A committed team from Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture is leading the massive Tiger Bay Wetlands restoration project, which officially commenced this winter. This project aims to revitalize the vital urban ecology with the help of public and private partners, such as Resource Environmental Solutions and the Nashville Metro Government.
“We are planning a full-scale wetland restoration to remove invasive species and to re-plant with native species,” said Dr. Bill Sutton, who is leading the wetlands restoration.
A $5 million USDA Forestry Service grant funded the “Restoration of an Urban, Forested Wetland at Tennessee State University to Improve Educational Opportunities and Ecosystem Services” project. The grant provides resources to rehabilitate the wetland, address threats posed by invasive plant species, and improve the ecosystem’s overall health.
Dr. De’Etra Young, associate dean for academics and land-grant programs, is the lead investigator for the project. “Tiger Bay is a unique asset we’re lucky to have right here on campus,” she said. “Restoring it is important, and our partnership with the USDA Forestry Service, the Nashville city government, and non-profit and for-profit environmental firms is critical to our being able to execute this grant in full.”
Gaining Hands-On Experience
This restoration will create a healthier environment and a vibrant research platform where TSU students can gain real-world skills essential for their careers.
A group of TSUAg faculty members, including Drs. Sutton, Tom Byl, Sarah Neumann, Yujuan Chen, Jason de Koff, and Reginald Archer, are involved in the complex rehabilitation project. The group’s collective wetland ecosystem management focuses on aspects such as hydrology, water quality, wildlife, and vegetation.
Dr. Byl will tackle issues like high nutrient levels, which have fueled toxic algal blooms and dangerous cyanobacteria. “Our goal is to revitalize the wetland, make it more accessible to the TSU community and the public, and preserve it as critical greenspace and habitat for wildlife,” he explained.
The Tiger Bay Wetlands restoration project is evidence of TSU’s dedication to promoting sustainability and education.
