Looking for exercise and want to give back to the community? The Tryon Parks Committee has the perfect solution. Consider working at the “Kudzu Clean-Up” at the Vaughn Creek Greenway in Tryon on Saturday, Feb. 25. The goal is to cut away all of the kudzu vines climbing the trees in and around the trail at Vaughn. Also on the “hit list” of plants to be removed are other non-native species, such as privet, bamboo and tree of heaven.
“The kudzu has simply gotten out of hand,” said John Vining, member of the Tryon Parks Committee. “Our primary objective is to eliminate all of the kudzu vines climbing trees. This will allow for better overall control if we can keep this weedy plant on the ground. We would like to return the trail and surrounding property to plants native to the region. That means other exotic plants like privet have to be eliminated.”
Volunteers are asked to meet at the Vaughn Creek bridge on New Market Road at 9 a.m. Saturday. Participants are asked to bring a set of hand shears, loppers and/or saw(s) to aid in removing the vines and larger privet plants. It is also suggested participants wear work gloves if available.
The activity will continue from 9 a.m. to around noon. Interested persons can park their vehicles at nearby Ziglar Field at the intersection of New Market Road and Vaughn Street.
If you have questions, contact John Vining at 828-894-8218. In the event of rain, the activity will be rescheduled for a later date.
– article submitted
by John Vining