Governor Bredesen Proclaims September 29 Public Lands Day in Tennessee

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed Sept. 29, 2007, as Public Lands Day in Tennessee. The proclamation coincides with National Public Lands Day celebrations being held across the country.

“In Tennessee, we are fortunate to be surrounded by diverse and beautiful natural areas, and the importance of protecting and preserving our shared lands cannot be overstated,” Bredesen said. “The people who volunteer at natural areas across the state on Public Lands Day are providing a tremendous public service. They are working to safeguard these lands not only for themselves, but also for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.”

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest one-day, volunteer stewardship event. Organizers seek to honor the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in protecting America’s public lands. Last year, 100,000 people volunteered at 1,100 natural sites across the country. These men and women built trails, planted trees and removed litter to improve America’s shared lands for all who visit them.

National Public Lands Day is an annual program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, chartered by Congress in 1990 as a private nonprofit organization to develop and to support environmental learning programs to meet social goals and build partnerships among government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Those interested in organizing a National Public Lands Day project or volunteering can call 800-VOL-TEER (800-865-8337), or go to www.publiclandsday.org.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will sponsor two volunteer stewardship projects in recognition of Public Lands Day. Public Lands Day Activities planned in Tennessee on Sept. 29 include:

In Middle Tennessee:

Short Springs State Natural Area, Tullahoma (Coffee County)
Volunteers will hike along a new trail constructed by Tom Frederick as an Eagle Scout project. This easy one-mile trail descends to Bobo Creek and then climbs a short, steep hillside. The path remains fairly level as it follows the bluff line to its end. Those wanting a more strenuous hike may journey to Machine and Adam’s Falls after they complete the one-mile loop. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. and are advised to consult a weather report before the trip. Layered clothing, rain gear and sturdy boots or shoes are recommended. For more information, please call (615) 741-9205 or e-mail forrest.evans@state.tn.us.

Directions: Proceed north on Jackson Street (US 41A) from the Tullahoma business district. Turn right on Hogan Street. Then, turn left on Country Club Drive. Country Club Drive becomes Short Springs Road. Continue on Short Springs Road for several miles to the Short Springs water tower on the right. Short Springs Natural Area is on the left.

In East Tennessee:

House Mountain State Natural Area, Knox County
Volunteers will repair and widen trail tread, repair switchbacks and install boundary markers and trail blazes along the Mountain Trail, one of Knox County’s most popular recreation areas. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. All tools will be provided, but volunteers should bring gloves, water and snacks. Layered clothing, rain gear and boots or other appropriate footwear are recommended. Work will continue until approximately 2 p.m. To volunteer, please call (865) 594-5601 or e-mail lisa.huff@state.tn.us.

Directions: From Knoxville, take I-40 East. Exit on U.S. Highway 11W (Rutledge Pike). Travel north and east on Rutledge Pike. Continue on Rutledge Pike for approximately 10 miles. Turn left on Idumea Road after passing the “House Mountain State Park” sign on the right side of the highway. Then, turn left on Hogskin Road. Continue on Hogskin Road for less than a mile to reach the parking area.

For more information about the Tennessee’s state natural areas, please visit http://www.tdec.net/na/.