On Friday, April 8th, staff members from local Publix stores volunteered at the WaterWays office and Gear Closet retail store, located on Signal Mountain Road over Stringer’s Branch—yes, it’s literally over the stream. The building is constructed on a bridge that spans Stringer’s Branch, which flows beneath the shop and Signal Mountain Road, flowing to the Baylor School campus and eventually the Tennessee River.
This stream is included on the EPA’s list of impaired streams due to issues like alteration, E. coli contamination, and sedimentation. Additionally, it faces challenges from invasive species along its steep riparian corridor. Plants such as kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle are particularly difficult to eradicate, as they outcompete native species that provide essential nutrients for the local ecosystem. Native plants also have root structures that more effectively manage stormwater runoff, which is a known contributor to erosion and sedimentation.
The Publix volunteers rolled up their sleeves to remove invasive species from the riparian area and replant the steep slope with native trees and shrubs. Beyond this hard work, some volunteers also painted the shop’s fence and garage in a vibrant WaterWays blue! A big thank you to the City of Red Bank Public Works for helping to collect the brush and litter gathered that day. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which supports invasive species removal, the installation of litter booms, and streambank repairs further downstream on Baylor’s campus. Together, we are making strides in restoring this stream!
