Boardwalk Construction
The most important step in setting up the wetlands for use by students of all ages was the construction of boardwalks. Many older students, however, still get into hip boots to get down to ground and water level.
The boardwalk framework was constructed professionally by auguring out 4-feet-deep holes and mounting the upright posts in gravel and mud. The cross-struts were then put in place. Volunteers (parents, students, faculty and staff with their spouses, and alumni) did the remainder of the work during two weekends in October, 2001. This involved sawing, sanding and sealing the wood, carrying endless loads of lumber, laying and screwing in the boards for the walk, and mounting the horizontal side rails. 1,000 feet of boardwalk were completed, including an "open air classroom" (see map)
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We are indebted to Quick Foy, parent of alumni, who designed the structure, oversaw construction, put in many hours of work on actual construction, and motivated volunteers with his optimism and enthusiasm. We are also grateful to Mark Meadors, another parent of alumni, who contributed expertise in carpentry and organizing of volunteers, and to the University School of Nashville Association, which provided funding for the project.
On-Site Wetland Information

Students have produced a self-guided tour pamphlet and an information display board to help visitors identify animals and plants.
Wastewater Garden

The River Campus now has restrooms with a small artificial wastewater garden containing wetland-type plants, which are particularly effective in absorbing pollutants. After the wastewater has passed over a gravel bed, it filters through the roots of these plants which absorb the chemicals released. This general system was initially developed for Biosphere 2 and is becoming more widely used. The garden contains over 20 species of plants including iris, canna, rushes, water bluebells and thalia.
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The wastewater garden is completely separate from the wetland area and drains in the opposite direction. Water for this facilitiy is pumped from a deep underground river.
Outside Groups
The Adventure Science Center, Nashville's science museum, has a program in which they bring school groups to USN wetlands for about 2 hours and then take them back to the museum to examine and identify specimens collected. Information on this program can be found at www.adventuresci.com/fieldtrip/programs/wetlands

Belmont University has brought Introductory Biology classes to the wetlands to collect insects, identify them and calculate insect biodiversity.
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