MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two free and engaging upcoming events on back-to-back Saturdays are being offered to residents in Rutherford and surrounding counties with assistance from Middle Tennessee State University faculty and staff.
MTSU Facilities Services’ Stormwater program is partnering with several local organizations to host or sponsor:
• The Rutherford County Garden Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 14, at Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., in Murfreesboro.
• The 17th annual Boat Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Jefferson Springs Recreation Area, 7660 W. Jefferson Pike, in Smyrna.
“Both are events for outreach, education and fun, where people can learn about gardening in your garden and safety information about boating at a neat location,” said Cynthia Allen, environmental specialist with MTSU Facilities Services’ Civil Engineering and Environmental Services Department.
Both events will highlight various pollution prevention strategies to protect local waterways.
Garden Extravaganza
Kim Cleary Sadler, MTSU biology professor and MTSU Center for Cedar Glade Studies director, will lead a session, “Limestone Cedar Glades: Rock Gardens in Nature,” at 10:30 a.m. June 14 as part of the Garden Extravaganza, which provides community education and ideas for residents for their landscape and garden needs and showcases the gardens onsite.
“Limestone cedar glades occur in Middle Tennessee and serve as habitat to a variety of plants that are easy to overlook in this seemingly barren and rocky habitat,” Sadler said of her talk. “But don’t be fooled by appearances. We will take a closer look at some of the interesting plants that occur in cedar glades.
“An interesting fact is that limestone cedar glades serve as habitat for more than 25 endemic species of plants, some of which are considered quite rare. Come and find out if you have some of these special plants in your own backyard.”
Other experts speaking will include Justin Stefanski, an extension agent with the University of Tennessee/Tennessee State University Extension in Rutherford County, speaking on “Tennessee Naturescapes: Crafting a Biodiverse Landscape” at 11 a.m. and Andra Prewett, Murfreesboro indigenous plant project coordinator for Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, discussing “Murfreesboro Native Plants for Your Garden” at 11:30 a.m.
Garden tours will take place from 9 to 11 a.m.
Along with MTSU Stormwater, event hosts will be Rutherford County Extension and Master Gardeners.
Boat Day 2025
Open to all ages, Boat Day activities will include kayaking, canoeing, pot painting and storm water diorama.
This event helps educate the community on the importance of water quality and paddling safety. Canoes, kayaks and equipment will be provided. There is no cost to participate and all ages are welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ups are welcome.
MTSU Stormwater, the Campus Recreation Center’s outdoor recreation staff and the Stones River Watershed Association will be helping with the event and on hand to provide education and instruction on operating the canoes and kayaks and share information about their recreation events and paddling programs.
Multiple agencies will provide fun and educational hands-on activities for the community. For more information, email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org.
Along with MTSU Stormwater, sponsors include the Campus Recreation Center’s MTOP, or Middle Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits, the city of Murfreesboro, town of Smyrna, Outdoor Murfreesboro, Stones River Watershed Association, Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center and Smyrna Parks and Recreation.
To learn more about the MTSU Stormwater program, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/stormwater/.
— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)
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