The improvements at the TVA Swan Pond Recreation Area (also
known as Lakeshore Park) in Roane County adjacent to the Kingston Steam Plant
continue. When I was there a couple of
weeks ago, I walked across the pedestrian bridge at Lakeshore Park and continued
on the trail on the far side. It was a
pleasant walk along the bank and afforded nice views of the water below,
including a second osprey platform and nest.
According to the signage, it was supposed to continue for 1.5 miles to the
Gupton Wetland Area; however, after
about a quarter of a mile it came to a halt where it would have crossed Swan
Pond Circle Road as there is ongoing construction at that point.
I returned today and when I drove past the Steam Plant and reached
the intersection of Swan Pond Road with Swan Pond Circle Road there were signs
directing me to either turn right for Lakeshore Park or continue straight for
the
Wetland Area. I turned right and went to
Lakeshore Park and after walking around there I went to the wetland. It is
perhaps a quarter of a mile on the right after passing the sign at the
intersection. There is a gravel parking
lot and a paved path through a beautiful half-mile long wetland. The
red-winged blackbirds are thoroughly
enjoying their new habitat.
It’s really exciting exploring this new location and it’s a
beautiful area. Each time I go I find
new signs that have been added; the same map appears on one sign that says
Lakeshore Park and on another that says TVA Swan Pond Recreation Area, so I
continue to tinker with the name of the eBird hotspot. As of today there are
two hotspots: Swan Pond Rec. Area/Lakeshore Park and Swan
Pond Rec. Area—Gupton Wetland. I may
have to adjust the location of the latter as it doesn’t show on Google maps
yet. I’ll try to fine tune it next time
I’m there.
Carole Gobert, KnoxvilleeBird Hotspot Administrator for Tennessee
