By Yetta Jager, Green Sanctuary Committee
Located in an affluent and fast-growing suburb of Knoxville, we are not far from the intersection of two major highways. Westside attracts members from a wide radius; from Crossville and Tellico Village to the west, from Greenback to the south, from downtown Knoxville to the east, and from Oak Ridge to the north. Not all Westsiders realize that we live near a strange intersection between rampant development and remnant greenspace.
The fingers of economic growth wrapped themselves around nearby wetlands and squeezed hard. The Turkey Creek wetland complex was once the largest in Knox County but only six acres now appear on the wetland map for this area. Four-hundred acres of undeveloped land were turned into a shopping area in 1995, where many of us shop, dine, and watch movies. Led by a developer, the Isaac Walton foundation brokered a deal to protect 58 acres of wetland from development, but more and more buildings encroach on the remaining patches of marsh.
For humans, the I-40-Lovell Road intersection juxtaposes wealth and destitution. If you were standing at the intersection, most likely you would be holding a sign asking for help. Later, you might find your way south to the greenway behind the McDonalds on Lovell Road to the homeless encampment surrounded by a 6-acre patch of wetland, a new apartment complex, Earth Fare, and the stream.
For wildlife, the wetland remnants offer hope. One hidden gem is the Gilbert Marsh, a 5-acre patch formed by Blue Spring. In an unlikely spot within an industrial complex (11112 Gilbert Dr.), the marsh attracts birders to see ~130 species of birds, including wood ducks, green herons, mallards, grebes, kingfishers, and woodpeckers. Although road noise must make it hard to communicate, waterbirds seem to like this small refuge. We may even see some birds flying over Westside, but a bird flying southwest from Gilbert Marsh toward Westside would be lucky to miss the tall 150’ net surrounding the new TopGolf facility on Outlet Drive. In other states, Osprey and other birds have been injured or killed flying into TopGolf nets.
We aspire to protect wildlife habitat the best of our ability on lands within our control. One proposed Green Sanctuary activity at Westside is to apply to the National Wildlife Federation to certify our land as a wildlife habitat. This involves providing water, riparian forest, shrubs, and pollinator gardens, and trying to manage our lands with minimal use of pesticides and fertilizer. For property beyond our immediate control, we can make people aware of the nature-viewing opportunities in Gilbert Marsh and other areas, making it more likely they will be valued and protected. Next time you pass Gilbert Lane on Lovell Road, take a few minutes to say hi to the ducks.
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