Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee Launches Statewide Service Events for National Public Lands Day

Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee and Gov. Bill Lee this week joined volunteers at Fiery Gizzard State Park to launch dozens of volunteer service events across the state in celebration of National Public Lands Day. For eight years, the first lady and her Tennessee Serves initiative have partnered with Tennessee State Parks to encourage citizens to volunteer at service events across the state.

"Tennessee State Parks are leading the nation in a commitment to conservation and accessibility for all to enjoy our state's beauty for years to come," said First Lady Maria Lee. "I am so proud that my initiative, Tennessee Serves, has been able to play a small part in preserving our public lands and encouraging Tennesseans of all ages to get involved with volunteering at our incredible state parks."

"We're proud to invest in a conservation strategy that will preserve our state's natural beauty for generations to come, and we're grateful for the Volunteer Spirit of Tennesseans who help make that work possible," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Tennesseans have always been willing to roll up their sleeves and serve, and National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity to give back and help preserve some of the most beautiful places in our state."

Through Tennessee Serves, First Lady Lee invites Tennesseans each month to join her on a new volunteer mission to transform Tennessee through service. September's challenge focuses on serving Tennessee State Parks.

"Tennessee State Parks thrive because of dedicated volunteers, including the governor and first lady, who have supported preservation efforts over the past eight years," said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brian Clifford. "We are grateful to participate again in Tennessee Serves."

Today's service project at Fiery Gizzard State Park focused on making critical repairs to aging trail structures, improving public safety, and protecting one of Tennessee's most beloved hiking areas. Mrs. Lee joined volunteers along the Grundy Forest Day Loop and the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead area to replace worn-out bridges, improve heavily eroded trail sections, and install new stone staircases.

Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day volunteer events are scheduled at 64 state parks across Tennessee, from the banks of the Mississippi River at T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis to Roan Mountain State Park in the Appalachian Mountains. Volunteer events are scheduled from Sept. 18-27. For a full list of Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day events, visit the Tennessee State Parks volunteer website.

National Public Lands Day is organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation and unites people nationwide in service and celebration of public lands. For more than 30 years, National Public Lands Day has helped make public lands more accessible to communities nationwide through service and celebration.

The First Lady launched Tennessee Serves in 2019 to encourage Tennesseans to serve one another and volunteer in their communities. The three-part initiative includes serving Tennesseans across the state with a special focus on distressed counties; highlighting people and organizations already making a difference; and mobilizing Tennesseans to meet community needs. For more details, visit the First Lady's Tennessee Serves website.