06/30/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/30/2022 13:42
Contact:Dana Soehn, 865-436-1207
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting park-led 'work-togethers' on weekends throughout the year as part of Smokies Service Days. Individuals and groups are invited to sign up for these volunteer opportunities to help care for park resources, trails, and facilities. Service activities include invasive plant removal, structural fire prevention, and cemetery clean-ups. Each service day also offers optional enrichment activities with park staff to learn more about the park's biodiversity and history.
Through Smokies Service Days, volunteers help complete much needed work across the park. The opportunities are ideal for families, visitors, scout troops, civic organizations, working adults with busy schedules, and those seeking to fulfill community service requirements, such as the Tennessee Promise program. Activities are appropriate for groups with mixed abilities, though some may have age restrictions. Smokies Service Day projects typically last 3 - 4 hours on Saturday mornings.
Registered participants are provided more details about their service activity closer to the date. Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, are provided. Volunteers should bring their own water and bagged lunch.
To register, e-mail us and enter 'Smokies Service Days' in subject line. Indicate the date and activity you wish to register for. Include the number in your group and the age of each volunteer. You will receive a reply confirming your registration.
2022 Project Schedule
July 9: Independence Day Clean-Up
July 30: Green Thumb Gardening and Fantastic Fencing
August 13: Campground Clean-Up
August 27: English Ivy Pull (Vegetation Management)
September 10: Campground Clean-Up
September 24: National Public Lands Day 'Park and Partners Clean-Up'
October 15: Fire Prevention in Daisy Town
October 29: "The Deep Creep" (Costumed Clean-Up)
November 12: Veterans Day Cemetery Clean-Up