Smoky Mountain Volunteer Opportunities: Conserve and Maintain the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoky Mountains

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By Core Editors Desk

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups who want to contribute to the conservation and maintenance of this natural wonder. From trail rehabilitation and maintenance to litter patrol and facility upkeep, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference in the Smokies.

Types of Volunteer Projects

Smoky Mountain Volunteer Opportunities
Image Credit: Wikimedia

Trails Forever Program

This program focuses on trail rehabilitation and maintenance. Volunteers work closely with park staff to perform tasks such as installing drainage structures, rehabilitating trail surfaces, and removing brush and vegetation. Volunteers must be able to hike at least 4 miles and perform strenuous manual labor.

Smokies Service Days

These are half-day weekend service projects that include activities like vegetation management, campground clean-up, cemetery maintenance, historic preservation, stream restoration, and litter patrol. Participants can earn service hours and engage in enrichment experiences like hikes or ranger programs.

Trail Maintenance

Volunteers assist with cyclic upkeep and targeted projects to ensure trails remain accessible for visitors. They must be able to hike at least 3 miles, lift heavy objects, and use hand tools like shovels and rakes. The minimum age requirement is 16, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Adopt-A-Trail Program

Volunteers adopt a trail and perform regular maintenance, including litter removal and reporting trail conditions. Adopters must be able to hike approximately 9 miles on uneven terrain and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Litter Patrol

Volunteers work independently to pick up litter along trails, at overlooks, and at busy sites. This project is suitable for all ages, but youth under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Maintenance Assistant

Volunteers assist with basic maintenance of park facilities, including tasks like cleaning and repairing facilities. They must be able to work independently and follow safety protocols.

Discover Life in America (All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory)

Volunteers contribute to the largest “science project” in the Smokies, engaging in fieldwork, clerical tasks, education, and special events. This project requires a range of skills and flexibility.

Record Filing (Cultural Resources)

Volunteers assist with short-term projects involving filing of archeology site forms. They must be able to work in normal office conditions and lift up to 20 pounds.

Group Projects

These projects are available for volunteer groups and include activities like Adopt-An-Overlook, where groups adopt scenic overlooks and clean them regularly.

Tremont Volunteer Opportunities

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont offers various volunteer opportunities, including supporting events, adopting and monitoring salamander streams, and assisting with environmental education programs.

Minimum Age Requirements

Smoky Mountain Volunteer Opportunities

The minimum age requirements for Smoky Mountain volunteer opportunities vary depending on the specific project:

  • Trails Forever Program: No specific age requirement mentioned, but volunteers must be able to hike at least 4 miles and perform strenuous manual labor.
  • Smokies Service Days: All ages welcome, but youth under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Trail Maintenance: Minimum age requirement is 16, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Adopt-A-Trail Program: No specific age requirement mentioned, but adopters must be able to hike approximately 9 miles on uneven terrain.
  • Litter Patrol: All ages welcome, but youth under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Application Process

The application process for Smoky Mountain volunteer opportunities varies depending on the specific project:

  1. Trails Forever Program: Contact Adam Monroe, NPS Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, at adam_monroe@nps.gov or 828-497-1949 to apply.
  2. Smokies Service Days: Contact the Parkwide Volunteer Coordinator at grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov to apply.
  3. Trail Maintenance: Contact Adam Monroe, NPS Trails and Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, at adam_monroe@nps.gov to apply.
  4. Adopt-A-Trail Program: Contact Kendra Straub at kendra_straub@nps.gov to apply.
  5. Litter Patrol: Contact the Parkwide Volunteer Coordinator at grsm_volunteer_office@nps.gov to apply.
  6. Tremont Volunteer Opportunities: Complete a volunteer application on the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont website before reaching out to project coordinators.

Additional Information

  • Volunteer Workdays: Trails Forever workdays are typically from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday through September. Prior registration is required.
  • Precautions: Adherence to the latest CDC guidance is followed to address COVID-19.
  • What to Bring: Volunteers are responsible for providing their own backpack, food, water, clothing, and personal gear. Tools and necessary equipment are provided.

References

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