Greenway Board Hears Report From Environment Club

The Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway Board, in their regularly-scheduled monthly meeting last week, heard a report from Cleveland High School biology teacher Jeannie Long on the identification of animal and plant life along the Greenway.

Long presented research conducted over the last several years by Cleveland High students and officials of the Cherokee National Forest. The purpose of the presentation was to determine options for the board for future placement of signs along the Greenway identifying species for the education of Greenway patrons. Long handed out a list of 21 species of common trees located primarily in the area adjacent to CHS on property owned by Masterfoods, Inc. The area is behind Benny Monroe Stadium and the location of the Tinsley Park trail.

“Along the current Greenway (Raider Drive to 20^th Street) there are basically two native tree species, but in the area just behind Cleveland High over 20 species have been identified,” Long stated. “This has been an exciting and educational experience for the students.” Long went on to present a list of seven native species of fish located in Mouse Creek, including catfish, sunfish, minnows, livebearers and perch.

“Identifying native species has been requested from those enjoying the Greenway,” stated Cameron Fisher, Greenway board chairman. “As the Greenway continues to expand identifying signage will be an important part, not just for trees and wildlife, but for distance as well. We are in the process of researching the most practical and economical signage options available.” Fisher noted that a sub-committee has been appointed to develop a sign plan with hopes that it can be in place by the opening of Phase III of the Greenway next summer.

In other business:

The Greenway Committee welcomed its newest member, County Commissioner Connie Wilson; City Engineer Brian Beck gave an update on the progress of the start of Phase III which will extend the Greenway from 20^th to Willow Streets. Beck stated that bids on the project will probably be let in early spring with a tentative start date a few weeks later; Cameron Fisher told the board that several potential members of a “Greenway Network” have been contacted and agreed to be part of the project which would identify various walking areas in the county available to the public; the Greenway board thanked member Judy Chandler and her husband Bill who placed two “Dogispot” posts at each end of the Greenway. The posts were in response to complaints of dog droppings on the Greenway.

“We appreciate the Chandlers who identified a problem and then helped to solve it,” Fisher commented. “This is the kind of example of stepping up to the plate that we will need more and more of in the future.”

To contact a member of the board or learn more about supporting the Greenway visit www.cbcgreenway.com.