National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Each year, thousands of volunteers come together on the fourth Saturday in September to help restore, improve, and enjoy public lands around the country.

As a way to recognize NPLD and participate in the TN Serves initiative, help the staff of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with maintaining the Patriot’s Path Walking Trail Saturday, September 27, 2025. Volunteers will roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and work together to pull invasive plants such as English Ivy and Japanese Stiltgrass as part of our autumn trail maintenance. Bring your family, friends, co-workers, teammates, neighbors, or anyone who enjoys our trail and wants to help pull those pesky weeds from the grounds surrounding the trail. Instructions will be provided to all volunteers that participate, and park staff will be available throughout the morning as well to provide support. Some tools and gloves will be available for volunteers to use, but if you have your own that you would like to use, please bring them along. 

Volunteers wishing to participate in this volunteer day should plan on arriving at the picnic area beside the Park Visitor Center starting at 9:00am. The volunteer day will wrap up no later than 12:00pm, but volunteers are not required to stay the entire morning. It is recommended that you bring bottled water with you to stay hydrated, sunscreen, take breaks as needed, and wear appropriate clothing for working outside. If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity please contact Ranger Jason Davis at Jason.c.davis@tn.gov or 423-543-5808.