The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate National Public Lands Day by hosting several volunteer projects Saturday, Sept. 24, in a unified effort with many public lands across the country.  

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands that Americans enjoy. Those interested in participating at the Smokies will have a chance to work on a trail rehabilitation or a native meadows restoration project.

• The Trails Forever program – a partnership between the national park and Friends of the Smokies – will be hosting a Forney Ridge Trail project. Adult volunteers (18 years old or older) can work with the park trail crew to reconstruct a section of this popular trail. The work will include collecting, moving, breaking and setting rock as well as naturalizing some sections where work has already been completed. To RSVP, contact Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer at 828.497.1949 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Park resource managers also are recruiting for volunteers to help restore native meadows in Cades Cove. Remnant stands of native Indian Grass remain scattered throughout the cove. Volunteers can help the park collect seed from this native grass that provides outstanding wildlife cover and nourishment for a variety of wildlife including ground nesting birds, small mammals, turkeys, and deer. To RSVP to contact Volunteer Coordinator Dana Soehn at 865.436.1265 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..