Park Hosts Hands-On Volunteer Opportunities in March

March 10, 2021 - Gatlinburg, Tenn. - Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff are hosting three volunteer opportunities in campgrounds and picnic areas across the park in preparation for the busy spring season. These service events are ideal for people interested in learning more about the park through hands-on work alongside experienced park staff. 

Volunteers will assist staff in performing maintenance on tent pads, removing debris from sites by hand, and using leaf blowers. Tools and safety gear will be provided by park staff. Special safety precautions are being taken to follow CDC guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. All work will be performed outside and masks will be required when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Pre-registration is required and group size will be limited to eight volunteers per site. 

The three-hour volunteer opportunities will begin at 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. on the following dates: Friday, March 12 at Smokemont Campground and Collins Creek Picnic Area; Saturday, March 13 at Look Rock Picnic Area; and Friday, March 19 at Elkmont Campground.   

Participants are required to wear sturdy footwear and dress for cold, wet, and changing weather conditions. Volunteers must be over 16 years old to participate. Individuals and groups are invited to sign up for any of the scheduled workdays and to be added to the Trails and Facilities Volunteer Program mailing list to learn about more opportunities.  

Please contact Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Adam Monroe, at 828-497-1949 or adam_monroe@nps.gov for more information and to register for the service opportunities.