National Public Lands Day, one of the nation’s largest single-day volunteer efforts to promote environmental stewardship, falls on Saturday, Sept. 23. Fun fact: This is the 30th year folks have come together to support public lands.
Want to spend the day helping to beautify Chattanooga and the surrounding area? Connect with community members over an appreciation of our local green spaces at these events.
Chattanooga events
Note: These events are free and open to the public of all ages, make sure to register and sign volunteer waivers prior.
Hunt Cemetery Cleanup | 8:30 a.m. | Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park | Work to remove tree limbs and debris from in and around the cemetery at the Chickamauga Battlefield — a fee-free coupon will be given to volunteers to visit the park.
Greenway Farm with Tennessee Valley Authority | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Greenway Farm Park, 3008 Hamill Rd., Hixson | Remove invasive plants, learn about plant identification + participate in a BioBlitz — an event to find and identify as many species as possible in a short period of time.
10-Year Celebration with Trust for Public Land | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Stringers Ridge, Spears Avenue | Conduct trail maintenance, litter pick up, and invasive weed removal + join in on a celebration with live music afterward.
Nearby events
Lakeshore Cleanup | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fall Creek Falls, 2009 Village Camp Rd. | Volunteer to clean up the park — participants will receive free ice cream from the snack bar.
Cherokee National Forest Trails and Campground Clean Up | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cherokee National Forest, Benton | Help clean up the trails and enjoy a community potluck afterwards.
South Cumberland Spruce-Up | 1-3 p.m. | 591 Natural Bridge Rd., Sewanee | Head to nearby Sewanee to repair a section of the natural bridge steps, pick up litter, and erase graffiti.
Want to implement environmental stewardship into your everyday routine? Check out these five best practices for interacting with Chattanooga’s nature + wildlife.
