This event is full. If you haven’t registered, we will be unable accommodate walk-ups. We are always looking for volunteer assistance and invite to serve with us another time.
Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day Event
Roan Mountain State Park celebrates Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day with a special volunteer work event on Thursday, September 19th alongside Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee! Volunteers will work alongside park rangers and First Lady Lee on two projects - a native garden restoration project at our historic Miller Farmstead as well as removing invasive plants along the Doe River and Moonshiners Run Trail to restore native plant communities along the Doe River Valley through the State Park. This event will run from 10:00am-2:00pm EST and will meet at the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center for introductions and an overview of the volunteer work options as follows. A volunteer lunch (sandwiches, fruit, veggies, chips, and beverages) will be provided by the park from 1:00-2:00PM for all volunteers.
Miller Farmstead Work Event (max limit of 30 volunteers): Join Ranger O’Day at the historic Miller Farmstead for a landmark re-landscaping project. The Miller Farmstead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it represents a relatively-intact example of an Appalachian-style farmhouse and outbuildings of the early 20th century. Our landscaping project will include digging, weeding, planting, mulching, and re-organizing plant beds and borders surrounding the Miller Farmstead. With your help, the gardens will be converted to a new design, primarily featuring native perennials. Converting to native landscaping will allow our gardens to be in harmony with the surrounding flora and fauna of Roan Mountain. In addition, native landscaping is more easily-maintained and provides a feast for the eyes as plants mature. Volunteers should dress for the weather, with layers and closed-toe shoes. Insect repellant, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Tools and gloves will be provided, although volunteers with gardening equipment are welcome to bring their own. Bring your favorite reusable water bottle to #GoGreenWithUs.
Moonshiner Run Invasive Plant Removal and Bridge Repair Event (max limit of 20 volunteers): Join Ranger Phil Hylen along the 0.95-mile Moonshiner Run Trail and adjacent Doe River as we work to remove invasive Japanese Knotweed and Multi-flora Rose from the area. Both of these invasive plants were introduced to North America through horticulture and landscape trade and have spread into wild areas since the early 1900s. If left alone, these two species will spread rapidly and choke out native plants which are relied upon by pollinators and other local critters. Volunteers will learn to identify these non-native plants before working as a team to cut plants back as park employees treat the cut rose stems and knotweed nodes with selective herbicides. This treatment will be the first in a 3-year battle against these plant species in this area with the end result being a restoration of native plants back along the valley of the Doe River. After treatments are complete and as time allows, volunteers will work on the Moonshiners Run trailhead bridge to replace wooden decking and handrails on one of the most scenic Doe River crossings located within Roan Mountain State Park. Volunteers should dress for the weather with layers and closed-toe shoes. Insect repellant, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Tools and gloves will be provided. Bring your favorite reusable water bottle to #GoGreenWithUs.
