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NPS
Contact: Deanna Boensch, 662-680-1632 TUPELO, MS: Volunteers from the Alabama Chapter of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association and Boy Scout Troop #284 assisted the Natchez Trace Parkway with a project to conduct stream bank stabilization along the Rock Spring trail in Alabama. Volunteers worked hard digging in rocky soils to help plant and restore 21 large trees and 26 smaller shrubs along the trail that traverses the banks of Colbert Creek. Over time, the native trees will provide shade for fish and a habitat for wildlife, and roots will help preserve the trail by stabilizing soil.In addition to the plantings, volunteers helped cage the trees to protect them from beavers, cut non-native Chinese privet, removed trash, and dislodged debris from the rock steps that cross the creek. "The hard work of the volunteers and staff will help preserve this special natural area long into the future," stated Chief of Resource Management Lisa McInnis."With volunteers like these, we can accomplish projects we couldn't do otherwise." The boy scouts in attendance earned conservation service hours that will count towards a Centennial Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger patch. This patch is only offered in 2016 to commemorate the centennial of the National Park Service.Future volunteer events are being considered throughout the year to help restore and improve the native vegetation and habitat along the Rock Spring trail. About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 410 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: February 26, 2016