Description: This is a joint outing for Wild Ones, TNPS and TCWP. The Oak Ridge Barrens is a small property that supports at least three Tennessee rare plant species: prairie goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides), naked-stem sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis), and Torrey’s mountain mint (Pycnanthemum torreyi). Torrey’s mountain mint is not only rare in Tennessee but considered globally imperiled by NatureServe. Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) has managed the Barrens for 26 years. Volunteer workdays continue to control exotic and native woody, invasive plant species that threaten the integrity of the prairie pockets and creates additional habitat for barrens vegetation. Other commonly seen plants in bloom at this time are 2 species of blazing star, big bluestem, Indian grass, black eye susans, white crownbeard, butterfly milkweed, grey headed coneflowers, false aloe, whorled milkweed, woodland sunflower, lespedeza, rose pink, whorled rosinweed, and golden asters. Special Covid-19 precautions may be needed.

Meeting Place: 200 Fairbanks Rd Oak Ridge, TN. Parking lot at Jefferson Middle School (next to baseball diamond off Fairbanks Rd) at 9:30 AM Eastern

Difficulty: Easy with a slightly rough trail surface in places. Oak Ridge Cedar Barren less than .5 miles and Worthington Cemetery about 1 mile walking.

Lunch: Bring water, lunch, and bug spray

Facilities: Portable toilet at the meeting place.

Leader: Larry Pounds. If you RSVP it helps with planning and allows possible contacting in case of cancellation, Phone/email: 865-705-8516, PoundsL471@aol.com