COFFEE COUNTY — Friends of Short Springs Natural Area plan a public work day for Saturday, February 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will work to clear the trails for the increased numbers of folks who will visit the area this spring.

Located just three miles from Tullahoma on Short Springs Road in Coffee County, the 420-acre natural area offers a great geological example of the contrast between the Highland Rim and Central Basin. Visitors can enjoy exposed black Chattanooga shale, thickets of mountain laurel, and a dry oak-hickory of trees. You’ll also find towering sycamore, buckeye, magnolia, beech, and tulip poplar trees. It’s one of the best areas in the state to see spring wildflowers and includes Machine Guns Falls, a popular hiking destination. It’s owned jointly by the State of Tennessee, TVA, and the City of Tullahoma.

Volunteers will cut away trees blocking the public trails, remove garbage, and clean out water bars. Those planning to attend should bring their own safety gear, garbage bags, tools, water, and a snack. Friends of Short Springs sponsors work days in all months that contain five Saturdays. If you plan to attend, visit the event’s Facebook page for more information. For directions to the site, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}