Open from sunrise to sunset, The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail in Ashland City, Tennessee is accessible to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, bird watchers, wildflower enthusiasts and just plain Nature Lovers! The trail is located just 20 minutes from Downtown Nashville and is one of the most inviting nature walks in Middle Tennessee.

Turner and Janice Potts, two of Cheatham County Master Gardeners, live in a house that over looks the trail and the Cumberland River. When thinking of ways to volunteer in Cheatham County, the Potts' automatically thought of the trail. After talking with the Friends of the Trail, it was decided that the Master Gardeners would be a huge asset at the Turkey Junction Comfort Station.

The Turkey Junction Comfort Station is located approximately 2 miles from the trail head on Chapmansboro Road. The main attraction is a beautiful native flower garden that had previously been maintained by Soil Conservation. Unfortunately, weeds took over and made the garden almost unmanageable.

In 2002, when the Cheatham County Master Gardeners took over responsibility for the garden, weed control was the main focus. The weeds and invasive vines were such a persistent problem throughout the year, that it was decided to dig up existing plants and start over.

In 2003, the project focus was to kill the weeds and renovate the complete garden. Volunteers also built a beautiful arbor and seating area for walkers to rest. Gravel was spread for the new walkway to make it easier to view the entire garden. The weeds were sprayed consistently through out the year. Dr. Bullock from TSU sprayed the weeds in the spring and assisted with weed control advice. In October new native plants, shrubbery and trees were planted, as well as replanting existing plants. The garden was then remulched with a three inch layer of pine fine mulch.

Master Gardener Volunteers from Cheatham County have logged in hundreds of hours working at the trail. Hopefully in 2004, the garden will be weed free and bloom with beautiful native flowers.