Volunteers needed for TN Battlefields and Historic Sites Clean-up
PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST
Contact: Colleen Cheslak-Poulton
For Immediate Release:
03/22/2024
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: TENNESSEE BATTLEFIELDS AND HISTORIC SITES CLEAN-UP
The 28th annual Park Day encourages volunteers across the Volunteer State to join in revitalizing historic sites
(Washington, D.C.) — This April, volunteers throughout Tennessee are teaming up with the American Battlefield Trust for the annual spring clean-up event of 10 Volunteer State battlefields and historic sites during the 28th annual Park Day. For nearly three decades, the nationwide hands-on preservation event, Park Day, has provided an avenue to refresh these locations in time for tourist season.
Park Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024, but due to weather or considerations some sites may choose to participate in the event on an alternative date. Tennessee volunteers will be joined by participants across 28 states and territories. Many volunteers will have the opportunity to obtain Trust backpacks, and some sites will be providing lunch or refreshments. A local historian may also be present to discuss the unique role of the site in our national history. Tennessee volunteers interested in participating in Park Day are encouraged to contact the individual sites listed below.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Chattanooga, 9:00 am
Contact: Will Wilson at will_wilson@nps.gov
Volunteers will work with the city of Chattanooga to clear vegetation and debris from one of the original park bridges associated with an approach road that was built around the time of the park’s establishment. Park Historian Jim Ogden will deliver a brief history of the bridge and its significance to the park. All tools and gloves will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Volunteers will meet at the project site located at the intersection of Woodland View Circle and Hooker Road in Chattanooga.
Fort Dickerson Park, Knoxville, 9:00 am
Contact: Brian Burroughs at bburroughs@charter.net
Volunteers will help spread mulch on site pathways. Participants are encouraged to bring rakes. (Note: This event takes place Thursday, April 11, 2024)
Fort Pillow State Historic Park, Henning, 9:00 am
Contact: Tyson James Weller at tyson.weller@tn.gov
Volunteers will remove debris and litter throughout the 1861 earthworks. Those attending will be provided with the history of the Battle of Fort Pillow. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and water.
Glenmore Mansion, Mossy Creek Battlefield, Jefferson City, 10:00 am
Contact: Susie Jarnagin at tennsusie@gmail.com
Volunteers will help prepare the grounds for the 2024 season, focusing on the gardens, tree line, and front porch. Historians will share details about the Battle of Mossy Creek with those present at the event. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves and gardening tools.
Mabry-Hazen House, Knoxville, 9:00 am
Contact: Patrick Hollis at director@mabryhazen.com
Volunteers will assist by mulching, removing invasive plants, washing the historic house, planting flowers and preparing garden beds, performing general cleaning and, depending on weather, painting the eastside access ramp. Some tools with be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring rakes, pitchforks, tarps, and other yard tools.
Marble Springs State Historic Site, Knoxville, 12:00 pm
Contact: Kyle Dickson at info@marblesprings.net
Volunteers will help in outdoor activities including mulching, maintaining trails, gardening, hauling, and cleaning. Common tools, gloves, and refreshments will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, clothing that may get dirty, kneepads, gloves, protective glasses, and extra wheelbarrows, if available. Please email or sign up online to register. (Note: This event takes place Sunday, April 7, 2024)
Parkers Crossroads Civil War Battlefield, Wildersville, 9:00 am
Contact: Jim Weaver at jnweaver@bellsouth.net
Volunteers will concentrate on preparing two acres of ground for the use of ground penetrating radar and other technology. An update will be provided on the search for the Confederate soldiers buried after the battle in 1862. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, work shoes or boots, and rakes. (Note: This event takes place Sunday, April 20, 2024)
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, Chattanooga, 9:00 am
Contact: Paige Powell at paige@reflectionriding.org
Volunteers will help remove invasive species from the property. There will be a talk about the introduction and effects of invasive plants on the arboretum, possibly followed by a historical hike. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, long pants and other weather-appropriate attire, and extra tools, such as chainsaws or loppers, if possible.
Shiloh National Military Park, Shiloh, 9:00 am
Contact: Anthony Killion at anthony_killion@nps.gov
Volunteers will primarily help paint picnic tables and, if that task is finished, assist in constructing a split rail fence on the battlefield. Before work begins, a brief introduction on the significance of the Battle of Shiloh and park orientation will be given. Paint and brushes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring a pair of work gloves if the split rail fence project occurs, as well as weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle. Call the Shiloh Visitor Center at 731-689-5696 to register. (Note: This event takes place Saturday, March 30, 2024)
Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro, 9:00 am
Contact: Paige Powell at paige@reflectionriding.org
Volunteers will build a cedar rail fence, remove invasive plants, or pick up trash. Work will be conducted on the McFadden Farm battlefield land that was preserved by the Trust and was the site of heavy fighting on December 31, 1862, and U.S. artillery fire on January 2, 1863. Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, work pants, closed-toe shoes, and a water bottle. Online registration is required to participate and volunteers under 14 years old may not help remove invasives. (Note: This event takes place Saturday, April 13, 2024)
For a complete list of participating Park Day sites and more information, visit www.battlefields.org/parkday. Volunteers can share their Park Day participation online using #ParkDay2024.
The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 58,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
Find more Tennessee news stories here.
