Join Rangers Isabelle and Lukas on the Springfield Trail for TN State Parks Weed Wrangle event. During this event, volunteers will work to remove invasive English Ivy from the trail. English ivy grows and spreads quickly, outcompeting native plants for nutrients and covering tree canopy. When left unchecked, English ivy can be detrimental to native habitats. Volunteers will remove ivy with hand tools. Please come prepared for this event by wearing weather appropriate clothing - long sleeves and pants are recommended. Be prepared to get wet and/or dirty. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate. Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks. Park Rangers will provide work tools, gloves, and additional water. You are welcome to bring your own gloves or hand tools to this event. Please, no power tools.
The location of the English ivy on the Springfield trail can only be reached by foot. Participants will hike from the Ivy Academy parking lot to the work location, approximately .5 miles. This trail is composed of dirt and gravel with some dispersed rocks. There is minimal elevation change on this hike. A section of the hike does follow North Chickamauga Creek. There are no bathrooms available. The closest bathrooms are located at the gas station adjacent to Ivy Academy. Parking will be at Ivy Academy (High School side). A Park Ranger will meet visitors at the school and hike with them to the work location.
