Lookout Mountain Conservancy welcomes everyone to an Open House at John C. Wilson Park on Sunday, from 2-4 pm.
The Park is located on Cummings Highway at the base of Lookout Mountain and is maintained by the Conservancy for the public to enjoy.
On Sunday, visitors will have a chance to explore the 1 1/2-mile walking trail and view soon-to-be famous kudzu-eating goats that have been working for the past month to assist the conservation group with control of the invasive vine. Light refreshments will be served.
Organizers said, "We invite everyone to the Park to learn about our organization and how they can become involved, plus see the progress the Bar-S Farms' goats have made," said Peggy Laney, president of the Conservancy's Board of Directors.
John C. Wilson Park is named in honor of the local newsman and historian who formed a citizens' action group in 1991 to address the decline of the once-beautiful Cummings Highway area at the foot of Lookout Mountain. The Park is the former site of Big Rock Court Motel and the Super Water Slide.
The property was abandoned and neglected until it was purchased for protection. Initial reclamation efforts cleared the site of tires, appliances, building debris, trash, and kudzu. Walking trails were built and wildflowers were planted.
The John C. Wilson Park Development Project created the current public wayside park and trailhead in 2006. The goals of the project are:
1) site improvement and green space development
2) provision of public open space
3) native habitat restoration
4) environmental education
The Park serves as a gateway to the north end of Lookout Mountain and as a node for multiple greenways and travel routes including Guild-Hardy Trail, Old Wauhatchie Greenway, Alton Park Safe Walk, Chattanooga National Military Park trails system and reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Garden trail system.
Parking for the Open House is limited; therefore, visitors are asked to carpool.
For more information, please contact Lookout Mountain Conservancy at 423 424-3882.