Appreciation For our Parks.....Show Some

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY RECOGNIZED WITH VOLUNTEER WORK On Saturday, September 25, many public lands across the country will be holding events to celebrate National Public Lands Day.
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy.
In recognition, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host two volunteer trail projects. The Park is currently recruiting for volunteers for two trail projects that are supported through the National Park Foundation and the Trails Forever Program. They are the Cosby Nature Trail in the Cosby Campground (Tenn.) and the Smokemont Nature Trail in Smokemont Campground (N.C.).
Work on both trails will involve installing waterbars, maintaining existing drainage structures, removing social trails, defining the trail tread and installing trail signs. Work will be conducted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both projects and staff will provide all the necessary equipment needed, including work gloves, for the projects. Volunteers should come prepared to work for a day in the woods and must be able to hike, safely perform manual labor, and be comfortable using hand tools. It is suggested that participants dress in good sturdy foot wear and long pants. Since volunteers will be working a full day, it will be necessary to pack a lunch and plenty of water.
To attend these projects, interested persons must be at least 12 years old and must RSVP by September 17 to the Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer, at 828-497-1949 or Christine_Hoyer@nps.gov. At the time of RSVP, volunteers will be provided with further project and trailhead information.