An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team, River 3, is serving with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park until Thursday, March 9.
The NCCC team of 10 members from the Southern Region campus in Vicksburg, Ms., is working to maintain and rehabilitate trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The team is also assisting with environmental recovery in response to the wildfire in Gatlinburg.
The members are hiking out to work to clear drains, clear debris from the wildfire, and perform routine maintenance. The team is also treating for invasive species in the park to protect the Eastern Hemlock Trees. Each day, River 3 is hiking to their worksite on either the North Carolina or Tennessee side of the park to leave their mark.
“These mountains, this park, it’s all beautiful. I can’t wait to see the beauty on the trails, on the ground, and on top of the highest mountain,” said Nikki Ottens, River 3 Media representative.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is home to over 850 miles of trails maintained by the National Park System. The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
The NCCC team, River 3, is based out of Vicksburg, Miss., but consists of members from around the country. After completing their service with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the members of the team will deploy to Greensboro, Al., for their next service project.