Search
Close this search box.

Tennessee State Parks need volunteers for this weekend’s Weed Wrangle

Photo from Getty Images

Tennessee State Parks need volunteers for this weekend’s Weed Wrangle

Tennessee State Parks is seeking volunteers to help rid the state’s parks and natural areas of invasive species during the annual Weed Wrangle on Saturday, March 7. Most of the state parks and the Sequatchie Cave State Natural Area are participating. 

During the wrangle, experts in invasive weed management will supervise the removal of trees, vines and flowering plants while volunteers learn ways to address their own green spaces to combat invasive species. More information can be found at https://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/weed-wrangle/.

Recent studies suggest sun exposure may lower blood pressure

Here’s another great excuse to get outside: A recently published study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that exposure to solar UV radiation is associated with lower systolic blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading cause of premature death around the world.

“This raises the possibility that insufficient sunlight is a new risk factor for hypertension, perhaps even in the general population,” the study states. 

Bureau of Land Management pulls back from decision to open parts of Flat Rock to oil and gas leasing

Back in January, the Bureau of Land Management proposed oil and gas leasing on Moab’s Slickrock trail, one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the world. Under the plan, two parcels of land on Sand Flats—one near Arches National Park—would have been auctioned off for drilling.

But due to public outcry, the Bureau of Land Management announced it will remove both parcels from the oil and gas lease sale, sparing Slickrock trail. “Recreation access is a priority of ours—as well as responsible energy development—and both provide important economic benefits to Utah,” BLM acting Canyon County District Manager Brian Quigley said in a news release.

Share this post:

Discover more in the Blue Ridge:

Join our newsletter!

Subscribe to receive the latest from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine sent directly to your inbox.

EXPLORE MORE: