After the threat of the development of 500 condos on Chattanooga's North Shore on historic Stringer's Ridge in 2007-2008, The Trust for Public Land got involved in a 2.5 million dollar capital campaign to purchase 37 acres on Stringer's Ridge. As a result, the landowner also agreed to donate the adjacent 55 acres of property for conservation efforts. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, working in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, agreed to hold two conservation eaesments to protect the 92 acres on Stringer’s Ridge in 2009. In late 2011, TRGT took ownership of 55 of those acres of property that are located on the Ridge. Both of these donations were made by Mr. Jimmy Hudson. The City of Chattanooga has already taken ownership of 37 of those acres, and eventually all 92 acres will become an urban park, located just across the river from downtown Chattanooga.
"This is not only the viewshed from the Hunter Art Museum but it is a downtown vantage point in which to view the entrance to the Tennessee River Gorge" said Jim Brown Executive Director of the River Gorge Trust.
Located in the heart of North Chattanooga this historic property is a completely forested area in the midst of the urban heart of Chattanooga. Mature oak and hickory trees dominate a host of other native trees which cloak the slopes of this low ridge. A surprisingly rich bird population fills the forest canopy and rounds out a rich treasure of plant and animal life.
Mr. Brown and Mr. Rick Wood, the Director of The Trust for Public Land’s Chattanooga office, indicated that Tennessee River Gorge Trust and The Trust for Public Land will continue to work with the City of Chattanooga and with local bicycle and hiking clubs to further develop and maintain the recreational trail system on the property.
Mr. Wood said, "We appreciate the work of The River Gorge Trust and Jimmy Hudson, President of Stringer’s Ridge, Inc. We appreciate the the support and generosity of the people who love Stringer's Ridge."
Mr. Hudson commented that protecting the land from commercial development will have long lasting benefits to the community and he complimented the staff at The River Gorge Trust for their assistance in making the donation a reality. “I encourage others to join me in providing The River Gorge Trust and The Trust for Public Land the resources, financial and otherwise, that will enable these organizations to make this property a lasting community asset.”
FRIENDS OF STRINGER'S RIDGE:
Friends of Stringer’s Ridge is a community-based volunteer committee that is currently being developed and will work in partnership with the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, The Trust for Public Land, the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Recreation Department and others to help maintain and enhance the historical, recreational and natural resources of Stringer’s Ridge and to educate the public about the natural and cultural history of Stringer’s Ridge.
JOINING FRIENDS OF STRINGER’S RIDGE:
For more information on how you can join the Friends of Stringer’s Ridge initiative, contact the Tennessee River Gorge Trust at (423) 266-0314 or via e-mail at sarahq@trgt.org. You can also download the Volunteer Application here.
Like "Friends of Stringer's Ridge" on Facebook here. View a clip from the first organizing meeting here.
For more information about TRGT's partner, the Chattanooga office of The Trust for Public Land, click here.
To view photos from "A Morning on Stringer's Ridge," please click here.
(Top) Stringer's Ridge frames the view from the Walnut Street Bridge. (Bottom) View of Chattanooga from Stringer's Ridge.
