In recognition of National Public Lands Day, Tennessee State Parks, along with Friends Groups, invite the public to take part in hikes and volunteer activities across the state on Saturday.
This year’s theme is “Helping Hands for America’s Lands.” Each of the 55 Tennessee State Parks will have scheduled hikes and volunteer opportunities. For each park’s schedule, visit http://tnstateparks.com/about/special-events/national-public-lands-day.
“National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to get out and support your local park,” Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill said. “Events will be held at each of our state parks, with assistance needed in cleaning up the park, assisting with trail maintenance and removing invasive species.”
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest one-day, volunteer stewardship event. Thousands of volunteers build trails, plant trees and remove litter to improve America’s shared lands for all who visit them.
National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with just three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Today, this annual program of the National Environment Education Foundation has grown to involve more than 105,000 volunteers at over 2,000 locations in every state across the nation. Those interested in organizing a National Public Lands Day project or volunteering can contact 202 833-2933 or visit www.publiclandsday.org.
Tennessee’s 55 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. There is a state park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in the state, offering a variety of recreational, lodging and dining choices. For more information about Tennessee State Parks, visit http://tnstateparks.com/ or connect via Facebook or Twitter.