Our project site at Two Rivers Park covers almost 14 acres worth of the park. Both of our forest parcels have been severely affected by invasive non-native plant species. These plants ultimately have a negative impact on the wildlife that depends on this system by outcompeting native flora for resources. At GROW, we’ve taken on the ambitious task of eradicating these species and replanting native trees, shrubs, and perennials.
 
Here are some typical tasks associated with this kind of volunteer work
Using pruners, loppers, or *Uprooter tool to remove invasive plants
Widening existing hiking trails by removing vegetation (thereby allowing access to new areas where we can begin reforestation efforts)
Spreading wood chip mulch.
 
Special skills you might learn or get to practice
Agroforestry and permaculture style farming techniques
Learning about various tools used for invasive plant control and Agroforestry
Identification of native plants and our top 3 invasive non-native plants: Bush Honeysuckle, Chinese Privet, and Euonymus vine
 
Need-To-Knows
There is no running water or electricity at GROW. Volunteers should bring their own water bottles and charge their phones before arrival. 
There is no shelter from severe weather at GROW. In the event of severe weather on a scheduled workday (lightning, impending severe thunderstorm, or tornado watch/advisory) this event will be canceled. 
Volunteers should wear protective clothing appropriate for outdoor work including pants to protect legs, closed-toed shoes, breathable shirts for comfort in outdoor weather and protection from sun/brambles/stinging insects.
 
Parking for the small forest near the playground:
Volunteers should park in the small GROW parking lot, located at the Northern edge of Two Rivers Park near the Stones River Greenway.  The entrance to our roadway is across from the dog park, near the intersection of a park’s road and McGavock Pike. You must drive between the green posts and follow the roadway to the left (over the Stones River Greenway) to find our parking area. From there, it is a short 3-minute walk past the gate to the worksite.
 
Community Impact
Park visitors will benefit from increased access to this historically significant parcel of land, which was once part of the Two Rivers Mansion Estate. Finally, the forest ecosystem functions as an intensive ecology classroom for area students from April – October each year.

Some of the groups who’ll benefit from your volunteerism include:
Elementary and middle school students who come for science field trips.
Students who attend GROW’s conservation themed summer day camp.
Scout troops who come to work on merit badges and volunteer.
Adults who attend future workshops to learn how to replicate this process in their own yards.

On behalf of all of these students, we want to thank you for giving of your time to create this unique “community classroom” to inspire a love of nature in the next generation!

 Sign up for this event through HON