Following catastrophic damage from tornadoes last April, residents of Murfreesboro are gathering to restore the Murfreesboro Greenway System close to its original splendor.
In addition to three-dozen homes, and an estimated $40 million worth of destruction to residential property and local businesses, the Greenway also suffered critical damage – damage that can still be seen today.
The restoration project is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday when volunteers will be planting thousands of trees and shrubs along the Stones River Greenway in the area that was damaged.
“After the initial assessment following the tornado it was obvious we needed to do something,” said Angela Jackson, program coordinator for Greenways and Wetlands. “Late fall is the best time to plant the native species that the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department will be providing.”
The restoration project is important to the quality of the Stones River and the surrounding environment. It will help to prevent erosion of the riverbanks and provide habitat for native wildlife.
“After the tornado, many wanted to volunteer and the Tree Planting Day is an opportunity where we really need the help,” Jackson said. “We plan to plant between 5,000 and 6,000 trees, native to the area – this is important for river quality, erosion control and to improve the appearance and health of the greenway corridor.”
Pre-registration is requested for volunteers. The workdays and times will be Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and later that day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jackson said that although there are no student organizations signed up to volunteer, there are individual students and professors that will be involved.
Heather Cusick, an alumna and senior majoring in pre-nursing, said she frequents the Greenway, and the damage in the area is still quite visible.
“The trees by the [affected] apartments are just gone – it is barren,” Cusick said. “You can actually see the destruction on the houses across the river from the down trees and the effects of the tornado on the Greenway.”
Cusick said while the damage is visible, she feels the City of Murfreesboro is working diligently to repair the aftermath.
“One of the biggest things in the city is the Greenway,” Cusick said. “It looks like the city is trying to get it back to as normal as possible.”
Anyone interested in volunteering this weekend should contact Angela Jackson at 615-893-2141 or ajackson@murfreesborotn.gov. Volunteers must be at least 10 years old and a parent or guardian must sign a permission form for anyone under 17. Volunteers are also asked to bring a shovel or a garden trowel and gloves.
Volunteers will meet at the Thompson Lane Trailhead at 2240 North Thompson Lane.
Residents help repair parks
Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 19, 2009 00:11
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