After seeing state funding for historic sites slashed and slashed again, the staff at New Echota Historic Site in Gordon County, Ga., has come up with a "wish list" of projects for volunteers.
"We're having to try to fill in and supplement where we can," said site Superintendent David Gomez. "A lot them are the things that would only take 15 or 20 minutes, but you never can find that 15 or 20 minutes."
The wish list includes knocking down beaver dams, cutting back briars, cleaning buildings and waxing furniture at the state-owned site that marks the location of the old Cherokee Nation capital.
"We're trying to keep things top-notch but keep the cost to the state minimal," Gomez said. "You've got to maintain the historic buildings or the park's not going to be here."
Volunteers already have tackled a few of the beaver dams, and a group of master gardeners has signed on to maintain the onsite garden.
That's an encouraging sign for Mary Nell Podgorny, vice president of Friends of New Echota.
"There are a lot of needs," she said. "That was exciting that word's getting out."
Tour guides are some of the more pressing needs, Gomez said. Among the needs that require specific training, Gomez said he's looking to reshoot an aging video that plays in the visitors center.
"It's an older film, and it really needs to be redone," he said.
But Podgorny said the list is long enough for a wide variety of people to lend a hand.
"I think there's something for everyone," she said.
Contact staff writer Andy Johns at ajohns@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6324.
WISH LIST
Stain and seal bridges, decks and signs
Tighten screws and bolts on signs and doors
Cut briars and weeds
Knock holes in beaver dams
Clean historic buildings monthly or quarterly
Staff park for field trips Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Film, write or act in new site video
Clear new trails
Repair brick pads around site
Spread pine straw and other landscaping
Wax furniture
Paint handrails, storage shed and parking areas
Build a case for maps and attic shelves
Replace a damaged door
Source: New Echota Historic Site