The Oak Ridge Cedar Barren will again be the site of exotic invasive plant removal as we conduct our fall cleanup, our third and final cleanup of the barren this year. Located next to Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge, the Barren is a joint project of the City of Oak Ridge, the State Natural Areas Division, and TCWP. The area is one of just a few cedar barrens in East Tennessee and is subject to invasion by bushy lespedeza, leatherleaf viburnum, privet, autumn olive, mimosa, Nepal grass, multiflora rose, and many native woody plants that threaten the prairie community. Our efforts help to eliminate invasives and other shade-producing plants that prevent the prairie plants from getting much-needed sunlight, nutrients, and water.
Volunteers should meet in the Jefferson Middle School Parking lot at 9 a.m., with sturdy shoes, loppers, gloves, and water. The work session will conclude at noon with a pizza lunch. For more information, contact Jimmy Groton at 865-805-9908 or groton87@comcast.net.
