An environmental nonprofit tore out an acre and a half of invasive plant species along an 550-foot stretch of Nashville’s Richland Creek last week, in an effort to restore the natural ecosystem.
Throughout Nashville’s parks, and especially along its stream banks, non-native plant species have crowded out endemic flora and fauna. They’ve disturbed the broader environment, too. Along Richland Creek, exotic vines have taken down large trees that line the banks, increasing the risk of erosion and flooding.
But with planning and manpower, the effects slowly can be reversed. Environmentalists hope to set an example for better land management with this project.