With spring on the horizon, now is the time to clean up and prepare for new growth and activity in our most loved natural spaces. We’d all like to think this happens magically, but in reality it’s through the help of volunteers and hard work that our recreational areas stay looking pristine!
Check out these upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Seven Islands
This will be the first volunteer day of 2018 at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Volunteers will assist park staff with exotic plant management, native gardening and various other park projects that are underway. With minimal park staff, every little bit helps from volunteers. Meet at the Blue Bird Barn at the park entrance, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.
Cumberland Trail
Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) and Obed Wild and Scenic River will be hosting the annual Cumberland Trail work day this Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can help make a positive impact on the park by assisting with trail maintenance on the 2.5-mile section of the Cumberland Trail between Rock Creek Campground and Alley Ford. Info: click here.
Concord Park
The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club will be showing some love to the trails at Concord Park next Saturday, March 3, at 9 a.m. Grab your gloves, a water bottle, and build some trail! Click here for more information.
Weed Wrangle – Knoxville
The third annual Weed Wrangle – Knoxville is a one-day, citywide effort led by the Knoxville Garden Club to help remove invasive species. This year, volunteers will gather on March 3 at several popular outdoor destinations around Knoxville. With direction from experts, volunteers will take the necessary steps to restore Knoxville’s landscapes to a healthy, native ecosystem.
Volunteers for the 2017 Weed Wrangle
Join Legacy Parks at Baker Creek Preserve to help clear the shores and eradicate these pesky weeds. Our work will make a difference not only on this property, but will help prevent these invasive species from spreading to other private yards and public spaces. No skills – just gloves and light hand tools – are needed! The workday will last from 9 a.m. to noon. Register here.