairie grasses from getting needed sun,” a press release said.
Volunteers should meet in the Jefferson Middle School Parking lot at 9 a.m. Saturday with sturdy shoes, loppers, gloves, and water. The work session will conclude at noon with a complimentary pizza lunch.
For additional information, contact Cedar Barren Steward Tim Bigelow at (865) 607-6781 or at bigelowt2@mindspring.com.
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