Opportunities From: Tennessee State Parks

Join Interpretive Ranger Rachel to clean up the shorelines around the park!  Meet at the Park Office to get your supplies and get your work location.  We'll have groups start in different areas and work towards each other to clean large sections of the shoreline.  We'll be working for 4 hours, but feel free to pop in or out as needed.

Join Interpretive Ranger Rachel at the Park Office to pick up trash as part of the Great American Cleanup!  We'll be focusing on the Pollinator Gardens and roads around the park.  If we have lots of volunteers, we'll also collect trash from the shorelines while the water levels are low.

The Friends of Old Stone Fort will be having a workday starting at 1pm. We will meet at the Museum at Old Stone Fort to begin the day. We will be either removing invasive species, trail work, or working on the boat shed. Please bring gloves, water, and wear sturdy closed toed closed back shoes. Tools will be provided, and groups are welcome! Please visit the Friends Facebook page for updates about upcoming programs and workdays at this link https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfOldStoneFort.

Join Friends of Short Springs on their workday to clean up our State Natural Area. We will be doing work to the trails so be prepared for all kinds of different things! Please wear sturdy closed toed and closed back shoes, and please bring water with you.  Here is a link to the Friends Group's Facebook which will have updates about the event on it:    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends of short springs

Join Friends of Short Springs on their workday to clean up our State Natural Area. We are planning on cleaning up the waterway which connects to the Duck River which is the most biologically diverse in North America! Please wear sturdy closed toed and closed back shoes, and please bring water with you.  Here is a link to the Friends Group's Facebook which will have updates about the event on it:    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends of short springs

Join Ranger Sutton as we clean up an old swimming hole by removing vegetation from the beach area. We will be using clippers and loppers to remove the undergrowth that has accumulated over the years and covering the historical stonework. The volunteer event will be roughly 4 hours of clearing and removing vegetation, so make sure to bring anything you would need to work outside including water and appropriate clothing. Bug spray is recommended. We will be meeting at the park office and then driving down to the site.

Join the Friends of Rocky Fork State Park to work on exotic-invasive plant removal.

The park will provide all the necessary tools, equipment, and materials needed for project. Be sure to pack water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes or boots (Please no Open-Toed Sandals), bring work gloves if you have them, and wear clothes that can get dirty/wet. We look forward to seeing you! TN Promise Students welcome!

Please register so we will be able to contact you in the event of volunteer day Cancellation due to inclement weather.

For more information or concerned about inclement weather that day, please contact Ranger Cory Franklin at cory.franklin@tn.gov or 423-443-6429. Questions may be sent to us through our Rocky Fork State Park Facebook page as well. As always we really appreciate your involvement and help! We will continue to have an invasive removal day on the second Sunday of each month, so if you can't make it this month, you will have more chances to get involved here at the park!

Rocky Fork has the cleanest water of any tributary in the Nolichucky River Watershed. With 2,300 acres of parkland surrounded by 8,000 acres of National Forest.  We aim to keep Rocky Fork pristine and would love to have your help!

All ages welcome! We look forward to seeing you! TN Promise Students welcome!

Looking for community service hours? Montgomery Bell could always use a helping hand!

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in history preservation and storm damage clean up and would like to assist by picking up sticks and limbs.

Volunteers will meet Ranger Preston Williams at the Park Visitor Center at 10:00 AM where we will caravan to the workers cemetery.

 Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, closed toed shoes are required. Participants should bring their own water bottle. All other materials will be provided.

On this workday we will continue to work on a section of trail near the inner and outer loops. Activities will include raising up the trail tread by hand shoveling material and tamping it in. Requirements are closed toe shoes, gloves and enough water and snacks to get through 3 hours of work. Protective eyewear is always a good idea. The meet up location is at the maintenance yard off of Warner Rd.

We are looking for historical interpreters who can focus on the 1870s.  We are currently seeking people who can present programs focused on trades and daily life from this time period.

       This is an ongoing opportunity for park volunteers and Friends Group members as individuals or in organized groups.  This opportunity will be used to record any trail maintenance not associated with clean-up efforts duties including but not limited to the following examples:

 Please contact the site supervisor to schedule your visit and allow a minimum of two weeks to process your request. Once you are scheduled, a waiver will be emailed to you to complete and return or bring with you on your workday. You will not be permitted to work without a signed and dated waiver. No exceptions.

ATTENTION ORGANIZED GROUPS: Your Group contact must make sure each participant has completed the required waiver and collect and present them to the site supervisor on the scheduled workday.  Work is not permitted without these signed and dated waivers.  No exceptions. For Youth groups parent/guardian must complete and sign waivers for each person under 18. Trail work is not recommended for anyone under 13 years old.

Join us on March 24th to plant trees at Pickwick Landing State Park!  We'll be planting 50 or more trees around the park, building cages to keep them safe, and working on anything else that will help keep these trees healthy and happy.

Please bring your own spade or shovel, wire cutters or plyers, and garden gloves if you need smaller than a size large.

Interested in learning to work with birds of prey?  Join Roan Mountain State Park for a series of volunteer workdays with Park Ranger Phil Hylen and our park owls: Shiloh and Sunshine.  Volunteers will help the park to clean owl cages, complete minor aviary maintenance, and assist with the care of the owls (obtaining weights, checking housing conditions, and learning their stories to educate the public).  Each shift will begin by meeting Ranger Phil at the Park Headquarters building to sign in and brief for the shift.  While 3 volunteers will help to clean, a handler will be present to work with the owls directly and train cleaners on skillsets necessary to work directly with the owls.      

Shifts vary on time and the maximum number of volunteers.  We will be trying to conduct two volunteer days per week to allow for more enrichment time with the owls and volunteers.  

Come help out during the Horton 100!

The Horton 100 is a two-day, fully supported cycling event hosted at Henry Horton State Park. Volunteers are needed with rider registration and general event support! All volunteers will report to the Lodge at the start of their shift for instructions. This event qualifies for TN Promise hours. If there is a specific time you would like to assist, please email the site coordinator.

Volunteers can assist with rider check in, packet distribution, and general event questions during the following times:  

Friday, April 24 

2:30 PM – 6:00 PM 

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM 

(Registration is open 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM) 

Saturday, April 25 

5:45 AM – 8:30 AM 

(Registration opens 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) 

Sunday, April 26 

5:45 AM – 8:30 AM 

(Registration open 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) 

Come help out during the Horton 100!

SAG (Support and Gear) volunteers assist riders at designated rest stops along the route. Responsibilities include helping set up hydration/snack stations, refilling supplies, greeting riders, and providing encouragement throughout the morning.  

All SAG volunteers must report to the Lodge at Henry Horton State Park as early as 6:00 AM to receive assignments and instructions. Volunteers should be prepared to drive up to 30 minutes from the park to their designated SAG location. 

If you would like to volunteer during a specific time or at a specific location, please email the site supervisor to schedule your time in advance.

Saturday, April 25 

Hickory Hill Methodist Church 

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM 

Bell Buckle Post Office 

7:30 AM – 10:00 AM 

Christ Baptist Church 

7:30 AM – 1:00 PM 

Nash Family Creamery 

7:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

Sunday, April 26 

Eagleville City Hall 

7:00 AM – 9:30 AM  

Peacock Hill Park 

7:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Join us for our annual Great War Expo, a educational event highlighting all things WWI at the home of one it's most well known soldiers. Look forward to focused discussion panels, collection displays, authors, museums, and living historians sharing their knowledge about the Great War of 1918, the "War to End All Wars".

Help us clean Head of the Crow State Park! Volunteers helping with this opportunity will assist with litter and trash clean-up along the roadside and in portions of the park interior. Clean-up days will be posted on the park's website and social media. Please feel free to contact Ranger Allen to schedule dates and times to volunteer outside of the posted clean-up days. Thank you for your willingness to serve!

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Keep America Beautiful has named the 2026 Great American Cleanup, The Greatest American Cleanup. You can participate this year by joining us, as this will be an easygoing litter pickup around the park, likely focused on short trails and banks near Big Ridge Lake.

This is a monthly volunteer opportunity, that occurs on the first Saturday of every month (barring events or unforeseen circumstances), intended to assist park staff with park projects and tasks. Parks projects and task can include: invasive plant removal, trail work, trash clean-up, storm/weather debris clean-up, gardening. Projects or task vary and will be conducted according to need.

If you need to complete community service or volunteer service hours to fulfill a requirement for scholarships, graduation, fraternity/sorority obligations, etc., let us know. If you just want to come out and help us, we would be happy to have you join us.

Volunteers should plan on meeting Ranger Brian Miller at the visitor center at 10:00am CT. Ranger Miller will brief all volunteers on the location in the park where the work will take place and the project/task to be done. Please bring bottled water with you and wear appropriate footwear/attire for the weather. If you have any questions about this volunteer work day, please contact Ranger Miller at Richard.Miller@tn.gov or 931-272-4777.

Various tasks at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park

Join park staff to start prepping areas along Mill Creek for River Cane transplanting. Canebrakes once were found throughout the Southeast and are now listed as critically endangered ecosystems. Volunteers can expect to use loppers and hand shears to remove lower and midstory plants to make room for River Cane. Meet at the bathrooms below the Hwy 136 Dam.  Be sure to wear appropriate clothing for days weather conditions. Bring water and snacks to sustain yourself

Join Standing Stone State Park staff as we conduct trail maintenance along the Cabin Spur Trail. This will include widening the trail where possible and vegetation management. All equipment and PPE will be provided by the park. Please bring water and snacks and wear clothing appropriate for the weather.   

Join Standing Stone State Park staff as we conduct trail maintenance along the Cabin Spur Trail. This will include widening the trail where possible and vegetation management. All equipment and PPE will be provided by the park. Please bring water and snacks and wear clothing appropriate for the weather.   

It takes only one person to make a mess, but a group to clean it up. We will be working with WATeR, Watershed Association for the Tellico Reservoir, by picking up litter and debris along the shoreline.

Please wear appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes; the lake is down and it can be muddy. Bring work gloves and water. Trash bags will be provided. Meet Ranger Baghetti at the shed at McGhee-Carson WMA.

Directions:

From Vonore, turn onto Highway 360; drive for approximately 1.75 miles; as soon as you cross the causeway turn left onto the McGhee-Carson WMA, there's a brown sign; the shed is at the end of the road.

In preparation for the upcoming garrison, we will be getting the fort ready for a busy weekend.  Work will include sweeping fort buildings, cleaning tables, light dusting, stacking firewood and other odds and ends.  Please bring work gloves; all other tools and equipment will be provided.  Meet at the visitor center; we will work from 1:00 PM to 4:00 P.M.

This event will be held on the first Sunday of every month, with the goal of keeping Rocky Fork's trails and creeks free of litter.  Meet Park Ranger Cory Franklin in the campfire interpretive area, we will either go along the road or up Rocky Fork trail in search of litter.

Rocky Fork has the cleanest water of any tributary in the Nolichucky River Watershed. With 2,300 acres of parkland surrounded by 8,000 acres of National Forest.  We aim to keep Rocky Fork pristine and would love to have your help!

Gloves and trash bags will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies.  

All ages welcome! 

Join Ranger Josh at the Big Ridge Park Office to help distribute trees for the annual Tennessee Tree Day from 9am to 12pm March 20th through the 21st.

In addition to distributing trees for Tennessee Tree Day we will also be cleaning out the Visitor Center’s Garden and spreading out some fresh mulch.

All help would be greatly appreciated!

Invasive species grow up and out, shading out native plants and encroach hiking trails. Help save native wildflowers and keep scenic views open by removing privet. This is a great opportunity to give back to the park and get volunteer hours. We will be removing privet from the Tellico Blockhouse front gates.

Be prepared to pull, cut, and carry small shrubs. Volunteers must be at least ten years old. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes.  Bring work gloves and water; tools will be provided. We will meet at the Tellico Blockhouse parking lot.

Directions: 149 Blockhouse Road, Vonore, TN 37885

-From Maryville: Traveling south on Highway 411, enter Monroe County and turn left onto Clearview Drive, turn right onto Tellico Blockhouse Road, follow the road ~.25 mile to the parking lot.  If you reach Highway 360 you've gone too far.

-From Vonore: Traveling north on Highway 411, drive through Vonore and across the bridge, turn right onto Clearview Drive, turn right onto Tellico Blockhouse Road, follow the road ~.25 mile to the parking lot.

Lend a hand where the forest needs it most - help clear storm-fallen trees along the Grundy Forest Day Loop!

Volunteers will work alongside park staff to lift, carry, and naturally disperse downed branches and tree material along the trail corridor. This is hands-on physical work and will involve working on uneven terrain, encounter thorns, and being outdoors for the duration of the event. 

This is a GREAT opportunity to make a visible impact on one of the park's most loved trails while spending time outside and giving back to the landscape that gives us so much.

Volunteers will need the following:

Reelfoot Lake State Park is participating in Tennessee Tree Day, and we are looking for volunteers to help us prepare native tree saplings for distribution and help coordinate tree sapling pickups!

Volunteers will arrive 30 minutes before the event starts to help prepare at 8:30 AM. Park will be providing all materials; we just need you! 

Fishing line recycling containers have been installed at each boat dock. The monofilament is collected from recycling bins and cleaned of hooks, leaders, weights, and trash. It is then shipped to the Berkley Pure Fishing company in Iowa. Berkley melts the line down into raw plastic pellets that can be made into other plastic products including tackle boxes, spools for line, fish habitats, and toys. Meet at the back porch of the Visitor Center to receive collection instructions. You will walk or drive to collect the line from the recycling containers and bring it back to the Visitor Center to process the contents as we work to preserve our shoreline, protect wildlife and prevent damage to boat propellers.

Bledsoe Creek State Park added a pollinator garden in 2019 with the support of Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park and a grant from the Iris Fund. With careful selection of native perennials and self seeding annuals this area has flourished. Located adjacent to the Visitor Center, it serves as a wildlife habitat, educational tool and visual interest for passersby. In every season there are tasks we can use volunteer assistance with to maintain the pollinator garden! In the spring we apply mulch and soil amendments if needed. During the summer and fall we'll be weeding and ensuring the plant markers are visible. In the winter we will put the garden to bed being careful to maintain a habitat for pollinators to overwinter. This is a family-friendly opportunity appropriate for all ages!

Our Reading Ranger Story Trail panels are beloved by our youngest visitors. To help them last for many more seasons volunteers wash them and report any damage from falling branches or overzealous readers. Meet at the Visitor Center to collect supplies for a leisurely afternoon on the shaded, paved half mile loop.

If you have a little more time you can check on our Little Free Library located near the bathhouse on Woodchuck Hollow. We periodically straighten the books to be sure it is in good order for our camping community. Do you know someone with carpentry skills? We'd love to add another Little Free Library near the Raccoon Creek day-use area so please have them contact us at 615-452-3706.

Make a difference in a dog's life while enjoying the beauty of nature! Join us for a special event with Lawrence County - Lawrenceburg Animal Shelter. 

You must be able to pick up your assigned dog at the Animal Shelter. Be sure to sign up early as limited spots are available.

Meeting Point: Large parking lot past the park restaurant.

What to bring:

This is a great way to help shelter dogs get exercise, socialization, and love.

Reserve your spot Today!

Join us for an educational session about the use of herbicides on our park. Learn how to properly mix, use, and evaluate the effectiveness of herbicides and their use against invasive species. After the learning about herbicides and application methods, get hands-on experience with herbicide use while helping treat our wetland area. This is a perfect opportunity for people looking to build their experience and skills in habitat management.

The Herbicide Workshop will meet at the Wetland Trailhead at 9am on Friday, June 5th. This program will be in coordination with Quail Forever and their habitat management team.

This program requires special eligibility criteria, please visit our website for more information about the program's accessibility needs. Guests will be hiking varied amounts, expect around 1 to 2 miles of hiking.  Guests will need to carry a backpack spray, typically weighing between 20 to 30 lbs.bs when completely full. Accommodations can be made for people unable to carry the backpack sprayer. 

Please wear closed-toed shoes and wear clothing that can get dirty. Please wear long-sleeves and pants. Guests are recommended to bring their own gloves. Any additional safety gear will be provided. 

Participants must register to participate due to liability waiver requirements and a limited number of backpack sprayers.

Join us at Old Stone Fort to aid in the improvement of our park through volunteering! Projects range from trail upkeep, invasive plant removal, and park cleanup. Volunteering will help both the local environment as well as everyone who enjoys the park from Manchester to the wider world.

For National Public Lands volunteer day, we will be conducting invasive plant clearing on the trails or trail work. We will meet at the Park's Museum Rooftop from the listed address.

Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Be prepared to hike sections of the Enclosure trail, Forks of the River Trail, and Moat Trails which is a natural dirt and rock path.

Join us at Old Stone Fort to aid in the improvement of our park through volunteering! Projects range from trail upkeep, invasive plant removal, and park cleanup. Volunteering will help both the local environment as well as everyone who enjoys the park from Manchester to the wider world.

For National Trails volunteer day, we will be conducting invasive plant clearing on the trails or trail work. We will meet at the Park's Museum Rooftop from the listed address.

Please make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Be prepared to hike sections of the Enclosure trail, Forks of the River Trail, and Moat Trails which is a natural dirt and rock path.

The Friends of Old Stone Fort will be having a workday starting at 1pm. We will meet at the Museum at Old Stone Fort to begin the day. We will be either removing invasive species, trail work, or working on the boat shed. Please bring gloves, water, and wear sturdy closed toed closed back shoes. Tools will be provided, and groups are welcome! Please visit the Friends Facebook page for updates about upcoming programs and workdays at this link https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfOldStoneFort.

The Friends of Old Stone Fort will be having a workday starting at 1pm. We will meet at the Museum at Old Stone Fort to begin the day. We will be either removing invasive species, trail work, or working on the boat shed. Please bring gloves, water, and wear sturdy closed toed closed back shoes. Tools will be provided, and groups are welcome! Please visit the Friends Facebook page for updates about upcoming programs and workdays at this link https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfOldStoneFort.

The Friends of Old Stone Fort will be having a workday starting at 1pm. We will meet at the Museum at Old Stone Fort to begin the day. We will be either removing invasive species, trail work, or working on the boat shed. Please bring gloves, water, and wear sturdy closed toed closed back shoes. Tools will be provided, and groups are welcome! Please visit the Friends Facebook page for updates about upcoming programs and workdays at this link https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfOldStoneFort.

Join Friends of Short Springs on their workday to clean up our State Natural Area. We will be doing work to the trails so be prepared for all kinds of different things! Please wear sturdy closed toed and closed back shoes, and please bring water with you.  Here is a link to the Friends Group's Facebook which will have updates about the event on it:    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends of short springs

Join Friends of Short Springs on their workday to clean up our State Natural Area. We will be doing work to the trails so be prepared for all kinds of different things! Please wear sturdy closed toed and closed back shoes, and please bring water with you.  Here is a link to the Friends Group's Facebook which will have updates about the event on it:    https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=friends of short springs

We will meet at the park office and drive to the old sewer treatment area to plant over 50 native trees.  

The park will supply all tools needed for the event.  

Participants will need to bring water, gloves, and wear closed-toed shoes.  

The sewer treatment area has been filled in and cleared of debris.  We need your assistance in ensuring the area returns to its former biodiverse habitat. 

Planting native species of trees helps rejuvenate the ecosystem, improves air quality, and provides essential food and shelter for birds, butterflies, insects, and more! 

#TECTN.ORG

#GoGreenWithUs

Go Green with us as we continue providing habitat for our native insects as we restore and reseed a pollinator garden located at the golf course!

The Native Plant Garden behind and in front of the Nature Center will soon be blooming and beautiful again as it emerges from its winter sleep! 

We are looking for a few dedicated volunteers with some gardening experience to:

1. Trim, spruce up and add mulch this lovely garden in March (materials provided!)

2. Add plants, weed and maintaining the garden a few hours each week through the summer.

Is this you?  Perhaps you and a friend may be interested too!  If you would like more information, contact Park Interpretive Ranger Christa Davidson for more details!

Join Standing Stone State Park staff for this years TN Serves and National Public Lands Day event. This year we will be conducting trail maintenance along the Jordan Spur Trail. This will include widening the trail where possible and vegetation management. All equipment and PPE will be provided by the park. Please bring water and snacks and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. 

Rock Island State Park needs your help! Join us as we clean up the Caney Fork River. Tasks will include cleaning up litter along the Caney Fork River Gorge between Twin Falls and Great Falls. This area is fairly strenuous, rocky, and wet so please plan accordingly.

If you need to complete community service or volunteer service hours to fulfill a requirement for scholarships, graduation, fraternity/sorority obligations, etc., this is a great opportunity to get those hours. Volunteers should plan on meeting Rangers at the Downstream Trail Parking Area at the end of Powerhouse Road at 10:00am. Volunteers will be briefed and given trash bags, trash grabbers, and gloves.

Please bring water and snacks if you would like and wear appropriate footwear/attire for the weather.

We honor all TN promise hours. 

If you have any questions about this volunteer workday, please feel free to reach out to us!

In case of inclement weather, volunteers will be contacted, and the event will be canceled. Please provide a good phone number and email address when registering

Make a difference in a dog's life while enjoying the beauty of nature! Join us for a special event with Lawrence County - Lawrenceburg Animal Shelter. 

You must be able to pick up your assigned dog at the Animal Shelter. Be sure to sign up early as limited spots are available.

Meeting Point: Large parking lot past the park restaurant.

What to bring:

This is a great way to help shelter dogs get exercise, socialization, and love.

Reserve your spot Today!

This is a monthly volunteer opportunity, that occurs on the first Saturday of every month (barring events or unforeseen circumstances), intended to assist park staff with park projects and tasks. Parks projects and task can include: invasive plant removal, trail work, trash clean-up, storm/weather debris clean-up, gardening. Projects or task vary and will be conducted according to need.

If you need to complete community service or volunteer service hours to fulfill a requirement for scholarships, graduation, fraternity/sorority obligations, etc., let us know. If you just want to come out and help us, we would be happy to have you join us.

Volunteers should plan on meeting Ranger Brian Miller at the visitor center at 10:00am CT. Ranger Miller will brief all volunteers on the location in the park where the work will take place and the project/task to be done. Please bring bottled water with you and wear appropriate footwear/attire for the weather. If you have any questions about this volunteer work day, please contact Ranger Miller at Richard.Miller@tn.gov or 931-272-4777.

Help clean up Oak Grove boat ramp! 

Meet at Oak Grove Road Boat Ramp to clean up invasives and open the viewshed to the lake. Wear appropriate, long sleeve/long pant clothing and sturdy shoes. 

We will begin at 9:00am and go till 12:00pm. Water and lunch will be provided by the Friends of Norris Dam!

Join Rock Island Park Rangers on Earth Day! Do you need volunteer hours for school, scouts, or something else? We have you covered with an amazing volunteer event! Meet us at the Sandbar Beach at the end of Beach Road at 10:00 AM for our River Clean Up.

Volunteers will be expected to move along the sandy beach, through the river gorge, and along trails to pick up trash and other debris. There is always plenty of litter and debris to go around for everyone! Trash bags, gloves, and other equipment will be provided by the park. This volunteer opportunity is great for individuals or groups who are looking to earn hours or just give back to our parks. Please wear sturdy and appropriate shoes and proper clothing for the weather and working outdoors.

You may also bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, which we would suggest you do! In the event of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled, and all attendees will be notified by text message or email, so be sure to provide a good contact when signing up. Also, be sure to visit the Galaxy digital website to register for this event officially.

Map Link to Sandbar Beach:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sandbar Beach and Pavillion/@35.8153663,-85.6518374,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88612b638295590f:0x5392c4ce3dbe3e75!8m2!3d35.8153663!4d-85.6466876!16s/g/11s53cv_s1?entry=tt

Join us on Saturday, March 28, for a special volunteer day at Duck Island in Warriors Path State Park. As part of the Duck Island Revival Project, we will be working together to dig up and remove invasive plants that threaten the island’s natural habitat. This effort is an important step in restoring native biodiversity and creating a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and visitors.

This volunteer day is part of a much larger restoration initiative made possible by Warriors Path State Park, Friends of Warriors Path, and the Iris Fund. Thanks to this support, we will be removing an obsolete tennis court, creating a vibrant pollinator garden, planting native trees, and revitalizing historic picnic areas. These improvements will help us uphold the high standard of care we strive for in Tennessee State Parks and ensure Duck Island remains a beautiful, sustainable space for generations to come. By joining us, you’ll be contributing to a project that truly makes a lasting difference for the park and the community.

Breakfast will be provided at 8:30 AM, and work will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. The park will provide all necessary tools for the work, and for safety reasons, participants are not allowed to bring chainsaws or power tools. We encourage everyone to wear sturdy, weather-appropriate clothing suitable for outdoor work and the conditions. Gloves and eye protection are strongly recommended, and please bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. We expect to work for about three hours.

This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty of Duck Island. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Park Ranger Ethan if you have any questions at Ethan.Sane@TN.gov. We look forward to seeing you there!

Assist park staff in picking up litter, returning equipment to storage buildings and other general clean-up activity after large scale events. Volunteers should be able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk two miles of park roads and parking area perimeters. 

On March 28th report to the gift shop booth on Raccoon Creek Road.

We are excited to offer an ongoing volunteer opportunity at Warriors Path State Park focused on restoring the natural beauty of Duck Island. Volunteers will play a vital role in removing invasive plant species, with a primary focus on Autumn Olive, to help protect native habitats and improve biodiversity. This work will involve using small hand silky saws and manual uprooting techniques—please note that chainsaws and other power tools are not permitted. Participants should be prepared for physical activity, including dragging downed brush and uprooting shrubs, as well as assisting with litter removal along trails and picnic areas. All tools will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to dress for outdoor work, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and snacks. This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on the park’s ecosystem while enjoying time outdoors and contributing to conservation efforts.

Feel free to contact ranger Ethan Sane at Ethan.Sane@tn.gov or 865-863-0790

Join us for the National Public Lands Day and the first lady's initiative TNServes where she believes that  each Tennessean has the power to transform their community by finding an area they are passionate about and giving of their time, talents and resources, and we do too! So come and help support our beautiful park. 

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Join us on the First Saturdays of the Month for volunteer opportunities throughout the park. 

Opportunities include:

Projects will vary depending on need and number of volunteers. 

We will cancel for inclement weather. However, we will work in light rain/snow and temperatures above freezing. 

Please dress appropriately and bring water! We have gloves but you can also bring your own. 

Are you interested in helping maintain one of Frozen Head's remote trails? Then a Volunteer Vacation is the perfect event for you! All camping gear and food will be provided and will be shuttled to the campsite if possible. We will then camp out for 3 nights. We will work from approximately 9AM to 4PM each day, then relax at camp and have fun exploring Frozen Head's remote backcountry. We will focus on the Old Mac loop (North and South Old Mac).

This would be a perfect opportunity for someone looking for more outdoor or job experience, but without the whole summer to commit to an internship. It will also be a great experience to learn about backcountry camping basics and trail maintenance. Anyone is welcome, but spots are limited and must be reserved in advance. Please email Ranger Blake Melancon at blake.melancon@tn.gov with any questions.

In the event of bad weather (storms, not just rain), this event will be cancelled.

Join us for a fulfilling Earth Day while improving upon our planet! We will pick up trash next to the 4th longest river on Earth.  

Join Master Trailbuilders every third Thursday and Saturday for the ongoing quest to fully flush out the trail system at Head of the Crow State Park.  Our current objective is rerouting a treacherous section of the Buggytop Trail to increase its accessibility to our visitors.  From newbies to pros all volunteers are welcome and we will supply all tools, gloves, and eye protection. All you need to bring are snacks, water, closed-toed shoes, and a happy attitude!  Volunteers should expect to hike 3 miles over difficult uneven terrain, work with various hand tools, and leave with a warm sense of fulfillment after a good day's work.  

Remove sticks and downfall limbs from trail, picnic area, and inside fort. Collect and dispose of litter from trail and park grounds. 

Are you interested in recreating with purpose? Do you seek adventure and new experiences? If so, working with the Rock Island team to explore and understand Rock Island State Park may be the perfect avenue for giving back & learning new skills!

We are interested in your passion, hobby, educational aspirations, or outdoor pursuits. What do you love about TN State Parks? Are you a lover of geology, botany, birds, salamanders, trails, fishing, hiking, or maybe you long to just be in wild places. Whatever motivates you, we need your drive to help us monitor the health of the species, assemblages, and processes that exist within Rock Island State Park.

Specifically, we hope to employ volunteers to conduct bird surveys during their time in the park and visit designated survey locations in the park. We need volunteers to help conduct floristic surveys using scientific sampling techniques. Gaining a more complete picture of the plants that live in the park and their response to management efforts is critical! We will show you the skills to map, identify, and monitor the spread of invasive plant species and will guide you through how your activities can benefit the long-term stewardship of your wild places.

Discover scientific exploration at your doorstep while having fun and helping to protect wild places for the future!

Are you passionate about trails? Do you daydream about your next hike? Do you want to give back to the day hiking and thru-hiking community?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then we would love to have you join us in the design, creation, and maintenance of the trail systems at Rock Island State Park! Join our passionate staff in creating a legacy of hiking access!

This volunteer position will help us meet ongoing needs for trail work park wide. The Trailblazer brings their experiences and perspectives to design and care of trails. The Trailblazer leads the way for other volunteers, is someone who has a steward's heart, and is a lover of wild places. Do you have hiking friends who would like to help? Are you already organizing excursions for your hiking squad? Help us clear trails of obstacles, establish tread-paths, map future routes, and blaze the trail for others to follow. 

Does this sound like you?

Want to know more and talk to a Ranger? Click Respond and leave a message with your contact information. Thank you for your volunteerism!

Reducing the incidence of invasive plants in wild places allows time and space for the flourishing of a diverse biotic community. The exclusion of rare, endemic, or specialist species in an ecologically globalized world is common.

However, uncommon and extremely valuable are the ecological stewards who can help alleviate this pressure and provide time for ecological adaptation. Do you live in a "world of wounds" so eloquently described by the father of Conservation Biology, Aldo Leopold? Do you want to help keep all the parts on the landscape and be the intelligent tinkerer, the steward, that wild places demand of us?

Join the Rock Island State Park team in the establishment of our first ever ongoing volunteer based Invasive Species Strike Team. Your actions will have a direct impact on the success of endemic, rare, and threatened species in the park. Your volunteerism matters! Your actions can have an impact for generations!

The strike team will use hand tools, mechanical tools, and herbicide to target and remove the identified invasive plants in Rock Island State Park. Previous experience is not required; training and guidance will be given. 

The strike team is designed with you in mind and built around the team's interest and schedule. Learn practical skills for wildlife habitat improvement, learn plant identification, apply ecological principles in real time with satisfying feedback. The strike team can be a group you are already a part of. Are you a wildlife student with a group of classmates looking for a curriculum vitae boost? Do you have a group of friends who love wild places and want to give back?

If this sounds like you and you want to learn more, click respond and leave a message with your contact information. Thanks for your volunteerism!

Are you a student looking to complete Tennessee Promise Volunteer Hours? If so stop by the Big Ridge Park Office to learn how you can serve your community at Big Ridge State Park! 

Gardening, weeding, branch removal. 

Need volunteer hours? Want to lend a helping hand? Cummins Falls State Parks welcomes volunteers year round for various miscellaneous tasks. There is always trash that needs picked up, invasives that need eradicated, trails that need maintained and projects going on at the park. We welcome volunteers anytime during our park hours from 8am - 4:30pm every day, whether you lend a hand for 30 minutes or 7.5 hours, we encourage you to come out! If you are interested in volunteering at Cummins Falls, please e-mail Park Ranger Lauren at lauren.fagin@tn.gov

For volunteers at Rocky Fork that do not fall under other volunteer opportunities. 

Join T. O. Fuller Park staff prepping trees on Thursday, March 19, 2026 for distribution on Friday, March 20, 2026, 9 am-5 pm and Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9 am-noon.

When signing up to volunteer, please put date and time available to volunteer in notes. Volunteers may work multiple shifts. Water will be provided.

Thursday, March 19, 2026 11am-3pm—Two volunteers needed to prep trees (wrap roots in paper, put identifier tags on trees, and group for pick up)

Friday, March 20, 2026 Shift One: 9am-1pm—Three volunteers needed to give out trees Shift Two: 1-5pm—Three volunteers needed to give out trees

Saturday, March 21, 2026 8:30am-12:30pm—Two volunteers needed to give out trees

Do you have a specific reason you need to volunteer? Is work, school, or something else entirely telling you that you need to log some hours somewhere? Are you simply bored and want to be both not bored AND productive? Do not fear, we have just the opportunities for you! Just give us a call (901-543-7581) or email Ranger Wheatley (clarence.wheatley@tn.gov) and we can create a volunteer opportunity that most interests you! We have opportunities involving trash pick-up, invasive plant removal, general cleaning services, gardening, program set-up, painting, trail work, animal care and much more!

Volunteer who is assisting in hospitality and maintenance functions in the campground and other park operations, and facilitates the recreational experience of the state park visitors. Duties may include but are not limited to: Camper orientation & information, light maintenance, reporting inappropriate activities or potential maintenance hazards, park programming and collection of fees and sales. Host agrees to exercise hospitality towards campers and are visible representatives of the state park during their frequent interactions with the public. Host is required to volunteer for a minimum of 20 hours per week for no more than 9 consecutive months.

Responding to this opportunity indicates an interest in volunteering in this role at the park. An application and review process will still need to be done. Acceptance into the host position is based on availability and compatibility. All adults residing at the site are subject to a background check. 

Please reach out to Michelle Neil directly for more information (731) 253-8003

Are you a History Lover and love to share your knowledge or would you like to learn more about nature, farm life, gardening, or history specifically around the 1930-40s? We would love to invite some enthusiasts to become Sadie Ford Farm Attendants.

The primary job to just to be available to visitors to answer questions and give tours of the farmhouse while the Farm is open. Don't worry about knowing everything, we have a frequently asked answers all ready for you, in case you need some help. We will also love to train you to better assist the public on all things history, farm life, gardening, and nature. 

We are looking for novice historians, college bound scholars, TNP students past and present needing volunteer hours, or any who would just love to volunteer their time and enjoy history, gardening, and nature with people. 

Bonus if you love animals, especially chickens and wild children.

Additional duties would be tours of the property, basic cleaning, gardening, and some animal care.  

Must apply and be interviewed before volunteering. 

Our State Parks are beautiful and unique places that should be enjoyed by everyone. Unfortunately, trash and litter always seem to make its way into the parks as well and sometimes there just is not enough time in a day to clean it all up. We need your help to keep the park beautiful and in return, you will earn volunteer service hours and a feeling of accomplishment

. This is an ongoing opportunity for community members and those who need volunteer hours to assist with clean-up duties throughout the park in areas with high levels of debris and/or litter. Trash bags and gloves will be provided to you by the park. Sturdy, closed toes shoes and a bottle of water are required for this opportunity. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.  Please contact the site supervisor to schedule your visit. Each participant must sign a liability waiver before volunteering to receive credit.

Love Burgess Falls? Need volunteer hours?

Then come lend a hand helping park staff make Burgess Falls the best it can be!

The first Wednesday of each month, Burgess Falls will host a volunteer workday.

Projects will range from trash removal and tree debris removal to invasive species removal and trail maintenance projects. 

Arrive at our park office, 8487 Burgess Falls Rd, at 9am for sign in and briefing on the project/tasks to be accomplished for the day.

Gloves and tools will be provided by the park.

Participants must be at least 14 years or older to participate.

Please wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and appropriate clothing for the weather.

If inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for the next Wednesday of the month. 

Are you interested in helping us with Living History demonstrations and re-enactments? Register for this opportunity if you'd like to participate as a living historian at any of these upcoming events, including: 

Other hours and opportunities are available. We appreciate your dedication to our cause!

RMSP is looking for volunteers interested in hiking and trail building to assist our park with maintaining and improving park trails.  Trail maintenance can be done in a general fashion or by adopting a trail to monitor and maintain on a regular basis.  Maintenance duties include lopping overgrowth, leaf blowing, blazing trails, assisting park rangers with trail structures, and utilizing Avenza Maps to mark any issues found while inspecting trails.  

To register as a trail volunteer, please contact Ranger Marco Rodriguez at Marco.Rodriguez@tn.gov to schedule a time!

Sabine Hill Social Society is a group of dedicated individuals who focus on helping Sycamore Shoals with educational events and social activities, early 19th century period clothing assistance, and helping with representing the Federalist period of time in America. 

Chickasaw State Park invites volunteers to take part in an ongoing conservation effort to remove invasive plant species from our pollinator fields. These fields are essential habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that help maintain the health and diversity of our local ecosystems.

This is a flexible, open volunteer opportunity available throughout the season. Individuals, families, school groups, scout troops, and service organizations are all welcome. No prior experience is necessary - park staff will provide tools, gloves, and guidance.

We always need help from our visitors to help keep our trails clear from debris and trash.  Make sure to have a volunteer form filed out before you can submit hours.  Thank you!

Do you need volunteer hours or just want to support park trails?

Activities can include :

Picking up litter, leaf blowing, invasive plant removal, trail upkeep, and light maintenance tasks!

Stop by the office or email Ranger Marhya at Marhya.Faulk@tn.gov to set up a shift!

Are you a nature lover and love to share your knowledge or would you like to learn more about nature? We would love to invite some enthusiasts to become Nature Center Attendants.

The primary job to just to be available to the visitors to answer questions while the Nature Center is open. Don't worry about knowing everything, we have a frequently asked answers all ready for you, in case you need some help. We will also love to train you to better assist the public on all things nature. 

We are looking for novice naturalists, college bound scholars, TNP students past and present needing volunteer hours, or any who would just love to volunteer their time and enjoy nature with people. 

Bonus if you love animals, especially snakes and wild children.

Additional duties would be  tours of the nature center, basic cleaning, gardening, and some animal care.  

Must apply and be interviewed before volunteering. 

Join Our Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Program!

Help protect native ecosystems and restore the natural beauty of our local habitats by joining our Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Program! This hands-on conservation effort focuses on removing invasive plant species that threaten the health and diversity of our environment.

What We’ll Be Removing:

Privet (Ligustrum spp.)

Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)

Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense)

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

These non-native species outcompete native plants, degrade wildlife habitat, and disrupt natural ecological processes. Your help will make a real difference in preserving the local environment for future generations!

What to Expect:

Training and tools will be provided

Light to moderate physical activity

Opportunities to learn about native and invasive plant species

Invasive Species are threatening our worlds biodiversity!

Join Big Ridge State Park in our efforts to thin out invasives that threaten our ecosystem! Meet Park Staff at the Park Office between 9am to 4:30pm and a Park Ranger will assist you with where to find and eliminate invasives species in our area.

If you do not know how to identify invasive species we especially encourage you to come out so we can teach you!

With the help from our Community we can really make a difference!

Volunteer to help clearing and maintaining trails throughout our new trails on Camp Hazlewood. Please e-mail the coordinator Brandon Baker at Brandon.Baker@tn.gov to set up a date and time to volunteer.

Volunteer to help on the Park and provide much needed help while earning hours needed to complete required community service required for Tennessee Promise eligibility status.

Service hours can be completed over multiple volunteer days.

Contact the park office for more information on current park needs 731-641-4465

Indian Mountain State Park is known by its visitors as a beautifully maintained park. It takes a lot to keep the park pristine for present visitors, much less improve it for future ones. Volunteer assistance is always appreciated here at Indian Mountain, so we offer a variety of opportunities year-round. Volunteers are always welcome and can help with general maintenance, picking up trash, invasive plant removal, gardening, and so much more! If you have something you would like to do at the park with specifically, let us know and we will see if we can make it happen! Whether you are assisting for one hour or eight, your contributions would make a difference here at Indian Mountain!

Please contact the Ranger on duty at 423-566-5861 in advance during business hours to coordinate scheduling.

Need some volunteer hours? Just want to be a great steward? We appreciate your help no matter what!

Purpose: The purpose of the opportunity is to create a monitoring system for our trails that can provide quick repairs and improve safety on the trail. It allows volunteers to provide important information to park rangers of trail issues, or safety risk on our trail that needs immediate attention. 

When: You can do this at your own leisure. No set time or trail for this. 

Where:  All trails

What to do: Hiking one or multiple trails and either reporting issues or fixing issues yourself. Examples of issues that you can fix are clearing debris of trail such as lose rocks, tree limbs or other items that may impede your hike and removing trash/litter from trail. Examples of issues that you would report would be, down trees over the trail, hazardous trees, bridges broken/not operating correctly, trail markers missing, and any hazards you think should be reported to a Ranger. (Trash pick up is better during the spring on trails next to lake. When spring rains bring the lake back up. Down trees are all year but more severe during winter and early spring)

After your hike please report your hours back on here this gives you credit and allows you another confirmation that the hours were completed if you need volunteer hours. It also allows state park to keep track of volunteer hours at our park and throughout the state. After you report your hours please email Justin.Vaughn@tn.gov about details of your hike. Be as detailed as you possible can about the issues you encountered, such as what trail you were on,  approximate location, size of trees, and how severe you think the issues is. You can even send photos of issues to this email if you want. All this informations makes park staff better prepared for the trail issues which saves time, money and makes for quicker fixes.

Experience: Basic hiking experience and trail knowledge

Questions: Contact Park Ranger Justin Vaughn

Our State Parks are beautiful and unique places that should be enjoyed by everyone. Unfortunately, trash and litter always seems to make its way into the parks as well and sometimes there just is not enough time in a day to clean it all up. We need your help to keep the park beautiful and in return, you will earn volunteer service hours and a feeling of accomplishment.

This is an ongoing opportunity for community members and those who need volunteer hours to assist with clean-up duties throughout the park in areas with high levels of debris and/or litter. Trash bags and gloves will be provided to you by the park. Sturdy, closed toes shoes are required for this opportunity. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. 

Please contact the site supervisor to schedule your visit. Each participant must sign a liability waiver before volunteering to receive credit. 

This is Ground Zero for Grounds Heroes! A pre-cursor to our Adopt-a-Trail program, this is an opportunity to get some trail clearing experience while helping out your friendly neighborhood TN State Park!

Our Discovery Loop is 4.5 miles of beautiful woodlands and wetlands, broken up into 6, color-coded sections that make planning trail maintenance much simpler. Our 2-mile Initiation Loop, created for us by the Trail Trippers, is a more difficult-to-hike trail that even has some reforestation opportunities.

Come out and help T.O. Fuller Rangers and Maintenance clear our trails of fallen limbs and trees, cut back encroaching foliage, and pick up any litter that may have accrued. We will usually target 2 sections of the Discovery Loop or half of the Initiation Loop in a given day. We will provide water, but please bring a refillable water bottle.

(p.s. Our next dates are September 14th and September 15th.)

Are you interested in volunteering at Pickwick Landing State Park?  Contact us today to schedule a volunteer time!

Email Interpretive Ranger Rachel Boothe to set up a time to volunteer at rachel.boothe@tn.gov

If you are interested in volunteering with our Birds of Prey, particularly in their care and the care of their aviaries, this is the PERFECT opportunity for YOU!

Any and all things Disc Golf related.

General course maintenance, cleanup, assistance with projects, and support.

The Duck River Disc Golf Club has on-going tasks available to support the park and the creation of a new course behind the park cabins. Please use the email attached for further information. 

This is an ongoing opportunity for those who are volunteering at the park to satisfy their Tn Promise hours outside of specific volunteer events . Work tasks include, but are not limited too: River bank and Road way clean up, Trail work, cleaning, and natural resource management.