PUBLIC LANDS DAY VOLUNTEERS
Bledsoe Creek: 10 in 2017, 55 in 2016Booker T. Washington: 24 in 2017, 2 in 2016Cumberland Mountain: 4 in 2017, 10 in 2016Cumberland Trail: 122 in 2017,16 in 2016Fort Loudoun: 4 in 2017, 0 in 2016Harrison Bay: 5 in 2017, 10 in 2016Hiwassee/Ocoee: 32 in 2017, 6 in 2016Old Stone Fort: 2 in 2017, 3 in 2016
Tennessee State Parks saw a 15 percent increase in volunteer service on National Public Lands Day, according to a news release.
Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail State Park had the most volunteer helpers at 122. Pickwick Landing State Park in West Tennessee and Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park near Chattanooga saw the biggest increases in participation - from two and six volunteers in 2016, respectively, to 50 and 32 volunteers in 2017.
"Some of our popular as well as lesser-known parks saw exceptional growth in the number of residents coming out to help," said Brock Hill, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation deputy commissioner of parks and conservation. "This spirit speaks to the value our public lands offer Tennesseans: healthy recreation opportunities, local economic engines and responsible land conservation."
Volunteers came out on Sept. 30 to support 52 different parks in Tennessee's statewide system.
Other parks, including David Crockett Birthplace in East Tennessee and Cedars of Lebanon in Middle Tennessee, saw upwards of 80 people mulching, constructing hiking trails, cleaning playground equipment and more.
Also, Tennessee State Parks hosts five signature hikes annually to encourage visitors of all skill levels to get outside and enjoy public lands.
The final hike of 2017 will be the After Thanksgiving Hike on Friday, Nov. 24.
To see a list of planned hikes across the state, as well as all Tennessee State Park events and park information, visit www.tnstateparks.com.