Volunteers needed to clean up battlefields and historic sites in the Volunteer State
April 6, 2021

The American Battlefield Trust’s Park Day will rally to keep
America’s treasured landscapes clean, open and accessible — while maintaining safety concerns on April 10

Volunteers throughout Tennessee are teaming up with the American Battlefield Trust to aid in the maintenance and restoration of seven Volunteer State battlefields and historic sites as part of the 25th annual Park Day — a nationwide, hands-on preservation event. Since its inception in 1996, Park Day has attracted volunteers of all ages and abilities bound by their dedication to give back to their communities and keep our nation’s heritage pristine.

Park Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2021, but as sites consider weather and local public heath guidelines, they may choose to participate in the event on an alternative date. Tennessee volunteers will be joined by participants coast to coast in cleaning up and revitalizing historic sites in 27 states. Projects will take place chiefly outdoors and all sites will encourage volunteers to wear a mask that covers both mouth and nose, maintain six feet of social distance from other participants, make use of hand washing stations or sanitizer and resist sharing equipment. Volunteers will receive reusable Trust water bottles, and some sites will provide lunch or refreshments. A local historian may also be present to discuss the unique role of the site in our national story. Tennessee volunteers interested in participating in Park Day are encouraged to contact the individual sites listed below.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Dover 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Bill Fields at william_fields@nps.gov
Volunteers will help place split rail fencing in critical areas, tidy up demonstration gardens, and partake in other activities. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 17, 2021)

Fort Pillow State Historic Park, Henning, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Tyson Weller at tyson.weller@tn.gov
Volunteers will help with clearing brush and removing trash. A presentation on the history of Fort Pillow will be available for volunteers. Participants are asked to bring work gloves and water.

Glenmore Mansion, Jefferson City, 10:00 a.m.
Contact: Susie Jarnagin at tennsusie@gmail.com
Volunteers will help with gardening and general landscape maintenance. Historians will be on site to discuss the Battle of Mossy Creek. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves, clippers, and water. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 3, 2021)

Mabry-Hazen House, Knoxville, 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Patrick Hollis at director@mabryhazen.com
Volunteers will help with mulching, removal of invasive plants, washing the historic house, planting flowers, preparing the garden beds, and general spring-cleaning. House tours will be offered. Participants are encouraged to bring rakes, shovels, privet pullers, tarps, and similar yard tools. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 3, 2021; this site’s rain date is Saturday, April 21, 2021)

Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield, Wildersville, 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Jim Weaver at jnweaver@bellsouth.net
Volunteers will help with clearing brush, landscaping, planting, and maintaining cabins. Scouts will assist in developing a rustic camp site equipped with nature trails connecting it to the city park. Volunteers are asked to bring their own rakes, hoes, and work gloves. (Note: This Park Day site is holding its event on Saturday, April 3, 2021; this site’s rain date is Saturday, May 1, 2021)

Shiloh National Military Park, Savannah, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Timothy Arnold at timothy_arnold@nps.gov
Volunteers will help Park Rangers in cleaning up debris and litter along Highway 22. For the safety of all, volunteers will be outfitted with reflective safety gear, trash bags, and law enforcement rangers will be stationed along the highway.

Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Shannon Rowe at shannon_rowe@nps.gov
Volunteers will help with maintenance in the Stones River National Cemetery. Participants will need to pre-register for the event via Eventbrite. (Note: This Park Day site’s rain date is Saturday, April 17, 2021)

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 #ParkDay2021.

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 53,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.