Opportunities From: Tennessee State Parks

Join Ranger Joe at the entrance of the event center (the old restaurant) to trim up and beautify our flower garden. Participants should expect to do work, including cutting or pulling plants, siting or standing in the elements. 

This event is open to all and accommodations can be made for anyone.

Let's join together with volunteers nationwide "Caring for our Shared America" cleaning up our heavily used boat ramp area! Individuals, Scouting Groups, students are all invited to help out (and get volunteer hours) while serving our local community!

Our Tactile Trail is in need of some TLC to replenish its walking surface with mulch.  Volunteers are needed to rake and smooth the old surface mulch and distribute new mulch onto the trail.  The trail is 0.1 (one tenth) of a mile long.  Rakes, gloves and cold water will be provided to volunteers!

Join us for Tennessee Serves & National Public Lands Day as we remove invasive species from the boat ramp area of Panther Creek State Park!

Gloves and tools will be provided. Please bring personal water, closed toes shoes, and appropriate work clothes.

We will be working for approximately 3 hours.

Please meet at the Panther Creek boat ramp.

You can be a hero for public lands. Join us at Pickwick Landing State Park anytime between September 19th and September 28th to volunteer as part of Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day! Help us
preserve and maintain our beautiful park by participating in various projects. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and love for our environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to giving back, this is a great opportunity to make a difference for public lands. Activities will include landscaping, trash pickup, or invasive plant removal. All necessary tools and instructions will be provided. Come out and support your local park!  This is a family-friendly event, so bring the whole crew and spend a day in nature while giving back to the community!

Help us restore the beauty of Pickwick Lake by picking up trash along the shoreline!  Once you register, please email Interpretive Ranger Rachel at rachel.boothe@tn.gov to verify if you would prefer to kayak or walk the shorelines at the park to collect trash.

We'll be out and about collecting trash from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, but volunteers can schedule arrival or departure times as needed during that time frame.

In the event of rain, we will reschedule for September 19th.

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.  

Join us once a month to help out in various ways around the park. Each month we will be having a different opportunity so be sure to check back for updates. Please be sure to wear the proper clothing for the project of the month and always bring water.

September 5th - TBA

      Every piece of litter removed not only beautifies Dunbar Cave State Park, but also protects the fragile ecosystems found here. Join us for our monthly volunteer cleanup and make a lasting impact on the park you love.

      Volunteers gather at the Visitor Center at 9:00am on the first Friday of each month before heading out to clean trails, picnic areas and other public spaces. All cleanup supplies, including gloves, litter grabbers and trash bags will be provided. Please bring your own water. A water refill station is available at the park visitor center.

      Whether you're looking to earn volunteer service hours, enjoy a morning outdoors, or help preserve this special place for future visitors, we'd love to have you on the team. Scroll down to choose the cleanup date that works best for you.

      Once you signup, a park staff member will reach out to you to confirm your booking.

Help Ranger Lydia remove invasive lespedeza from our native grassland pollinator fields!   We will work from approximately 7:30AM - 9AM central.  Please bring work gloves and adequate water/snacks.  Long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended.  Will be working in a field with no shade, so hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are also recommended. Please reach out to Ranger Lydia at 423-307-9304 or lydia.martinez@tn.gov with any questions.

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

This is for volunteer work that is not for a specific workday or TN Promise. Work tasks include but are not limited to: Riverbank and Road way clean up, Trail work, cleaning, and natural resource management.

Join Master Trailbuilders every third Thursday and the following 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.  

We will meet at the T.O. Fuller State Park Maintenance Shop, 3290 Boxtown Road, at 9:00 AM to clear the orange trail section of the Discovery Loop.

Tools, water, gloves, and Gatoradeatorade will be provided.

Join Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Hannah at the Miller Farmstead to help weed the flowerbeds! We will meet at the Farmstead on August 22nd at 10 am and work until 12 pm. Please come prepared with appropriate clothing for gardening work, e.g. sun protection, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Also bring your own sunscreen/bug spray, water, and any snacks you may need. It is recommended you bring your own work gloves if you have them, but extras will be provided. We will be kneeling for long periods of time, so consider bringing a knee pad for your own comfort if needed. All gardening tools will be provided.

The Miller Farmstead is a gorgeous area of Roan Mountain State Park, and we appreciate your help in beautifying its gardens! When you arrive, you will park and walk down two flights of stairs to the house. Do be aware that the stairs can feel steep for some, but you are welcome to walk on the grass next to the stairs as an alternative.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Miller Farmstead and thank you for getting your hands dirty to keep our flowerbeds looking clean. See you there!

Join us for a day of cleaning up our garden beds at the SK Homeplace! Please bring water, snacks, sunscreen and bugspray. We will provide gloves and tools for weeding the gardens. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Join Fall Creek Falls State Park in preserving and protecting our pulic lands. We will be celebrating National Public Lands Day by working on one of our park's most-used trail systems. This event will last three hours on September 26th, 2026. Individuals should expect to have to do some hiking and get dirty. Make sure to bring sturdy shoes, gloves, water, and any other items you might need during the event. 

Join Roan Mountain State Park and Patchwork Meadows of Black Mountain, NC for a volunteer workday focused on removing invasive Lespedeza from our native pollinator gardens located along TN Highway 143 near Picnic Shelter 1. 

Volunteers will help protect and restore these important habitats by identifying and pulling invasive Lespedeza plants that compete with native wildflowers and grasses. Removing these invasive species helps ensure our pollinator gardens continue to provide valuable food and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. 

The park will provide work gloves, water, and snacks for all participants. Volunteer shifts are limited to 10 people and last approximately 3 hours. 

This is a great opportunity to work alongside the professional landscaping team from Patchwork Meadows and learn more about invasive plant management, native gardening, and habitat restoration. Whether you're new to native plants or an experienced gardener, you'll gain hands-on knowledge while making meaningful contributions to local conservation efforts. 

Join Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Orion for a fun volunteer cleanup at Grundy Lakes!

We will be working in the sun so please come prepared with water, sunscreen, and plenty of water! You will also need sturdy close-toed shoes. Hot dogs and snacks will be provided for lunch.

Join us September 19th at 10AM in the big parking lot for TN serves and National Public Lands Day! We will be hosting a trail clean/maintenance along the Tent Loop and Owens Springs Trails. Please bring closed toed shoes and water. All trail equipment will be provided. You may bring your own gloves, pruning shears, limb loppers, shovels etc. You may contact the office at (731) 989-5141 or by email @ daulton.degner@tn.gov

This event will be held on the first Sunday of every month from 2 pm to 4 pm, 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 Fiery Gizzard State Park staff for our Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day event as part of the nationwide "Caring for Our Shared America" campaign and America250! By pitching in, you are helping generate the largest volunteer effort in U.S. history and connecting everyday service to the public lands that hold our shared history. 

We will meet at the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead (131 Fiery Gizzard Rd, Tracy City TN, 37387) at 9:00am CDT and hike approximately 0.75 miles (1.5 miles round-trip) over moderate natural surfaces to the Grundy Forest Campground.

Once on site, volunteers will work together to help tidy up the campground, pick up litter, and clean out fire rings to keep our public lands clean and safe for future campers.

Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, dress for outdoor weather, and bring a plenty of water and snacks for a 3-hour hour workday. 
All tools and trash bags will be provided.

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest one day volunteer event. This year it falls during a landmark year, America’s 250th birthday! What better way to celebrate than to give back to our public lands. This event also supports the First Lady’s TennesseeServes initiative. It is her belief 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 to make Tennessee a better place. 

Come join Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park staff to pick up litter around our park. Participants should wear close toed shoes and bring water. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. We will meet at the beginning of the Pathway of History near the Farmers Market at 9:00 am. See you on the Mall!

Join Ranger Jeremy at 8 AM on August 8th for a volunteer event to help rebuild the Scout Camp fence. Our Scout Camp or Pin Oak Primitive Group Camp is located next to Pin Oak Shelter 1 and host a plethora or scouts and groups. Recently our cedar fence that symbolizes the entrance to the camp has failed and fallen over and we want your help to rebuild it!

All wood and material for the fence will be provided, however water, snacks, bug spray, and weather/work appropriate clothes are recommended. This is a great opportunity for highschoolers to obtain their Tennessee Promise Hours early in the school year.

Address and GPS coordinates to the Scout Camp

3214 Pin Oak Lodge Rd

35.69883, -88.28890

Through 2024, 2025 and 2026, Middle Fork Bottoms has been working with Toyota, NEEF, the Nature Conservancy, and others on a restoration project returning several areas in the park to a more native state. These projects have done well so far, but will require ongoing maintenance to ensure that we can be exemplary habitat for West TN native species. Join us and TN Serves this National Public Lands Day to help clean invasive and unwanted species out of our project fields!

Participants must wear close-toed shoes and full-length pants. Water and gloves will be provided. 

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together on the fourth Saturday in September to help restore, improve, and enjoy public lands around the country.

As a way to recognize NPLD and participate in the TN Serves initiative, help the staff of Seven Islands State Birding Park with maintaining the Wild Yards Garden at the park on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Staff and volunteers will roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and work together to pull weeds as part of our late summer maintenance of the gardens. The weeds can seem overwhelming, but as the saying goes, "Many hands make light work." Bring your family, friends, co-workers, teammates, neighbors, or anyone really that wants to help pull those pesky weeds from the beautiful garden area. Instructions will be provided to all volunteers that participate, and park staff will be available throughout the morning too for instructions or clarification/identification of anything. Some tools/gloves will be available for volunteers to use, but if you have your own tools/gloves that you would like to use please bring them along. 

This weekend will also coincide with the Girl Scouts Love State Parks event happening at state parks all across the country. This is a great opportunity for Girl Scouts to give back to the park and help out with the natural resource management of the park to benefit the visitors and wildlife!

Volunteers wishing to participate in this volunteer day should plan on arriving at the Bluebird Barn at the main entrance to the park off of Kelly Lane starting at 8:00am or 1:00pm, as this will be an all-day volunteer opportunity. The volunteer day will wrap up no later than 5:00pm, but volunteers are not required to stay the entire morning, afternoon, or day. Park staff will be available the entire day to provide assistance and instructions. It is recommended that you bring bottled water with you to stay hydrated, sunscreen, take breaks as needed, and wear appropriate clothing for working outside in a garden. If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity, please contact Ranger Stephanie at stephanie.mueller@tn.gov or 865-333-8270 or 865-407-8335.

Park staff need your help maintaining the Wild Yards Garden this summer. Come join park staff for a volunteer day in the gardens to help pull weeds. Instructions will be provided on what weeds need to be pulled from the gardens. Some gloves and hand tools will be available to borrow, but if you have your own from home please bring them with you. Volunteers should plan on meeting park staff in the Wild Yards Garden by the main parking lot off of Kelly Lane at 9:00am. Water fountains are located at the bathrooms near the gardens, but volunteers are encouraged to bring water bottles with them. 

If you have any questions regarding this volunteer day please contact Ranger Stephanie at stephanie.mueller@tn.gov or 865-333-8270. 

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a little bit of science and a lot of wet, soggy fun!

Join us on Public Lands Day for a unique citizen science project. A little bit of work, and a lot of wet, soggy fun, can help us better care for the water resources at YOUR State Park! First we’ll use simple test kits to measure water quality. Then we’ll wade into the creek and use nets to catch and get “up close and personal” with creek creatures. Be prepared to get wet & muddy! Wear old clothes and old shoes (please no bare feet in the creek, in case of sharp objects). This will be an official Tennessee Serves/National Public Lands Day event, and a part of an international effort called the EarthEcho Water Challenge. Through EarthEcho, we’ll join a network of citizens from more than 140 countries, and become part of the solution for clean water and healthy waterways worldwide.

Meet at the big parking lot uphill from Park Headquarters (former pool parking lot), and we'll carpool/caravan to the creek.

Join BFSP on Sunday, August 16th at 9 am for a volunteer opportunity that will assist the park in keeping it spectacular! Please wear weather appropriate clothing and closed toed shoes. Please bring your own water and snacks for the day. We will be working on clearing small saplings and invasive plants in the stretch of the River Trail between Middle Falls and Burgess Falls. All tools and safety gear will be provided by the park, but feel free to bring your own gloves or PPE.

*You will be contacted in the case of inclement weather.

Calling all community members who are looking for an opportunity to help!  Or would you like some volunteer hours for a scholarship, or school credit? If so, come on out and join us Saturday, September 19th from 9AM-12PM for a community volunteer day at the York Gristmill!  We will be working on some cleanup projects at the historic mill, and would love your support! We will work on pulling invasive species and trash/debris pick up.

If you're able to come out, make sure and wear long pants, close-toed shoes, and bring plenty of water.  We will be meeting at the bathroom area of the Gristmill.

Trail work Day Come out and give back! Join Ranger Ross for a trail work day. We will be meeting at the Park Visitor Center. We expect to be out of the woods by 3:00pm. Please bring work clothes, hiking boots, a sack lunch and plenty of water. We will be working and hiking so wear sturdy hiking boots. E-mail aaron.ross@tn.gov if you are interested in attending or have any questions.

SturgeonFest 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Seven Islands State Birding Park. The event is scheduled for 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and will take place at the boat launch area off of Kelly Lane. SturgeonFest is a fun and educational event where visitors can register to release a juvenile Sturgeon into the French Broad River and also learn about local area conservation groups. There will be booths set-up for local artists, businesses, and food trucks. Enjoy live music from the Tennessee Stifflegs! We are expecting a large crowd for this event and are looking for volunteers to help park staff with various tasks involved with the event. We are looking for volunteers to help with the following tasks: 

* Parking (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

* Booth Set-Up (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)

* Booth Take-Down (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

* Sturgeon release line leaders (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM)

* Sturgeon release helpers (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM)

Volunteers will be able to move around between tasks throughout the event if they would like. All volunteers will park at the boat launch area off of Kelly Lane inside Seven Islands State Birding Park. If you are interested in helping with any of these tasks, please contact Ranger Stephanie Mueller at stephanie.mueller@tn.gov or 865-333-8270 (text or call). 

Join us to cleanup the shorelines of the Tennessee River in support of the Humphreys County River Rescue.

Join Reelfoot Lake State Park Staff and members of the Tennessee Delta Alliance (TDA) to pick up floating and shoreline litter on Reelfoot Lake! You can walk along the shoreline to collect trash or kayak with Park Staff to help clean up our wetland habitats.

Help park staff clean up our annual trunk or treat by taking down decorations, cleaning up litter, and collecting traffic barrels.

We will meet at the top of Raccoon Creek Lane for this volunteer event. Please wear appropriate apparel for the weather and work.

In support of National Public Lands Day, volunteers will plan to board boats at Pebble Isle Marina to clear trash from the shores of Trace Creek. This area was severely impacted by debris from the 2021 Humphreys County Flood and is still recovering. Without cleanup efforts, this flood debris will remain and present an environmental threat to wildlife, degrade into microplastics, and negatively impact the viewshed adjacent Pebble Isle Marina.

All volunteers must register to participate online and complete the liability waiver. On Wednesday, September 23rd meet at Pebble Isle Marina at 2120 Old Johnsonville Rd, New Johnsonville, TN and follow the directional signs to the boat ramp. Volunteer check in will begin at 9:30am. Please wear clothes and footwear that can get wet and dirty. Knee high rubber boots are suggested. Tennessee State Park Rangers and support staff will serve as volunteer crew leaders. The event will be rain or shine unless of lightning or severe winds. Decision to postpone or cancel event will be made by 12pm Tuesday, September 22nd.

The Humphreys County River Rescue is made possible with support from these Partners in Conservation:  Tennessee State Parks, Pebble Isle Marina, Tennessee Valley Authority, Chemours, DSV Solutions, Veolia, Ablemarle Foundation, Oxy, Friends of Johnsonville State Historic Park, XXIII Corps, Keep The Tennessee River Beautiful, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, University of Tennessee Extension Service – Humphreys County, and the Tennessee Naturalist Program.

Johnsonville State Historic Park preserves, protects, and shares the stories of Johnsonville, TN, and the Link Farm State Archeological Area. Enjoy your unique outdoor experience full of fun and adventure at Johnsonville State Historic Park. For more information call 931.535.2789, Find us on Facebook at JSHP71, or visit https://tnstateparks.com/parks/johnsonville .

Do you love decorating for Halloween? Then join our staff as we prepare for our annual Trunk or Treat!

This volunteer opportunity involves a variety of activities, including less physical activities such as arranging light-weight decor. Other decorations may require heavy lifting or climbing ladders. 

We will meet at the top of Raccoon Creek Lane at the beginning of each shift. Wear attire appropriate for the weather and work.

      Join us in supporting local ecosystems through hands-on conservation work at our pollinator garden. Volunteers will assist with routine weeding and light maintenance to help native plants thrive and provide essential habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial species. 

      This is a great opportunity to earn service hours for school, organizational requirements, or scholarship requirements while making a meaningful impact in your community. No prior experience is necessary.

      Volunteers will gain an understanding of pollinator friendly landscapes, invasive plant management, and the importance of maintaining healthy habitats.

Help keep our trails clean and in proper order here at David Crockett State Park. Volunteers will be hiking trails and cleaning any garbage they find as well as fill out a trail monitoring sheet as they go. Interested volunteers should contact Ranger Joseph Harrison by email at joseph.harrison@tn.gov.

Volunteer as a member of the Sprout Society at PWLSP!  We'll work on various plant related projects each month all around the park.  We'll have some basic tools and gloves, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.  We'll post more details about each month's Sprout Society project on social media and in the details on our park website.

Bledsoe Creek State Park is starting a new wildflower field adjacent to our Visitor Center! Join our team in weeding the field to give our seedlings the best chance through the summer heat.

We will meet at the Visitor Center at 9am on Saturday, August 8th. Bring water, sun protection, and any other products that help you feel comfortable while weeding! Ranger Abby will provide gardening gloves. 

Help clean our waterways by kayaking around Bledsoe Creek State Park.!

We'll be on the water for approximately 2 hours. Prepare appropriately for the day's weather by bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and life jackets. We will meet at the courtesy dock located on Deer Run Rd.

We have very limited kayaks and life jackets to provide. If you would like to borrow one, you MUST contact Ranger Abby Wiseman at abigail.wiseman@tn.gov. If we run out, please contact Gallatin Kayak Rentals to rent one. 

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. 

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 423-672-0947. 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!

Meet at 9am at the Rocky Fork trail head / main parking lot.

Meet SIR Joy at the visitor center to then caravan over to the south entrance of the park to remove invasive Autumn Olive! Please bring water and wear closed toe shoes. Loppers will be provided. 

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.

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!

This is an ongoing opportunity for individual regular volunteers or members of Friends of Long Hunter SP.  This opportunity will be used to record general park maintenance activities including but not limited to the following examples:

This opportunity is on-going and we ask that you submit your volunteer hours.  

This is set up so that certified Trail Friends can document their hours. Please do not utilize this for any other purpose. The general public/volunteer should not use this without consulting the park first. Thank you. Address below is for the Savage Gulf North / Stone Door trailhead, but other trailheads may be used as need demands. Hours worked are flexible and entirely at the discretion of the Trail Friend: 2 hours is merely a placeholder number.

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.

Interested in helping to support Reelfoot Lake? Meet Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Jewell at the Visitor Center to volunteer and help pick up as much trash as possible around our beautiful park! Attendees will also be required to register through Galaxy Digital before participating in order to log volunteer time.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided, but attendees will need to bring close-toed shoes and plenty of water! It will be very hot outside, so please also make sure to bring a hat and wear plenty of sunscreen. This opportunity will be canceled in the event of thunderstorms.

Help remove trash from the shorelines of Pickwick Lake and other areas of the park.

This is an unsupervised volunteer activity.  Volunteers will stop by the park office on the date they have scheduled to pick up trash collection supplies and tools.  

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

Volunteer Campground Host: 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. 

Love Burgess Falls? Hate seeing trash? Need volunteer hours?

Then come lend a hand cleaning up the park for our monthly trail trash pick up days!

These volunteer days start at 9 am on the first Sunday of every month and end at Noon.

Meet Ranger Connor at our lower parking lot to get your gloves, garbage bags, and trash grabbers. 

Please scroll down this page to choose the date you wish to volunteer for. 

Assist with Red Clay's 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration! Volunteers will receive free admission for the event.

We need volunteers to monitor the gates for the event and take money ($5 per vehicle). We ask that you are confident in making change and handling money. We will have two volunteers stationed at each gate (2 at main entrance for handicap parking, 2 at field gate for main parking area). Park rangers will also be stationed at the field gate.

Volunteers will be parking at the picnic pavilion, so please enter through the main park gate. We will send you a volunteer pass to have on hand for parking. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your shift and meet us at the Visitor Center so we can go over expectations with you.

There will be a tent, a table, and chairs for gate volunteers.

***Please sign-up for only ONE shift to allow opportunities for other people to get free entry to the event.

Assist with Red Clay's 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration! Volunteers will receive free admission for the event.

We need volunteers to assist with taking down tables, chairs, and tents after the event concludes on August 9th.

Volunteers will be parking at the picnic pavilion, so please enter through the main park gate. We will send you a volunteer pass to have on hand for parking. Please meet us at the Visitor Center to get started.

Assist with Red Clay's Cherokee Cultural Celebration! Volunteers will receive free admission for the event. We need volunteers to assist with setting up tables, chairs, and tents the day before the Cherokee Cultural Celebration. We will meet at the Visitor Center to get started.

This is for individuals interested in volunteering at the park and nothing currently listed will work for you. This includes TN Promise volunteers, community service workers, etc. When registering, please add what you are needing/looking for. After registering through this interest form, a ranger will reach out and make sure you get signed up for the correct opportunity. 

Assist with the upkeep of the pollinator garden, butterfly garden, or other native plant areas.

Assist Maintenance in various ways to keep our park beautiful!

Assist with cleaning, prep work, feeding, and general construction in the Aviary and Reptile Room at PWLSP.

Help remove invasive privet from Pickwick Landing State Park.

This is an unsupervised activity.  Volunteers will work with a ranger to identify privet and learn removal techniques but will likely be working alone after a brief training.

Ongoing opportunity for the Friends of Short Springs Natural Area for programming and events. Ongoing opportunity for people that just want to come volunteer cleaning up trash or remove invasives around the natural area. YOU MUST email Ranger Marlie Gibbs before doing this opportunity.

Ongoing opportunity for the Friends of Old Stone Fort for programming and events. Ongoing opportunity for people that just want to come volunteer cleaning up trash, removing weeds from gardens, or removing invasives around the park. YOU MUST email Ranger Marlie Gibbs before doing this opportunity. 

Contact Park Staff to set up a volunteer opportunity. Trail Cleanups, Disc golf Course cleanup, and more.

Description/Purpose: We are looking for an enthusiastic individuals to help us maintain our historical kitchen and herb garden here at Cordell Hull Birthplace! As a volunteer gardener, you will assist in maintaining the historical outdoor kitchen and herb gardens so we can inspire and delight visitors with quality plants and teach them the history of the site through these gardens.

Responsibilities: Work with park rangers and other seasonal staff to maintain our historical kitchen and herb gardens adjacent to the Hull Birthplace Cabin.

Required Skills/Tasks: Watering, weeding, tilling, able-bodied, and willing to teach and learn, willing to take guidance, enjoy being outdoors, advanced gardening knowledge is preferred.

Time Commitment and Schedule Details: We are open seven days a week from 9AM until 4:30PM, we are flexible on the days you are able to come and the hours you are willing to volunteer. This volunteer opportunity will be ongoing from April until the end of September.

Additional Information: Being flexible and able to work in various gardens. Water, gloves and tools will be provided by the park, but feel free to bring your own if you'd like! Be sure to wear appropriate/comfortable clothing and call the park office at 931-864-3247 if you are interested or have any questions!

Essential Eligibility Criteria: Herb and Kitchen Garden Program

Participants will need to be able to do the following independently or with assistance of a companion or adaptive equipment:

• Understand and follow directionsto avoid and/or manage risks.

• Tolerate the elements including temperature for 1-5 hours (depends on volunteer commitment).

• Preform self-care including maintaining nutrition and hydration, personal hygiene, and managing existing medical conditions.

• Be able to identify and recognize environmental risks, including potential hazardous animals, insects, and slippery terrain.

• Move over uneven terrain between the park office, herb garden, and kitchen garden up to 0.25 miles or 1,320 feet depending on garden bed.

• Wear all protective gear recommended or required for the work/service, including but not limited to protective eyewear, face mask or shield, gloves, helmet, footwear.

• Work responsibly and reliably with minimal supervision and/or on a team.

Volunteers have always been an important part of our state's official outdoor drama, Liberty!

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.

Looking to earn volunteer hours for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship?

      This interest form is for individuals who want to volunteer at Dunbar Cave State Park but may not see a currently listed opportunity that fits their interests or schedule. 

      By completing this form, you are letting the park know you're interested in volunteering. It is not a commitment to a specific event or shift. A coordinator will follow up to learn more about your schedule, interests, and deadlines, and match you with appropriate volunteer opportunities.

We are looking for people to assist us with our living history school day event. The park needs people to walk school groups around to different historical stations on Friday, May 5th.

The day will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m. and the second tour will start at 12:00 p.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. Visitors will be able to interact with our living historians and interpreters to learn what it was like for families, like the Hulls, who lived in Tennessee during the 1870s.
Activities that will take place on this day include blacksmithing, fiber spinning, planting crops for the summer, woodworking. and much more. As you make your way around the park and speak with our resident farmers, you will learn that nothing came easy and everything had to be earned. We hope that by attending this event and immersing yourself in the early life of Cordell Hull and his family, you will learn how the small farm he grew up on in rural Pickett County, Tennessee came to shape his character later in life.

You must demonstrate an 1870s trade or profession. This is a juried event, so your clothing and any items used in your demonstration must be 1870s.

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!

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. 

A catch-all for Friends members and community members who attend a Friends monthly meeting.

The Dave and Louisa Miller family came to Ripshin Mountain in 1870, having leased the land from General John T. Wilder. Over the following 90+ years, 3 generations of Millers lived a subsistence farming lifestyle characteristic of those who populated the lands that now comprise Roan Mountain State Park. Throughout the warmer months, park interpreters offer tours of the Miller Farmstead to share the story of Roan Mountain's pre-park history. 

We are seeking volunteer tour guides who are interested in telling the story of the Miller Farmstead to park visitors. Interested volunteers must be able to:

Tour volunteers have the option of dressing in period clothing, subject to site manager's approval. 

Tours are offered Tuesday – Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day & on weekends in October. Tours are scheduled each day at 11AM, 1PM, and 2PM. Volunteer schedules can be flexible, but must accommodate the scheduled tour times. If you have an interest in helping us fulfill our park's historical mission by hosting tours at the Miller Farmstead, we welcome your assistance!

Please leave a note in your initial sign up with your availability to host tours this summer and fall. Sign-ups may be asked to provide previous tour guiding or interpretive experience. If selected, volunteers will be asked to attend select Miller Farmstead Volunteer Days to help prepare the house for the season, receive training and a copy of the tour outline, and practice giving the tour with Ranger Price.

We have a multitude of container and traditional gardens leading up to and surrounding the Miller Farmstead. Over time, we'd like to convert each of these plots into arrangements of native and traditionally-relevant perennial plants that will provide eco-services to local wildlife and be beautiful to look at for our visitors. 

We are currently recruiting regular service volunteers to adopt small garden plots to maintain on a regular basis. Maintenance can be as little as tackling weeds in an existing plot for half an hour twice a month during the growing season, or as much as designing appropriate plantings and working with staff to renew a bed from start to finish.

This is an opportunity where experienced gardeners can work relatively independently, but we are happy to provide training and direction to inexperienced gardeners where needed. Bring your own tools and gloves, or use ours. 

If you'd like a smaller project to manage that will make a big difference and be seen and enjoyed by millions of visitors, we welcome your help. 

Before claiming a plot, please sign up for our Miller Farmstead Volunteer Days opportunity to visit the Miller Farmstead with Ranger Price, assist with garden set-up, and establish a plan for your plot. We look forward to gardening with you soon!

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 dispersal, hanging site tags, cleaning out grills and fire rings, reporting inappropriate activities or potential maintenance hazards, park programming, painting signs, weed whacking, leaf blowing, etc. 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.

Do you love hiking the trails at Big Ridge State Park? Want to give back to your community while spending time outdoors? Join our Volunteer Trail Team and play a hands-on role in maintaining and preserving the park’s beautiful trail system. As a volunteer, you’ll help with essential trail maintenance tasks like clearing debris, trimming overgrowth, improving trail safety, and supporting conservation efforts. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just enjoy being outside, your time and energy will make a real difference for everyone who visits the park. Come be part of a team that cares about protecting natural spaces and keeping trails safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all!

Come spend some time at the Sadie Ford Heritage Farm and be part of keeping history alive. Join our staff as we take on routine upkeep and hands-on projects around the farm, from gardening and chicken coop care to grounds keeping and building maintenance. It is a great opportunity to get outside, learn new skills, and make a meaningful impact while enjoying the charm of the farm. Come lend a hand and be part of something special.

Are you a farm kid at heart? Want to get your hands dirty for a good cause? Many hands make light work and we need more hands!

The Miller Farmstead is on the National Register of Historic Places because it represents the history of Appalachian subsistence farming. The farm features an early 20th century farmhouse and outbuildings, a (retired) horse, chickens, native and ornamental gardens, orchard, and composting operations. 

Throughout the year, we need general assistance with a variety of projects, including:

Please come prepared for general outdoor work with sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and weather-appropriate clothing. If you'd like to help with routine maintenance at the farmstead, we'd love to have your help and we will work with you to schedule service hours at your convenience. If you have a specific relevant skill (fencing, landscape design, historic home maintenance) you'd like to offer, please let us know. 

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

This is an ongoing opportunity for community members to volunteer at the park and assist with general park tasks. These tasks may vary from visit to visit depending on the park's needs at the time of volunteering. 

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

The Nature Center at Paris Landing State Park is looking for regular volunteers for a variety of roles.  A volunteer can choose to help in the way that best fits your gifts and abilities.  The Center is open to the public on weekends, but volunteering is also needed when closed. (Hours between 9:00am - 4:00pm)

Examples:  Volunteers who enjoy arts and crafts are needed for educational programs.  Volunteers are needed to work outside in the pollinator garden prepping garden beds, pulling weeds and watering plants, keeping hummingbird feeders clean and filled, filling bird feeders, etc.  Animal cages need to be cleaned weekly. 

Training will be provided but some knowledge of the natural world is preferred.  Volunteers must be willing to undergo a back-ground check before they begin.

Volunteering does not mean you will work with birds of prey.  Established permanent volunteers may work into that role.

Please contact Ranger Christa Davidson at christa.davidson@tn.gov to get more information.

General park maintenance, litter pickup, etc.

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

       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.

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

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.

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

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 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.