This Saturday, June 25, is Tennessee Promise Volunteer Day in Tennessee State Parks. It’s a statewide opportunity for students to come out and volunteer while also gaining TN Promise hours. All volunteers are welcome, this is open to family, friends and the general public. There is no cost to participants, but registration is required. The event is happening across the state, but here’s a list of happenings in the greater Knox County area.
Frozen Head State Park at 9 a.m. Planned work will be cutting back brush, working in flower beds, invasive plant removal, among other things. Bring work gloves. For more information or to register go here or call 423-346-3318.
Seven Islands State Birding Park at 9 a.m. Volunteers will work alongside park staff to cut and remove invasive plant species at the end of Kelly Lane Greenway near the Maple Leaf Barn. Bring water and snack. For more information or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park at 9 a.m. Help remove privet from the Tellico Blockhouse front gates. Be prepared to pull, cut and carry small shrubs. All trail tools will be provided. Bring work gloves and water. For more information or to register go here or call 423-420-2331.
Cove Lake State Park at 9 a.m. The four-hour workday will consist of landscaping, flower bed weeding and invasive plant removal. Tools and work gloves provided but participants can bring their own. Bring water. For more information or to register go here or call 423-566-9701.
Panther Creek State Park at 9 a.m. Help eradicate invasive plants within the park. Meet at the Spoon Shelter Parking Area. Bring water and gloves. For more information or to register go here. or call 423-587-7046.
Big Ridge State Park at 9 a.m. Work will involve general groundskeeping around the park and some trail maintenance using weed-eaters and small hand tools. Bring lunch and water. For more information or to register go here or call 865-992-5523.
Norris Dam State Park at 10 a.m. Join Ranger Trent at the Tea Room to work on some needed updates and trail maintenance on the Christmas Fern Trail. Tools provided. Bring water and gloves. For more information or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Go to OutdoorKnoxville.com to find other outdoor activities in the area. Submit your event to the calendar here.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.