Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council will lead a tree planting and stream cleanup event March 2,from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the nature walk, next to South Chickamauga Creek in downtown Ringgold. The event will be held from two locations: the Nature Trailhead parking lot (adjacent to the ballfields and pool) and next to “little five points” at the creek (across the street from the Little General Playground).

The goal of the tree planting event is to involve the community in restoring the riparian buffer along South Chickamauga Creek. Restoring the riparian zone along the stream will help to improve water quality, reduce erosion, as well as enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Tree saplings to be planted have been purchased through grant funding intended to improve the South Chickamauga Creek Watershed and include 100 northern red oak, 50 swamp chestnut oak, 50 white oak, 50 wild plum and 50 red bud trees. The stream cleanup aspect of the event will help to remove unwanted debris from recent high flow events from along the stream banks and floodplain.

The tree planting and stream cleanup are part of a larger effort by Limestone Valley to conduct education and outreach associated with a Clean Water Act grant to reduce pollution in the creek. Specifically, the project is aimed to reduce bacteria and sediment by helping fund agricultural projects and septic system repairs to improve runoff in the areas upstream of Ringgold.

Volunteers will be given the opportunity to learn about water conservation and pollution reduction, and will also be given the chance to participate in a discussion of local water quality issues and what they can do to help the grassroots effort in Catoosa County.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring a shovel and RSVP (if convenient). Those interested in planting trees are encouraged to show up early. Please RSVP by contacting Dan Huser of Limestone Valley RC&D Council at dhuser.lvrcd@gmail.com or (423) 544-9076.