TEC Launches Urban Community Forest Initiative

by
Kyle Duvall
 

"Earth Day" was a very special day for the Wyngate Estates community in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Representatives from TEC and TSRA worked together to assist Dave Huebner -- Wyngate HOA President, the HOA Board and residents in launching a community wide aquatic restoration project that will serve as a model for other communities in Tennessee. 

The Wyngate Estates community is the first community to benefit from TEC Executive Director, John McFadden's vision to establish the "Urban Community Forest Initiative." It's all about planting trees to help improve water quality, air quality and stabilize stream banks from erosion due to storm water run off from development sites and roads construction.  Silt, carried in storm water runoff, contains toxins and is the greatest pollution threat to our rivers and streams in Tennessee.

"Grassy Branch," a tributary of Rutherford Creek and part of the Duck River Watershed system meanders its way through the Wyngate Estates community in Spring Hill.  The stream was severely impacted by the explosive growth in Spring Hill, which according to Mayor Leverette is the fastest growing city in the state of Tennessee.  The "Earth Day" cooperative effort at Wyngate Estates was lead by Kyle Duvall, Organizational Advancement Director for TEC, under the guidance of John McFadden.

More than 100 trees were planted near the banks of "Grassy Branch" in the Wyngate Estates community to establish a greater buffer zone to protect the creek and to facilitate restoration efforts to restore the creek to ecological health.  There were 18 volunteers that took part in planting trees on "Earth Day."  The community and HOA Board members are enthusiastic about continuing restoration efforts on "Grassy Branch."    

Additionally, it is a new day of cooperation with Spring Hill city leadership to assist our efforts to protect and restore waterways in the city of Spring Hill to ecological health.  Three Spring Hill Aldermen participated in the "Earth Day" project, and Spring Hill "Codes officials" assisted with the placement of trees near the banks of "Grassy Branch."

During the coming months, TEC and TSRA will once again team up with Wyngate Estate volunteers to place cedar revetments at strategic locations along the banks of "Grassy Branch" that have suffered severe erosion due to storm water runoff. 

There are some exciting days ahead for our "Urban Community Forest Initiative."  However, we need your continued financial support and volunteer service to continue our effective work as a premier environmental stewardship organization in the state of Tennessee.  The "Urban Community Forest Initiative" would not be possible without the combination of grant dollars and member support.  Let's continue to work to work together to make a difference in the state of Tennessee for the sake of our environment and public health.

Kyle Duvall
Organizational Advancement Director
Tennessee Environmental Council