Refuge Asking for Volunteers with Two Workdays at Tennessee NWR in March

On Thursday, March 16^th the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is opening up their seasonally closed Sanctuary Areas for spring and summer enjoyment.  Several bays, trails, roads and areas will once again be inviting folks to come fishing, boating, canoe/kayaking, wildlife observation, hiking, among other wildlife dependent recreation on the refuge. 

To help prepare and look our best for the many folks that would like to come and visit this area, the refuge is announcing two volunteer workdays in which we hope to spruce up sections of the refuge.   

On Friday, March 17^th from 8:00 -12:00 pm the refuge will have a Trail and Pollinator Garden Cleanup Day.  Come to the Refuge Visitor Center located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN. For this day we ask that you bring any gardening tools or especially battery or gas powered leaf blowers with you. 

On Saturday, March 18^th from 9:00 – 12:00, the refuge is holding a spring cleanup day themed “Save a Critter, Pick up Litter!” Anyone interested in helping can meet at the main Duck River Bottoms entrance at 550 Refuge Lane in New Johnsonville, TN.   

While there is no need to RSVP, attendees will need to wear long pants and wear close-toed shoes that might get dirty or muddy.  Through a generous grant provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the refuge will provide all supplies needed for the day such as gloves, litter pickup sticks, trash bags, drinking water and snacks.   

As a thank you for helping, those in attendance will be offered a free “Save a Critter, Pick up Litter” t-shirt, along with a thank you goody bag.  “This will be a great day for individuals and families wanting to improve their natural environment” says Ranger Joan Howe. “This trash pick-up day can also be an opportunity for local scout troops, youth groups or 4-H clubs needing service hours. It is always a good day to come out to the refuge, please consider coming out to make the place a cleaner home for our wildlife!” For more information about these refuge work days, please contact the refuge office at 731-642-2091.