Fall into volunteerism with Smokies Service Days

GATLINBURG, TN - Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials need volunteers for Fall "Smokies Service Days” projects. These unique opportunities allow community members and park visitors to get involved and become stewards of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Individuals and groups are invited to sign up for any of the scheduled service projects that interest them including unique opportunities to help care for park campgrounds, historic buildings, and other natural and cultural resources within the park boundaries.

	Invasive Plant Removal; image by the National Park

This volunteer program helps complete much needed work across the park and is ideal for those seeking to fulfill community service requirements, including high school and college students, scout troops, civic organizations, visitors, families, and working adults with busy schedules. Each project will provide tasks appropriate for a wide range of ages. Volunteer projects will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last until noon on Saturday mornings, except for the November 23 service date. In addition, each project will be followed by an optional enrichment adventure to immerse participants in the abundant natural and cultural resources of the park.

Tools and safety gear, including gloves and high visibility safety vests, will be provided by park staff. Participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed. Volunteers planning to stay for the optional enrichment activity must also bring a sack lunch.

Those interested in volunteering need to contact Project Coordinator, Logan Boldon, at 865-436-1278 or logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov prior to the scheduled event date to register. Space may be limited.

Current service opportunities include:
September 29: Campground Clean-Up at Smokemont
October 6: Historic Preservation & Campground Maintenance at Cataloochee
October 27: Picnic Area & Campground Clean-Up at Deep Creek
November 3: Campground Clean-Up at Cosby
November 10: Litter Patrol at the Gatlinburg Park Boundary
November 17: Campground Clean-Up at Elkmont
November 23: Vegetation Management at Wears Valley

Published September 27, 2018