Monthly Service Challenge

Each month, a new mission will be posted as motivation for us all to roll up our sleeves and serve our communities. Be sure to keep the Office of the First Lady in the loop by posting on social media using #TennesseeServes for a chance to be recognized as a Service Spotlight. Grab your friends, family, classmates or colleagues and join us as Tennessee Serves!

September

Tennessee Serves Supports State Parks

Our state boasts incredible beauty, and Tennessee State Parks make it possible for all Tennesseans to experience and enjoy the natural treasures that surrounds them.

Volunteering at and supporting Tennessee State Parks helps to preserve our state’s rich heritage and resources and ensures future generations can enjoy Tennessee’s great outdoors. This month, join Tennessee Serves and support Tennessee State Parks. 

Service Opportunities

Suggested Service Opportunities

**Please note that First Lady Maria Lee and the TN Serves team will not be attending these projects in-person**

  • Cumberland Mountain Trail Bridge Construction, Crossville, September 20th from 8am - 12pm: Help to complete the new bridge on the Pioneer Long Loop trail. Work includes building and installing handrails and adding additional decking to the bridge. 
  • Hiwassee/Ocoee River Trail Maintenance, Delano, September 22nd from 10am – 1pm: Assist with trimming back overgrown limbs with loppers and removing invasive privet.
  • Mousetail Landing Trail Clean Up, Linden, September 27th from 9am – 12pm: Volunteer to hike a 3-mile trail picking up trash and cleaning debris off the trail. 

Nonprofits Supporting State Parks, Conservation, & Preservation Efforts

Statewide/National

Tennessee State Parks
The Land Trust for Tennessee
Recreation U
Trust for Public Land
Tennessee Wildlife Federation
The Wildlife Society
TennGrenn Land Conservancy
TN River Rescue
TWRA
Keep TN Beautiful

Middle Tennessee

Friends of Henry Horton
Historic Nashville
Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center
Walden’s Puddle
The Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiques

East Tennessee

Friends of Warrior Path State Park
Reflection Riding
Mountain Tails Wildlife Rehab
Knox Heritage
Lakeshore Park Conservancy
Chattanooga Audubon Society
Tennessee Heartwood
Cumberland River Compact

West Tennessee

Friends of Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Wolf River Conservancy
Friends of Our Riverfront
Out of the Woods Wildlife

Everyday Ways to Serve

  • Sign up for a volunteer opportunity at a State Park near you
  • Join your local state park’s Friends Group for a regular volunteer commitment to keeping our state’s public lands in great condition
  • Write letters of appreciation to Tennessee state park rangers and staff in your area thanking them for keeping the park clean and beautiful
  • Find a local conservation effort in your community and pitch in to preserve our state’s natural resources
  • Take a hike or walk around a state park you’ve never visited before and pick up and dispose of any litter you find while exploring