Tennessee State Parks and State Natural Areas are offering a variety of volunteer events across Tennessee on Saturday, June 24, to help Tennessee Promise Scholars log community-service hours required to meet their scholarship commitments.
It's a good opportunity for make community-service hours while enjoying nature's beauty in a natural area.
All Tennessee Promise participants are asked to complete the online registration form that is available on the details page of each state park's website. RSVPs will help park staff be better prepared for their volunteer crews.
Anyone needing assistance making a reservation can contact Nancy Schelin at nancy.schelin@tn.gov or call 615-532-5249.
* Booker T. Washington State Park: 9 a.m.-noon, meet at Bird Observation House, park by the gates area. 423-322-2712.
Volunteers will clean up amphitheater and do privet removal.
* Cumberland Trail State Park: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., meet at North Chickamauga Trail Head, 354 Montlake Road, Soddy-Daisy. 423-566-2229.
Meet at the kiosk and proceed to the Blue Hole to clean up litter and debris. There will probably be a chance for some swimming as work will take volunteers out into the park by the creek.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, sack lunch/snacks and water. Wear long pants and bring work gloves, if you have them. Gloves and tools will be provided for those who need them. Hiking boots or tennis shoes are recommended; no open-toed sandals.
* Harrison Bay State Park: 1-4 p.m., meet at 4.5 mile trailhead. 423-344-6214.
Repair long-term damage to park's longest trail, manually relocating building materials to the job site to reduce impact; work on boardwalk and trail resurfacing. Wear tick-repellent, wear closed-toe shoes; no flip-flops or sandals.
* Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., meet at park office, 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tenn. 423-263-0050.
Wear work gloves for removal of privet. Wear closed-toe shoes; bring sunscreen, lunch and water.
* Red Clay State Park: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., meet at gazebo near Visitor Center. 423-478-0339.
Build a trail reroute on Council of Trees Trail. Work gloves and tools provided, but bring your own if desired. Bring water and lunch/snack.