Chattanooga Audubon Society Rewilds Maclellan Island in Tennessee River
The Chattanooga Audubon Society is rewilding Maclellan Island in the Tennessee River near downtown Chattanooga to restore native flora and wildlife habitat.
Invasive Plants Threaten Native Flora
Quick-spreading invasive species like bush honeysuckle and English ivy are choking out native plants on the 24.5-acre site. Six goats named Gilligan and MacLovin nibble on these leaves to clear the overgrown vegetation. The island currently loses about 0.8 acres of land each decade due to erosion and plant growth.
Volunteers Restore Wildlife Habitat
A committed group of volunteers works alongside the nonprofit to correct the loss of natural sanctuary space. Residents on the island include raccoons, muskrats, American robins, osprey, and cormorants that rely on this habitat. The Chattanooga Audubon Society owns the property and manages the rewilding efforts with local help.
New Facilities Open This Fall
A renovated bunkhouse is slated to open this fall to invite more visitors to the area. Construction of a botanical garden and gazebo will begin in the next year or so. Laura Marsh, director of development at the nonprofit, notes that preserving the island protects archaeological history.
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