06/09/2026
The Wade Bourne Nature Center, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), is launching a multi-year habitat restoration initiative at Rotary Park focused on transforming utility corridor spaces into thriving native pollinator habitat.
Through a $25,000 contribution from TVA, the project will support restoration efforts beneath the transmission line corridor over the next three years, with potential for future expansion based on project success and community impact.
Following TVA vegetation management work completed in 2023, Montgomery County Parks & Recreation began collaborating with TVA to develop sustainable land management strategies that protect critical infrastructure while supporting native wildlife habitat. Rotary Park was later designated as a TVA “Sensitive Zone,” allowing the corridor to be maintained organically under vegetation standards compatible with utility safety requirements.
Restoration work is already underway and includes native wildflower seeding, invasive species removal, riparian zone management, and habitat preparation using locally collected native seed mixes sourced through Roundstone Native Seeds.
The long-term vision is to restore approximately 10 acres into resilient pollinator habitat supporting butterflies, bees, birds, and other native wildlife species. Plans also include educational signage, bat boxes, purple martin housing, and public conservation programming.
Community engagement will remain a major focus through volunteer workdays, native plant workshops, citizen science initiatives, pollinator education programs, and the Pollinator & Native Plant Summit.
Groups interested in volunteering, educational partnerships, or participating in habitat restoration efforts are encouraged to contact:
Katie Netti
Natural Resource and Program Supervisor
Wade Bourne Nature Center
Montgomery County Parks & Recreation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 931-648-5780
