Spring Creek & Black Branch Lebanon Volunteer

Join us This Fall to Help Spring Creek in Lebanon  - Learn More and Pre-Register to Volunteer Here.

This fall we will begin doing restoration work in the upper sections of Spring Creek and the Black Branch tributary in Lebanon and Wilson County, TN. Spring Creek is a tributary to Old Hickory Lake and provides drinking water. 

Spring Creek/Black Branch are listed on TDEC’s 303 d list of impaired waterways (not a good list to be on!) for nutrients (excess fertilizers and in the water can lead to harmful algae bloom , alteration in stream side vegetative cover, and E coli. Livestock access, pasture runoff, and to some degree failing streambanks have resulted in the 303 d listing conditions. Green Interchange, with the help of volunteers, will focus on strategies and tactics to repair the riparian zones, while providing for the health of livestock.   

We will restore  approximately 5,000 linear feet of this critical riparian zone, and we will work with landowners to stabilize 300-500 linear feet of creek bank. Projects may include planting trees, installation of cedar revetments to stabilize the bank and rain gardens to help with runoff, and working with livestock farmers to divert animals and help protect the stream.   

We are seeking volunteers and partners for this project. This is ideal for local businesses, youth groups, Scouts, and faith-based groups and garden club members are core volunteers.  It is critical to have volunteers near our restoration projects to develop community support and understanding as well as increased participation.