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Stewardship
We actively care for and protect natural environments and water resources by conducting and supporting activities that ensure long-term health, sustainability, and conservation of these ecosystems.
In 1969, the North Ridge Trail was presented to the citizens of Oak Ridge by TCWP (Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning), whose members developed it, got City Council to dedicate it, and worked for federal and state designations to help protect its status. Over 8 miles in length and honored by the dual designations of National and State Recreation Trail. TCWP undertook to maintain the trail for public use for at least 10 years; it has now done so for over 50.
You can read more in our library by clicking the link below.
Be part of the legacy and volunteer for trail maintenance. Sign up now for our next Volunteer Day by clicking the link below.
Nestled behind Jefferson Middle School, the Oak Ridge Cedar Barrens is one of the rarest ecosystems in East Tennessee—home to globally imperiled and state-listed plant species like Torrey’s Mountain mint and prairie goldenrod. Preserved since 1988 through a partnership between TCWP, the City of Oak Ridge, and TDEC, this small natural area requires active stewardship to prevent succession and invasive plant takeover.
TCWP volunteers have maintained and expanded the Barrens for decades, using careful plant removal and habitat restoration to protect these unique prairie remnants.
We have several publications you can read in our library:
- Oak Ridge Barrens Natural Area: History, Significance, and Management, published in January of 2003
- A Reaffirmation of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Natural Area Registration Agreement to Protect Oak Ridge Barrens,” signed in April of 2003.
- Oak Ridge Barrens Natural Area Management Plan of 2014.
Keep your eyes on the Events page or sign up now for our next Volunteer Day by clicking below.
Worthington Cemetery lies within a cedar-barrens area abutting the Clinch River (Melton Hill Reservoir) on the west side of the river bend near the old Elza Gate. The tract is on TVA land which, prior to 1992, had been designated (but not developed) for “industrial” use. It had received considerable abuse through extensive dumping and was rutted by off-road vehicle use. The area encompassing the cemetery, however, contains at least 14 plant species of interest, and is home to several bird species (including red-shouldered hawk, green-backed heron, and hairy woodpecker), as well as frogs and lizards.
In the summer of 1980, TCWP founders Bill and Lee Russell contacted TVA Chairman S. David Freeman to suggest that a tract in the Whites Creek embayment of Watts Bar Reservoir be designated a Small Wild Area. It took several TVA visits to the area, an exchange of memos, meetings with Bowater Southern Paper Co. (the adjacent land owner), and numerous additional promptings by TCWP to get the designation for what was then Tract XWBR-38R changed from Public Recreation to Small Wild Area. A month later, in November 1983, TCWP signed an agreement with TVA whereby both parties will cooperate in “inspecting repairing and maintaining” the trails in the SWA (designated Tract #238 in the 2009 Watts Bar Land Management Plan).
In 1998, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, in alliance with the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC), adopted the Alley Ford segment of the Cumberland Trail. TCWP has sponsored annual trail maintenance events on this portion of the trail since then. The entire Cumberland Trail will eventually extend over 200 miles from near Chattanooga to Cumberland Gap. The Obed Segment, which is projected to be over 17 miles long when completed, is being developed in two portions, one starting at Nemo Bridge and the other at Devils Breakfast Table.
The 2.5 mile Alley Ford segment runs through the Obed Wild and Scenic River from Nemo Bridge to Alley Ford. The trail travels by a rock house and interesting rock formations and on top of a strip mine berm, a remnant of the coal mining industry in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The berm is composed of the material that was stripped off by big machinery to reach the coal.
The annual trail maintenance outings, generally held in February, include removing some logs and brush from along the trail and general trail maintenance (cleaning out water bars). We usually save enough time to hike up to Alley Ford to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Obed River.
