Opportunities From: Tennessee State Parks

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.

Come learn about some of the invasive plant species in Tennessee and help us remove invasives along our Bunkum Cave Loop Trail. This program is intended for ages 16 and up and is perfect for getting TN Promise Hours and for those wanting volunteer in Tennessee State Parks and gain experience removing invasives. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For this removal we will be focusing on Chinese privet and multiflora rose. SIR Kandace will meet everyone at Bunkum Cave Loop Trailhead to go over how to identify these invasive species, discuss the plan of action, and address safety precautions before you receive your equipment.

Volunteers will want to wear comfortable and protective clothes. Choose a breathable material and make sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. Also wear sun protection, bug spray, and bring plenty of water. Bring work gloves if you have them, if not we can provide them for the duration of the event. We will have some equipment available to use, but please feel free to bring your own loppers and/or shovels if you would like to. Restrooms are located at the museum across the street and there is a water fountain by the trailhead. To prepare more for this program please see the Essential Eligibility Criteria below. In the event of inclement weather this event will be cancelled.

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). • Perform 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.

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