Knoxville, Ijams get $225,000 federal grant to fight back against invasive plant species
A federal grant of $225,000 will help Knoxville and Ijams Nature Center to fight the invasion of non-native plant species that have taken over the city's parks and greenways.
The funding, provided through the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), marks a significant step in preserving the city’s native plant life and promoting biodiversity.
The Third Creek Greenway, a popular recreational area, is one of many sites in Knoxville suffering from invasive species such as bush honeysuckle and privet. The fast-growing plants can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet, forming dense thickets that choke out native vegetation, the city said in a news release.
Kasey Krouse, Knoxville’s urban forester, expressed concern over the impact of these invasive species on the city's ecosystem. "There is no next generation of dogwoods, redbuds, and sugar maples that are coming up because the invasives are out-competing the native vegetation," Krouse said in a press release. The grant will fund efforts to reclaim approximately 100 acres from these aggressive plants, a task Krouse believes is crucial for the long-term health of Knoxville's urban forests.
Federal grant support is just part of the solution
The invasive species problem is not limited to greenways. At the 318-acre Ijams Nature Center, more than 40 exotic species have been documented, threatening the native flora. Ben Nanny, Ijams' conservation director, is optimistic about the impact of the new funding. "A hundred acres, that’s a really big number, and it represents tremendous progress," Nanny said in a news release.
The $225,000 grant will support professional horticulture crews and volunteer groups in their efforts to remove invasive species. The plan involves initial large-scale removal by contractors, followed by ongoing maintenance from volunteers. "The initial push by the contractor crews will be hugely visible – and inspiring," Nanny said. He hopes that local volunteers, who are already invested in the health of their parks and greenways, will continue the work.
First phase to include community involvement
Krouse and Nanny envision teams of volunteers, trained by experienced leaders, strategically targeting key locations throughout the city. Ijams currently has about a dozen Weed Warrior ambassadors who work on removing invasive species within the nature center, and this program will be expanded with the new funding.
“The initial push by the contractor crews will be hugely visible – and inspiring,” Nanny said. “My hope is that the city and Ijams will recruit many volunteers to carry on the work. These are people who are based in the community, who understand the problem and hike the trails. They’re vested in the area, enjoy their local parks and want to see healthier forests.”
The first phase of the project involves scouting city parks, greenways, school grounds, and housing communities to identify priority areas for invasive species removal. The actual removal efforts are set to begin next year. Once invasive plants like privet and kudzu are controlled, native species such as warm-season grasses, blackhaw viburnum, redbuds, and dogwoods can be reintroduced to these areas.
In addition to enhancing the urban forest, the removal of invasive species will improve habitats for local wildlife. "The invasive species work to outcompete our native vegetation," Krouse explained. "If we do nothing, we will lose biodiversity – it’s just a matter of time. That’s why we’re so thankful for this crucial funding."
Trees Knoxville and University of Tennessee were part of last year's projects
This year’s $225,00 grant award is the second significant IRA investment aimed at improving Knoxville’s green spaces.
Last year, $1.7 million was allocated to Trees Knoxville, a nonprofit partner, to plant and maintain 7,500 trees across the city along streets, in parks, at schools, in public housing, in historic African-American cemeteries and other places. The organization has partnered with the city on a long-term roadmap of what trees to plant where.
Sophie Carter, Program Manager for Trees Knoxville told Knox News that they are just getting started on the project and that the goal is to plant 1,000 trees a year for the next five years, up to 7,500 trees total.
"We're looking to expand the overall canopy percentage and bring that up to 40% in the city of Knoxville by 2040, that's the goal of the urban forest master plan. This grant in the next five years is pivotal to starting the work and being able to meet this goal," said Carter.
Additionally, the University of Tennessee last year received $2.6 million to increase tree canopy coverage, reduce stormwater runoff, and mitigate extreme heat in underserved communities in East Knoxville.
Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville, Ijams get $225,000 federal grant to remove invasive plants
