Environment and Conservation Celebrates National Public Lands Day in Tennessee
Monday, September 20, 2010 | 06:35am
Volunteerism protects, preserves shared natural resources
NASHVILLE – The Department of Environment and Conservation invites the public to take part in volunteer activities across Tennessee in celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 25.
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest one-day, volunteer stewardship event. Organizers seek to honor the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in protecting America's public lands. Last year, more than 150,000 volunteers across the country built trails, planted trees and removed litter to improve America’s shared lands for all who visit them.
“Tennessee State Parks and the department’s Resource Management Division have a tradition of organizing a statewide volunteer effort in observance of National Public Lands Day,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “A number of state parks and natural areas will host volunteers throughout Tennessee, joining thousands across the country working to preserve and protect these lands for future generations.”
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with just three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Today, this annual program of the National Environmental Education Foundation has grown to involve more than 150,000 volunteers at over 2,000 locations in every state across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1990, the National Environmental Education Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that develops and supports environmental learning programs to meet social goals and build partnerships among government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Those interested in organizing a National Public Lands Day project or volunteering can call (202) 833-2933, or go to www.publiclandsday.org.
TDEC’s Resource Management Division, along with several Tennessee State Parks, will sponsor a number of volunteer stewardship projects and outdoor events across the state in recognition of Public Lands Day. A particular focus during this year’s observance is the important role spending time outdoors plays in our overall health and well-being. Public Lands Day activities planned in Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 25, include:
In Middle Tennessee:
Bledsoe Creek State Park – Join park staff and the Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park at 9 a.m. for a stream and trail cleanup effort. Volunteers should meet at the shop building located at the end of Deer Run Road. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Bring work gloves and any rakes or tools for cleaning that you may have. For more information, contact Sharon Armistead at (615) 347-3639.
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park – Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bunkum Cave Trail Head parking lot for a trail maintenance effort. Participants are asked to wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Gloves, tools, snacks and water will be provided. An optional guided hike on the scenic Bunkum Cave Trail will follow the volunteer event. For more information, contact Robin Peeler at (931) 864-3247.
Short Springs State Natural Area – Resource Management Division staff will conduct trail maintenance work starting at 10 a.m. (Central) at the Short Springs Natural Area located outside of Tullahoma. Volunteers will meet at the parking area under the water tower on Short Springs Road. Work will be conducted on the Adams Falls Trail, removing vegetation and making trail improvements. The event will be canceled if inclement weathers sets in or is predicted, so please consult weather reports before leaving. Participants are asked to wear sturdy boots and bring lunch and plenty of water. Reservations are not required but questions can be directed to Forrest Evans at Forrest.Evans@tn.gov or (615) 532-0431.
In East Tennessee:
Cumberland Trail State Park – Volunteers will help with bridge and trail repair in the Tennessee River Gorge segment of the Cumberland Trail. Meet at 8 a.m. (Eastern) at the Signal Mountain parking lot and volunteers will need to bring their own work gloves, lunch and water. Please register for this event at cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com, www.cumberlandtrail.org or call (931) 456-6259.
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park – Join park staff and community members for a day of hands-on volunteer work and celebration. For more information contact dawn.coleman@tn.gov or call (423) 257-2167.
Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area – The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will sponsor a trail maintenance opportunity at the Shell Hollow Trail from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern). All tools will be provided, but volunteers are asked to wear sturdy footgear, bring work gloves, food and water. Shorts or long pants are appropriate for this trail. Along the route to the hollow, volunteers will learn about the habitat project for golden-winged warblers. Registration is required and participants are asked to provide a contact number in case of cancellation due to weather. Please RSVP to Lisa Huff at lisa.huff@tn.gov.
In West Tennessee:
Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural Area – Join Stewardship Ecologist Allan Trently at 9:30 a.m. (Central) for a trail rerouting effort. A small section of the trail currently goes through a seep in one of the barrens at Carroll Cabin. We would like to see hikers avoid this wet barrens area since foot traffic causes damage to it and plan to reroute the trail to avoid this sensitive area.
Participants should meet at the parking area and wear sturdy footwear, bring work gloves and plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen. All tools will be provided. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting allan.trently@tn.gov or (731) 512-1369.
For more information, including descriptions, maps and directions, for these or any of Tennessee’s 81 designated state natural areas, visit the Web site at www.tn.gov/environment/na. For more information about Tennessee State Parks, please visit www.tnstateparks.com.
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