SAVE COCKRILL BEND

Cockrill Bend is one of the states largest land holdings along the Cumberland River. It is located in Davidson County, the state capital. The bend is home to many state prisons but affords abundant unspoiled land that is unmatched when it comes to wildlife protection, the animal kind.

Twenty years ago I stood on a hilltop next to a huge towering oak. As I looked to the east I could see downtown Nashville. It seemed odd that this beautiful area could be so close to town. At that time I don't think there was more whitetail deer in one place, than here. The same went for the unbelievable black walnut trees, and the thick river cane. Along with the abundant trees, were fox squirrels with white ears, feet and nose, four archeological sites, a turn of the century brick kiln site, the Westview site, the Cockrill site, and a numerous diversity of other wildlife. I thought then that it would be ashamed if this place were ever destroyed.

In 2004 the eastern most colony of Green Tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) were found along the Cumberland River at Cockrill Bend. Vic Scoggin sent pictures to Austin Peay State University for verification. The photos were printed in publications by the university.

On the Carlex site, formally Ford Glass Plant, capping of a contaminated site is ongoing. A 15 acre site that was used to pump product from the old "grind and polish" has been devoided of trees and vegetation and is being covered with gravel. The site will possibly continue to leak into the Cumberland River for years to come because of the decision not to completely remove the contamination.

Wetlands at Cockrill Bend

Cumberland River a 1000 yards from here

Hyla cinerea