News Release

Volunteers at Big South Fork Instrumental in Repairing Park Trails

Volunteers posing for the camera on the bridge they rebuilt

NPS

News Release Date: June 21, 2023

Contact: Christopher Derman, 423-569-9778

This past spring volunteers have been instrumental in assisting Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in their efforts to build and repair park trails. Most recently, a team from the American Hiking Society Vacation Volunteers spent a few days rebuilding the bridge on the trail to Jake’s Place. Throughout the spring members of the Sheltowee Trace Association have been spending one weekend every month helping park staff work on extending the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail farther south beyond Burnt Mill Bridge.

“Volunteers are generous people, they give of their time and ask for very little in return. They have been assisting the Big South Fork since it was established in 1974,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.

Each year hundreds of volunteers contributed approximately 30,000 hours of service to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Volunteers are involved in virtually every aspect of park operations. Some work full-time during the summer season, while others may work one day a week or even for a few hours on a special project.

Besides working on building or maintaining existing trails, building board walks, staircases and bridges, volunteers also serve as campground hosts at developed campgrounds. There are also opportunities for volunteers to focus on specific trails as part of the Trail Keepers program. Last year the park also started a new river clean up volunteer program.

For more information on volunteering in the park please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Effie Houston at 423-569-9778 or at [e-mail].

More information about the park volunteer program, click here.