As our city grows so do our parks and programs. Welcome to the new and improved newsletter for Park Stewards!
In This Issue
New Volunteers
News Stewardship Success
Native Landscape News
Events
Stewardship Stats
New Volunteers
We are so thankful for our latest volunteers that have taken on Park, Trail and Eco Steward assignments!
Are your children heading back to school? Did you know Park Stewardship hours can meet their community service requirements? Students from several area schools provide service and complete their obligations with us.
These stewards have all joined our team of park support since July-
Catherine Gray
Allison Davis
Thank you and Welcome!
News
Looking Forward
Lynnbrook Park is taking shape
Provence Park design planning is moving forward
Stewardship Success
Our stewardship numbers are climbing and our opportunites have seen increased involvement and particiaption both in events and in individual stewardship. Over the past two months we have had volunteers install dog ettiquette signs, we have had corporate stewardship, we held garden stewardship (Community Courtyard Native Gardens and park outreach (Lake Hills Park Spark) and on July 18 we observed Mandela Day -
Parks & Outdoors went global by observing Mandela Day, an annual international day in honor of Nelson Mandela, celebrated on July, 18, Mandela's birthday. Parks & Outdoors joined with Community Development to provide programming themed around Climate, Food, and Solidarity. Garden stewardship was held at the Community Courtyard Native Gardens found in the backyard of the South Chattanooga Community Center. Judy Eaves, Community Center Specialist, has worked tirelessly to provide the neighborhood with edible plants and vegetables including a grant funded installation of edible trees (plums, serviceberry, mulberry) and shrubs (spicebush, blueberries). The garden grows strawberries, squash, okra, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, beans, chard and more! Volunteers from the community and from a corporate group- Embassy Suites - joined in helping maintain the garden space by weeding, mulching and watering the plants. Everyone was invited to harvest and return to the garden as it grows. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela's values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities. Parks & Outdoors and Community Development along with others also shared programming at Carver Center where summer camp children were provided tomato plants to take home. Huge thanks to our community and corporate volunteers who came to support the beautiful gardens at the Community Courtyard Native Gardens for #MandelaDay 2023 If you would like to get involved and participate in outdoor opportunities - check us out - Stewardship Opportunitites
Native Landscape News
Grasslands!
Native grassland restoration is coming to Carver Park. We already have .75 ac in restoration and transformation happening at Heritage Park - post/photo
The area at Carver will span 2.25 ac. These large-scale improvements within the watershed are crucial for enhancing water quality. The Grassland Program will help the City fulfill Resolution 30532 addressing the responsible management of City-owned natural resources.
Grassland restoration serves several functions and increases public awareness of native plant communities for better land management.
Reduces stormwater runoff
Flood mitigation
Stream restoration
Increases biodiversity including pollinators
Reduces lawn maintenance frequency and cost
Events & Opportunities
In the past eight months:
The Chattanooga Park Stewards Program engages individuals, civic groups, corporate groups, churches and schools for projects and tasks throughout our parks. Since January this year we have hosted:
Schools - McCallie, University of Louisville, Ooltewah High School, Collegedale Academy, Ivy Academy and Hixson High School NHS.
Multiple Events - MLK Day, Stewardship Mixer, World Wetlands Day, Weed Wrangle, TN Tree Day, Earth Day, City Nature Challenge, Mandela Day. .
Corporate groups - thank you to Signal Energy, Audacy, Unum, Embassy Suites, Komatsu and IIDA
Outreach events - World Water Day with East Lake Elementary School and Earth Day programming at Greenway Farm, Park Spark, Chatt Town Cool Down
Mark your calendar!
Upcoming Stewardship:
Sept 9 - Greenway Guardians - South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Advocates meet-up
