Blount County Master Gardeners are collaborating with the Tuckaleechee Garden Club, the City of Townsend and TDOT on the Townsend River Walk Project. This project is a long term collaborative 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 this habitat.  The site has been designated as a certified arboretum by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and by the Urban Forestry Department of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

A butterfly garden was added in 2016 and has been designated a Monarch Waystation, and additional plants and seeds ideal for pollination and food have also been added.

Master Gardeners continue to work on the  removal of invasive plants and clearing the trail of debris.  Additional trees have been marked for inclusion in the arboretum including a native resistant chestnut.

Work on the River Walk is continual, and volunteer opportunities are scheduled and announced ahead of time.   After storms, downed tees and debris must be cleaned up.  Specific projects often 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.

Click here to learn more about the Townsend River Walk!