Public Land Day Events Across the Tennessee River Valley- Get Involved

The Tennessee River Valley is filled with some of America’s most beautiful public lands. What is not well understood is the partnerships of agencies that have set these public lands aside for recreation, conservation, and future generations.

Established in 1994 by the National Park Service, National Public Lands Day is organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation in concert with the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior. Each September, the fourth Saturday is set aside is to raise awareness of national public lands and to inspire volunteers to take action to protect these spaces. 

Most people will recognize public lands as those lands managed by the National Park Service, states, or local governments, but few recognize other agencies involved in stewarding public lands.  In the Tennessee River Valley, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is charged to manage 293,000 thousand acres of land and 11,000 miles of shoreline that is owned by the United States. This undeveloped public land represents some of the most beloved recreational spaces in the region.  Every day bikers, hikers, runners, fishermen, campers, and hunters have free access to land to pursue their activities.  The balance of protecting these areas and providing public access is an essential role that TVA fills year-round.

The TVA’s commitment also extends grass-root organizations that help steward public land.  These groups plan local community events that educate and organize volunteer activities on the waterways and public lands.  During the month of September, organizations such as Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, Norris Lake Project, Watauga Lake Clean Up, and Keep the Shoals Beautiful have scheduled events to celebrate Public Lands Day. Support from TVA provides funding assistance to each of the groups for the costs of supplies and trash removal.

 “There are many ways to participate in National Public Lands Day. Visitors can visit a national park for free or they can take part in a volunteer work project,” said Julie Graham, spokesperson for the Tennessee River Valley Stewardship Council. “The Tennessee River Valley is home to vibrant river cites, lakes, waterfalls, large tracts of recreational lands and small rural communities that are deeply proud of their cultural roots. September is a perfect time to get outdoors and experience our beautiful region.”

When you visit the parks or camp on public lands, always pack out what you brought in.  When planning your paddle or hike, bring along a small trash bag and fill it.  These two simple acts make a big impact in mitigating trash in the waterways and on public lands.  

For other volunteer opportunities in the Tennessee River Valley, go to http://www.exploretrv.com > things to do > action opportunities.

Beginning in the southwest corner of Virginia, the Tennessee River Valley region cuts through the mountainous areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Northern Georgia, into the rolling hills and bottomlands of northern Alabama and Mississippi and then north through the marshes and wetlands of middle-west Tennessee and ending in western Kentucky. The Tennessee River Valley offers a compelling story, captivating visitors with its little unknown facts, pristine, untouched areas and rich, authentic experiences. Save trip ideas and plan a trip easily with the Tennessee River Valley Geotourism MapGuide, an online guide of authentic places and adventures that have been recommended by locals.