Opportunities From: Tennessee State Parks

***Unfortunately, due to the Ice Storm, this event has been cancelled. Supplies needed for this event were not able to be delivered from Nashville in time. We will reschedule. Thank you for your understanding. ***

Join us for a hands-on Volunteer Day at the lake as we install wood duck nesting boxes! These boxes provide safe nesting sites for wood ducks and help support healthy wetland ecosystems. Volunteers will help place and secure boxes along the shoreline with Park Rangers. Thank you to all participants of our Love of Birds event who made this possible by building them. This event will start at the boatdock. 

This workday will focus on the remaining storm clean up on P3. Time permitting, we will also do some trimming on a section of the inner loop nearby. Requirements are closed toe shoes, gloves, enough water and snacks to get through 3 hours of work. Expect walking through mud and dress appropriately. The meet up location is the P3 trailhead located at the lower lot off of Skeet Range Rd.

Now in its 12th year, the statewide Weed Wrangle® is a volunteer effort dedicated to rescuing our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species. Through hands-on removal of particularly plants, Weed Wrangle® volunteers learn, practice, and develop a habit of maintaining areas free of non-native invasive plants.

This event involves moving through uneven terrain and grassy areas to remove Japanese Stilt Grass. We will meet at our Visitor Center at the beginning of each shift to provide gloves, rakes, and bags for volunteers. 

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in helping our parks and natural areas by removing weed from pollinator gardens. Volunteers will meet Ranger Paige at the Visitor Center at 9:00 AM where we will go over where we will be working and what we will be removing. Volunteers may be using hand tools such as loppers, so they need to be able to safely handle these tools. 

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

Spring is almost here… and that means it’s time to tackle the weeds before our native flowers steal the show!

Join us for the 2026 Weed Wrangle event as we prep our native flower beds for a season of beautiful new growth. We’ll meet at the park office at 10:00 AM and work until 1:00 PM. Any amount of time you can volunteer makes a big difference!

What to bring:
Your favorite gardening gloves
Water and snacks
and Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty

Come lend a hand, enjoy some fresh air, and help our gardens bloom their best this spring. We’d love to see you there!

Join Ranger Jacob in building the flower bed purchased with last year's MyTNStatePark Fundraiser!

We will be using equipment where feasible, but there will be portions of the work which will require moving heavy railroad ties. We anticipate building the bed and filling it with soil on this date. If you are more interested in planting the flowerbed, check out our event one week later for Weed Wrangle where we will be planting it with native starters!

Please bring water bottles, closed toed shoes, and pants that you do not mind getting dirty. Gloves will be provided.

Join Ranger Jacob in planting the raised bed built with last year's MyTNStatePark fundraiser!

We plan on finishing the raised bed prior to this volunteer day. We will spend this day planting native starters throughout the bed utilizing hand tools. 

Please bring water bottles, closed toed shoes, and pants that you do not mind getting dirty. Gloves will be provided.

Join David Crockett State park in improving our local environment by removing exotic invasives in the park. For this weed wrangle we will be meeting at shelter one weeding and preparing the flowerbeds for planting later in the year, and then removing invasives elsewhere in the park if time permits.

Be prepared work involving bending, shoveling, raking, pulling, and possibly using loppers. Please wear  sturdy close-toed shoes, and bring plenty of water.

Join us at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a Weed Wrangle volunteer event focused on preserving our beautiful butterfly garden. This special garden features a diverse collection of native Tennessee plants that provide essential habitat and food sources for local pollinators. Our goal is to remove weeds so we can bring our butterfly garden to peak health, ensuring it continues to support Tennessee’s native plant species and attract the pollinators that help our ecosystem thrive. Date of event is March 7th, starting at 11:00am Central time and we will be meeting at the court of three stars (north end of the park near the State Museum.) The event will be led by Ranger Kazmark and Ranger Scroggins. Please come prepared to work with your hands and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. We hope you’ll join us in helping keep our park vibrant and welcoming for both people and pollinators!

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 for a Weed Wrangle at the Sugarloaf Day-Use Area! Volunteers of all ages are invited to help protect this beautiful natural space by removing invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems. It’s a hands-on, feel-good way to give back to the land, learn about local plants, and make a visible impact in just a few hours. Bring your energy, your friends or family, and help us keep Sugarloaf healthy and thriving!

Join Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday, March 7th for our annual Weed Wrangle event to remove invasive plants from across the park and restore sites with native plants that thrive and benefit wildlife in those ecosystems. This year we will be meeting at the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center at 2:00PM EST and working until 5:00PM (3 hours) to remove non-native Chinese Privet from the edge of forests and fields near the Visitor Center and along Highway 143.  Volunteers will also work to prepare a site for restoration this year where we will plant native flowers and trees to out compete regrowth of Privet. 

This year's Weed Wrangle Day is limited to 30 volunteers.  Snacks and a water cooler will be provided to participants on site, but be sure to bring a reusable water bottle, your own snacks as needed, sturdy work shoes, and any clothing to work outdoors in the elements.  All tools, gloves, and eye protection will be provided by the park, but if you have your own favorite pair of gloves and a good work shovel, feel free to bring it along.  The work day will begin and end at the Visitor Center where restrooms will be present.  Feel free to contact Park Ranger Philip Hylen with any additional questions about our event.

"Now in its 12th year, the statewide Weed Wrangle® is a volunteer effort dedicated to rescuing our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species. Through hands-on removal of particularly harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants, Weed Wrangle® volunteers learn, practice, and develop a habit of maintaining areas free of non-native invasive plants. They also encourage replanting with native species in removal areas. By engaging our volunteers and challenging them to take action in their own spaces, we aim to create a movement that will have the greatest impact on the invasive plant population."

- Cayce McAlister Garden Club of Nashville @Weed Wrangle

We are excited to participate in Weed Wrangle 2026! Come out and help us clean up our native plant beds at Frozen Head! Please wear weather appropriate clothing and bring water and snacks for the day. We will provide the gloves and tools needed for the project. Meet at the Visitor's Center at 10am to get started.

Tennessee State Parks is again partnering with the Garden Club of America with a nationwide single-day volunteer event on March 1. Join Park Rangers on the Springfield Trail at North Chick State Park to remove encroaching English Ivy. English Ivy is an invasive species which is known to outcompete native ground plants for space and nutrients and inhibit the canopy growth of trees. We will work to remove the ivy by cutting it back with hand tools. We will be working for about 2 hours. Please come prepared for this event by wearing weather-appropriate shoes and clothing. Expect to get dirty and/or wet; older clothing may be better suited for this manual labor activity. You may bring your own hand tools, or tools will be provided. Gloves will also be provided. Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks. Water will also be provided by Rangers. There are no restroom facilities on the trail. The closest restroom is located at the Circle K gas station. Parking will be at Ivy Academy, and the Park Rangers will meet you at this location. From the Ivy Academy Parking lot, travel to the Springfield Trail on foot to the work location. The trail to the marked location for removal is a combination of dirt and rock; it will take approximately 10 minutes to walk to this location from the parking lot. Those participating in this activity should be able to use hand tools to remove plants with stems or stumps less than 5 inches in diameter. In addition to English Ivy, this area is also known to host poison ivy. Work gloves and long sleeves are encouraged.

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.

March 7th - Weed Wrangle Event! Help plant seeds in various areas across the park for the 12th annual Tennessee State Parks Weed Wrangle. Please register under the "2026 Weed Wrangle" Opportunity on our volunteer page 

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 2 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

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 at Big Cypress Tree State Park to help with the removal of invasive plants such as Chinese privet, honeysuckle, and mimosa trees. Volunteers will need to be able to move and drag branches over a short distance. Gloves will be provided. Please, bring water and appropriate footwear.

Join Park Ranger Dylan Parmely as he removes invasive plant species from Big Hill Pond State Park. This opportunity is part of the 2026 Weed Wrangle happening in your Tennessee State Parks. Please meet at the park office at 9:45am for further instruction. We ask that you also wear closed toe shoes and bring water with you.

A statewide volunteer event in conjunction with the Garden Club of America that focuses on restoring native plant habitats by offering invasive plant removals or native plant restoration projects. On this day, we will continue invasive plant removal along the bank of Elk Fork Creek. We will meet at the visitor center to get the day started!

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 March's Weed Wrangled volunteer day, we will be conducting invasive plant clearing on the trails. 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 park staff on March 7th at 8AM at the Natchez Trace Visitor Center to tackle invasive and unwanted plants! Weed Wrangle is a volunteer effort dedicated to rescuing our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species. Through hands-on removal of particularly harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants, Weed Wrangle volunteers learn, practice, and develop a habit of maintaining areas free of non-native invasive plants. Please wear appropriate clothing, gloves, boots, snacks, and water is recommended. Any questions, contact our office at 731-968-3742.

Join the staff of Fort Pillow as we get rid of some invasive privet along some of the trails of Fort Pillow State Historic Park. Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, bring gloves, and water. We will be meeting at the park museum at 10:00a.m. to start.

Help rescue T.O. Fuller from non-native invasive species through hands-on removal of Privot in the campground.

Volunteers will meet Ranger Daulton in the campground, 1400 Pavilion, at 9 a.m. All tools will be provided or bring your own loppers if you would like. Dress for the weather. Wear closed toe shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt. Bring water and snacks.

We will be working to remove invasive plant species from around an old homestead area. Work will include pulling/digging up privet and hack/spray of privet. Please bring proper footwear and gloves, and we will provide tools and water. Meet the ranger at the park entrance at 10:00 am.

Join us at the group camp parking area at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park to assist our park rangers in managing and removing invasive species from our park! Work will consist of removing invasive plants and woody debris from those plants. Gloves and hand tools will be provided. Please bring water, closed-toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

Join us at Hidden Lake to help pull invasive species! We will be focusing on Chinese Privet and Japanese Honeysuckle. Gloves and tools will be provide, please bring water and wear sturdy clothing. 

Join us for a weed wrangle to help manage our natural resources, and help keep our park beautiful by removing invasive species that are harmful to the native habitats. Participants should be able to use hand tools and do basic gardening work.

Weed Wrangle® is a one-day, area-wide, volunteer effort to help rescue our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species through hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. Supervised by an expert in invasive weed management, Weed Wrangle® volunteers learn, practice and begin a habit of maintaining an area free of non-native invasive plants and encourage replanting with natives in removal areas. By engaging our neighbors and challenging them to take action in their own spaces, we hope to create a movement that will have the greatest impact on the invasive plant population.

Join us as we get rid of the pests. We will be using loppers to cut and remove unwanted invasives in the park like Chinese privet, bush honeysuckle, Bradford pears, and many more. 

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. Children are welcomed but must be supervised by adults the entire time. 

Weed Wrangle® is a one-day, area-wide, volunteer effort to help rescue our public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive species through hands-on removal of especially harmful trees, vines, and flowering plants. Supervised by an expert in invasive weed management, Weed Wrangle® volunteers learn, practice and begin a habit of maintaining an area free of non-native invasive plants and encourage replanting with natives in removal areas. By engaging our neighbors and challenging them to take action in their own spaces, we hope to create a movement that will have the greatest impact on the invasive plant population.

Join us as we get rid of the pests. We will be using loppers to cut and remove unwanted invasives in the park like Chinese privet, bush honeysuckle, Bradford pears, and many more. 

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. Children are welcomed but must be supervised by adults the entire time. 

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.

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 us at the group camp parking area at Pinson Mounds State Archeological Park to assist our park rangers in cleaning up some of the damage that Winter Storm Fern left in its wake. Work will consist of cleaning up and moving woody debris to clear trails and make our park safer and cleaner. Gloves and hand tools will be provided. Please bring water, closed toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 2 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 1 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 1 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 3 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

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

We are in need of volunteers who are interested in hiking and would like to assist with collecting data about downed trees on trails.

Volunteers registered for this opportunity should expect to hike up to 11 miles on uneven trails to assess trails for downed trees, the volunteer will take a photo of downed trees on the trail and upload information onto our survey 123 app.

This volunteer event is self-led, to be completed on March 1st during daylight hours. After you register you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect data, along with a map and details about your assigned trail section. 

Volunteers will be required to dress appropriately for the weather, wear closed toed shoes and bring their own water. A smart phone with the ability to download apps and take photographs is required, a portable charger is recommended.

Looking for community service hours? Montgomery Bell could always use a helping hand! We are in need of volunteers who are interested in helping our parks and natural areas by removing nonnative, invasive plant species.

Volunteers will meet Ranger Kamryn Christopher at the Church Hollow Parking Lot at 9:00 AM where we will go over where we will be working and what we will be removing. Volunteers may be using spray bottles with chemicals or loppers, so they need to be able to safely handle these tools.  Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, closed toed shoes are required. Gloves will be provided. Participants should bring their own water bottle.

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

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 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 us at Fiery Gizzard State Park to help us remove invasive plants from Grundy Lakes! Please wear work clothes you don't mind getting dirty and if you have a pair of gardening gloves, please bring them! Don't forget the water as well. We will meet in the main Grundy Lakes Parking Lot. We hope you'll join us in our continued effort to keep Grundy Lakes beautiful!

Join us for our weed wrangle event where we will be hosting a seeding event aimed at plant native plants in an area that was overrun by invasive species.

This event will take place at multiple locations around the park, but all participants will meet at the storybook trailhead to begin the day. We will meet on Saturday, March 7th at 9am to go over the seeding process before seeding across the park.

Guests are welcome to bring their own gloves, but gloves will be provided. All seeding materials should be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring water, snacks, bug spray, and any other personally needed materials. Please wear closed toed shoes that are comfortable for walking and working. Please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty.

This event is open to all guests. Please read the Essential Eligibility Criteria document for more information on accessibility. For questions regarding accessibility, or any other questions about the program, please reach out to Interpretive Ranger Bell at (629) 235-2477 or Hannah.L.Bell@tn.gov.

This event is in partnership with Quail Forever, which provided funding and support for seed purchases.

Join us on Saturday March 7th at 10:00am at the picnic tables near the Bunkum Cave Loop trailhead for our Weed Wrangle event!

This is a one-day volunteer effort to clear non-native species from our trails. We will be clearing a section of the Storybook trail as an on-going effort to restore the pollinator garden. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own Personal Protective Equipment, pruning shears, or limb loppers.

Please wear closed toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Don’t forget your water, snacks, and gloves if you have them! Depending on the weather you may also want to bring a hat, bug spray, and sunscreen. This event is from 10:00am to 12:00pm but you are able to volunteer for the amount of time that works for you.

In the event of inclement weather this program will be cancelled.

Please find the Essential Eligibility Criteria in the pdf for this below.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Historic Park

                                          Trail Work

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

·         Understand and follow directions to 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, packed soil terrain for 0.50 mile for Storybook trail or 1.25 miles for Bunkum Cave Loop trail.

·         Engage in service-learning projects such as building, digging, lifting, painting, construction, and clean-up for up to 5 (five) hours depending on volunteer commitment.

·         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.

Should you need additional assistance to participate; please contact the park office.

Bad News: Garlic Mustard plants choke out native wildflowers and kill rare butterflies.

Good News: Garlic Mustard is easy to control without using any special tools or toxic herbicides, if we start early in the season.

YOU can help us control this nasty pest! Spend a few hours uprooting some nasty weeds along a scenic park trail. Make a difference for the future of your region's natural resources!

Come dressed for the weather, and prepared for a short walk to the weed-pulling location. If you have tender hands, be sure to wear your gardening gloves.

Meet PROMPTLY at 1 PM at the park's (former) Pool Parking Lot (uphill from park headquarters),  and we'll caravan to the worksite. We'll be done between 3 and 4 PM

Join us Saturday March 7th for our annual weed wrangle event. We will be removing invasive kudzu vines behind brewer cabin. We will meet in the restaurant parking lot. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, close toed shoes, gardening gloves and tools including shovels, pruning shears, and loppers. We will have a supply of tools and gloves for volunteers who cannot bring their own. 

Join Rangers Grant and Liner to help with storm damage on Natural Bridge Trail. We have been working hard to open Natural Bridge back and are offering this volunteer event where you can help, too!

We will be hiking parts of the trail doing lopper maintenance. We will meet at 12:30 at the tennis courts in the picnic area. We will return at 4:00. These times are CST.

This will be around a 1 mile hike. Please dress appropriately for the weather, this includes sturdy hiking shoes.

Water, loppers, and gloves will be provided.

Thank you for wanting to give back! Please register for this event so we can contact you in case weather doesn't permit.

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

Join Rangers in participating in this year's Weed Wrangle event. This event will focus on removing invasives in our campgrounds. These invasives limit the park's native plants that are essential to the environment. 

Join us on Saturday, March 7th for a Weed Wrangle! Work with Red Clay staff to remove invasive plants like privet and mimosa! 

Volunteers will learn to ID a few invasive plant species, how to remove them, and how to support native plants and wildlife. 

We ask that all volunteers bring refillable water bottles, a snack, and gardening/work gloves. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear close-toed shoes. We will have tools available for use, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools as well!

We will gather on the Visitor Center porch to get started.

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!

Every year state parks host a Weed Wrangle event to remove invasive species from park properties.  This year we are focusing on areas of the park that we cannot burn and must work by hand.  Please consider joining us as we do this important work to keep our wildflower fields in top shape and prepare for a beautiful spring full of flowers, butterflies and other beneficial insects.  Student groups are encouraged to participate to earn hours for scholarships!

Join our rangers and help us defend our native plants from invaders! This is a great way to earn service hours or just get active in preserving your local park's ecosystem. We will be removing various species of invasive plants in outdoor habitats such as open woods. Please be dressed to get muddy as this is a very physical activity. (closed-toed shoes, weather-sensible clothing, and water) We will provide the tools and instructions. We are looking forward to seeing you!

Join Rangers Hannah and Jessie for a Grundy Lakes Clean Up Day! We will be cleaning up old debris piles on the Lone Rock Trail as well as trash around the lakes. Please dress accordingly and dress for the weather. If you have work gloves, please bring them! Also make sure you have plenty of snacks and water. We will be meeting at the main Grundy Lakes parking lot where the bathrooms are located.

Support the Weed Wrangle initiative with Park Staff on the Keystone Trail at our Keystone Day Use Area from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on March 7th. Volunteers will meet at the Keystone Trail trailhead to check in. We will be removing invasive plant species and clearing the area around the trail to improve the lake shoreline habitat of native plant species! Participants are welcome to leave early or stay for the duration of the event. We will be providing gloves and tools; we just need you!

Join us to celebrate World Wetlands Day by participating in a Wetland Trash Clean-up with the Tennessee Delta Alliance (TDA) from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on February 18th. Volunteers will meet at the Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center to check in. We will be surveying various day-use areas, creeks, and spillways for litter! By helping clean up litter, you will be helping to restore important wetland habitat for native wildlife species! 

Join us on the Spring Creek trail for a weed wrangle to help celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Take an active part in removing invasive plants on the park. learn about invasive species and how they affect our park while aiding our park in the ongoing project of removing invasive species on our Spring Creek Trail. 

We will meet at the Spring Creek Trailhead, located off the Wilhoite Mill Parking lot, at 9am. All materials, including gloves, will be provided for work. Guests are welcome to bring their own gloves or work materials, but they are not required. Guests should be able hike into the location along the spring creek trail and complete pulling and cutting of weeds. For more information about the accessibility of the program, please visit the Essential Eligibility Criteria PDF. 

Join park staff and volunteers at Tims Ford for the annual Weed Wrangle! We will meet at Lakeview Marina at 9am

Join Ranger Robinson and volunteers for a fun and rewarding morning of volunteering at Tims Ford. We will meet at Lakeview Marina where we will take a short ride to the island where we will begin clearing invasive species. Please wear appropriate work clothing and closed toed shoes. We will be providing snacks and tools for the event.

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 Standing Stone State Park for this years Weed Wrangle. This year we will be focusing on promoting Native Rivercane habitat along Mill Creek. Participants will help clear areas along Mill Creek of invasive species and assist Rangers transplant Rivercane Rhizomes. All PPE and equipment will be provided by the park. Please be sure to 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.

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.

*Weed Wrangle is part of a Garden Club of America's national stewardship effort to remove invasive plants from public spaces. Parks across the state will be hosting events that will not only be great opportunities for volunteers to get outside and help restore their native natural beauty, but also provide the knowledge and skill to combat these non-native invaders at your own home.*

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.

Invasive species are one of the leading causes of loss of biodiversity worldwide. Join us out at Big Ridge State Park as we participate in the annual state-wide 2026 Weed Wrangle!

Meet Ranger Josh at the Big Ridge State Park Office to help remove invasive species found around the park from 9am to 12pm. If you are unsure what an invasive species is then we especially encourage you to come along so that we can all learn how to identify and treat them if you see them pop up in your back yard.

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 park staff at the historic John and Landon Carter Mansion (built in 1780) to help clean up litter along the riverbank and grounds. This beautiful site is located across town from the main park grounds, at 1031 Broad Street. The riverbank is a popular fishing spot, and the grounds are popular for folks to walk their dogs through the neighborhood. As such, inevitably trash ends up scattered about. Gloves, trash bags and water will be provided. Subject to rescheduling in the event of inclement weather. 

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 us for the annual Weed Wrangle at Pickwick Landing State Park!  We'll be working to remove invasive privet from the edges of the tree lines to make room for natives to reclaim the area!  

Volunteers have two one-hour opportunities to assist.  We'll have one 2-hour shift from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and a second option from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  Volunteers are welcome to attend both sessions if they choose.  Volunteers will check-in at the Park Office at the address below.

Please wear clothing appropriate for landscaping type activities and closed toe shoes.  Gloves, loppers, bug spray, and sunscreen will be available but feel free to bring your own gloves or tools.

We will have a water cooler on hand.  Please bring reusable water bottles that you can refill as needed.

Join our fight against invaders! It's difficult to enjoy our native plants and animals when something is pushing them out! So come on out and take part in this state-wide effort. Lend your local Tennessee State Park a hand in ridding our woods of some Chinese Privet, an incredibly invasive plant that grows on and a little past the wood line.

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! 

Bledsoe Creek State Park's full campground reopens on March 1st! Each year our volunteers help us prepare by washing the road signs and campsite pedestals. Regular maintenance allows these to last longer and remain visible to all our incoming guests. Meet us at the Visitor Center to receive supplies and give your park staff a helping hand as we ready the park for the in-season.

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.

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!