Learn what we’re up to with this awesome project!
Project History
In early 2023, Clinch Valley SWCD staff began discussions with Town of Lebanon officials regarding improvements to the property along Technology Park Drive. The primary concerns and goals included:
- Removal of invasive plant species (e.g., Bradford Pear, Autumn Olive)
- Restoration of the stormwater channel and retention pond/dam
- Creation of a public recreational and educational space featuring:
- Trail systems
- Native plant & habitat restoration
- Educational signage
- Outdoor classrooms and shelters
In April 2024, SWCD staff discovered the Pellissippi Wetland Park Master Plan, developed by the Virginia Tech Community Design Assistance Center in 2010. This plan included proposals for trails, wetland enhancement, habitat improvements, and an amphitheater. See the Master Plan attached below.
Clinch Valley SWCD proposes to revive and modernize many of the original ideas in partnership with the Town of Lebanon, Russell County IDA, and additional stakeholders.
Current Progress and Grant Funding
Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) Grant
Awarding Agency: Virginia Department of Forestry
Timeline: December 1, 2023 – December 1, 2026
Grant Amount: $80,821.40
Project Deliverables:
- Invasive Species Removal:
- Removal of approximately 75–80 Bradford Pear trees, along with Autumn Olive, Tree of Heaven, and Eastern Red Cedars.
- Contractor: Wes Gibson, Appalachian Landworks (procured via competitive bidding).
- Work is 90% complete (as of April 2025).
- Native Plant Establishment:
- Tree and shrub planting, including tree protection, soil amendments (lime/fertilizer), and mulch.
- Trail Development & Design:
- Initial trail system design and cost estimation.
- Future construction anticipated through additional grant support (e.g., Wellspring Foundation), post stormwater drainage channel remediation.
2025 Cumberland Forest Community Fund Grant
Awarding Organization: The Nature Conservancy / UVA Wise
Timeline: Award Announcement expected May 2025. Deadline for completion is August 2026.
Grant Amount Requested: $15,000.
Purpose:
- Additional habitat restoration and soil health improvement through planting trees, shrubs, and meadow grasses/forbs.
- Installation of a mowed walking path and picnic area.
- Management of invasive species (e.g., herbicide treatment and annual mowing maintenance).
VDOT Sidewalk Grant – Technology Park Drive
Clinch Valley SWCD supports this initiative, which will improve pedestrian access and connectivity to the site for future recreational activities.
Stormwater Retention Pond and Channel Stabilization
Staff are actively researching the original design of the site’s stormwater systems to better understand their functionality and capacity. Restoration of these systems is critical for public safety, particularly in flood scenarios.
Future Goals
- Complete the invasive plant removal project.
- Establish native vegetation to allow for successful habitat restoration and plant maturity before public access.
- Collaborate with the Town, IDA, and engineering firms on a safe, effective stormwater solution.
- Assist in securing funding and providing technical guidance.
- Partner with CGI to explore stormwater best management practices (BMPs) upstream of the drainage channel.
- Finalize trail system designs and cost estimates under the U&CF Grant, incorporating finalized drainage designs for safety planning.
- Foster ongoing collaboration to implement infrastructure that supports tourism ($50,000 VCEDA Grant through IDA with $50,000 Town Match), recreation, health, and environmental education.
- Evaluate potential for a wetland restoration project below Gardenside to filter stormwater entering the property’s sinkhole.
- Develop an outdoor educational classroom.