When have been getting a lot of questions and stares lately about what is being built off the lower trail at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum. As part of our Master Plan we have started adding a Bluebell Trail that will be eventually lined with Virginia Bluebells and offer different view of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum. The first section of the Trail should be open later this Summer.
The trial heads towards the Little River between the American Holly and the Pignut Hickory and then will turn right and follow the 1900's TDOT Right of Way Markers until it meets the lower trail about 50 yards upstream. A elevated walkway has been built to provide more level trail access, with a sitting area is planned at the end of the walkway.
The elevated walkway's flooring is from the 200 year old plus Honey Locust that feel earlier this year at the TRWA. The walkway travels 25 ft Captain Dave at Captain Dave's Little River Artistry provided the equipment and know how to cut the 8 foot sections of tree trunks into true 2 inch thick boards. Rodney Pearson and Dan Dickie provided the manpower to cut all the boards and Rodney then stained and treated the lumber. It is quite beautiful!
We will be working on the first section (which includes the seating area) the rest of the Summer and hope to complete the entire trail by the first of 2024, just in time for Townsend River Walk & Arboretums 20th Anniversary. Bluebell plantings will take place this fall on each side of the trail.
A big thanks goes to the volunteer planning, layout and labor provided by Allison & Rodney Pearson and Mark Seder in the building of this trail.
Donations to help finish the Bluebell Trail are welcomed. Just a small contribution goes a long way since all the labor is volunteered! DONATE TODAY!
Enjoy some pics of the effort and results of our work. Stop by to get a first hand look!
Below are the Steps that Mark Seder and Rodney Pearson took in the Building of the Elevated Walkway.
Laying out the Bluebell Trail Elevated Walkway
Digging Holes for the Walkway Supports
Cementing Supports for the Walkway
Framing the Walkway
Installing the Honey Locust Decking
Installation Finished For the Decking on the TRWA Bluebell Trail Elevated Walkway
A look at the how we are building the trail. Being extra cautious to have a solid base that will not move due to the possibility of this area flooding during extreme rain events. We are using Geocells in the construction of the path. The Geocells not only gives the path strength, but also allows water to be dissipated in an environmentally friendly way as to not cause washouts.
TRWA Bluebell Trail Starting Layout of the Path.
Path Excavation to a Width of 4 ft.
Installation of a High Strength Weed Barrier.
Installation of the 3 inch Geocells.
Filling the Geocells with Crusher Run.
First Section of the TRWA Bluebell Trail Completed.
