The Tennessee River is a natural wonder, winding through stunning landscapes, rich ecosystems and historically significant sites. Originating in Knoxville, the 652-mile waterway flows through Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky before serving as the primary tributary to the Ohio River.
Yet for all its natural beauty, the river is among the most plastic-polluted bodies of water in the world. Studies indicate that plastic waste in the waterway eventually turns into microplastics, which pose a unique threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
The issue holds particular meaning for Cash Daniels, a 15-year-old who enjoys the river in his hometown of Chattanooga.
“I’ve always loved animals and spending time outside,” said Mr.
Daniels. “When I was seven, we took a trip to the beach where I discovered some plastic debris that had been washed out to sea down a river. This debris not only taints natural beauty, but it can seriously harm so many of the creatures that call these environments home. This encounter left an impression on me, and it got me thinking about the importance of conservation.”
Mr. Daniels is an active member of Trail Life USA (TrailLifeUSA.com), the largest Christian scouting program for boys in America, offering a church-based, Christ-centered approach to discipleship. The organization provides boys crucial time outside to hike, camp, explore, develop skills and solve problems.
For an experienced Trailman such as Mr. Daniels, the solution to this problem was obvious: to roll up his sleeves and take action.
He asked, “Why would I wait for ‘someone’ to address the issues I see when I am indeed someone?”
What started as a simple realization on that beach vacation eventually became a calling. For eight years, Mr. Daniels has organized and led teams to join him in cleaning up their beautiful waterway. In that time, he and his Trail Life Troop, TN-0069, have pulled over 45,000 pounds of waste from Tennessee’s waterways. And this year, he and his troop received their second ‘Nobody Trashes Tennessee’ award from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, recognizing their dedication to keeping rivers clean and stewarding their community well.
For Trail Life CEO Mark Hancock, Mr. Daniels’ activism is a shining example of the organization’s mission to "guide generations of courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others and experience outdoor adventure."
“Boys were designed by their Creator to be doers,” said Mr. Hancock. “Boys need action and purpose. Hands-on problem solving, action, outdoor exploration and adventure make men out of boys because that is how boys grow — through activity and experience.”
Mr. Hancock says the outdoors are a key component of the Trail Life experience.
“There is something profoundly healing about being in nature,” said Mr. Hancock. “Research consistently shows that time spent outdoors can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. The rhythm of walking along a trail, the sight of trees bending gently in the breeze and the feeling of sunlight on one’s skin all serve to remind us that, despite the storms of life, there is a world of beauty and peace beyond the turbulence.”
Eight years in, Mr. Daniels remains committed to preserving this beauty in his small corner of the great outdoors.
“No matter how young you are, you can make a difference,” said Mr. Daniels. “People might doubt you — but prove them wrong. We may be a small percentage of the population, but we are 100 percent of the future.”