The Townsend River Walk Project is a long term project focused on removal of invasive plants and trees and planting of native species on a trail along the Little River.  Over thirty five different species of trees and as many different native wild flowers have been identified that thrive in the habitat.  The site has been designated as a certified arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.

The River Walk was re-certified as an arboretum in 2016 by the Urban Forestry Department of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and is the only arboretum in Blount County.  The butterfly garden added in 2016 has been designated a Monarch Waystation, and additional plants and seeds ideal for pollination and food have been added for 2017.

Volunteers continue to work on the  removal of invasive plants and clearing the trail of debris.  Additional trees have been marked for the arboretum and adding a native resistant chestnut is a 2017 goal.

Project plans for 2017 include planting new trees, developing and publishing a River Walk informational brochure, and creating plans for long term maintenance of the trail.

Work on the River Walk is continual, and volunteer opportunities will be scheduled and announced ahead of time.   After storms, downed tees and debris must be cleaned up.  Specific projects may involve additional removal of invasive plants and trees and replacement with native species, and spreading additional rock on the trail. Volunteers can work at any time with invasive removal and weeding in the established beds, especially the one in the Townsend side entrance. 

Be sure and check out our new website at towsendriverwalk.com

Volunteers are welcome!  Contact Charlotte Miller via email at: info@blountcountytnmastergardeners.org