On Thursday, March 16, the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) will open seasonally closed sanctuary areas for spring and summer enjoyment. Several bays, trails, roads, and other areas will once again invite visitors to come fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, or observe wildlife on the refuge. To help prepare for the many folks who would like to visit the refuge during spring and summer, TNWR is announcing two volunteer workdays being held to “spruce up” sections of the refuge.
On Friday, March 17, from 8 a.m. to noon, the refuge will have a trail and pollinator garden cleanup day.
Come to the TNWR Visitor Center located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, bring your yard care and gardening tools, especially battery or gas-powered leaf blowers, and help with the cleanup.
On Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, 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.
As a thank you for helping, those in attendance will be offered a free “Save a Critter, Pick up Litter” T-shirt and a goody bag. While there is no need to RSVP for either event, attendees will need to wear long pants and wear closetoed shoes that might get dirty or muddy. Through a generous grant provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the refuge will provide several supplies needed for the day such as gloves, litter pickup sticks, trash bags, drinking water, and snacks. Participants may want to bring sunscreen or bug spray.
“These days will be great outings for individuals and families wanting to improve their natural environment,” said Ranger Joan Howe. “The trash pick-up day also is an opportunity for local scout troops, youth groups, or 4-H clubs needing service hours.”
Any day is a good day to come out to the refuge, so please consider coming out to help clean up TNWR. For more information about these refuge cleanup days, call the refuge office at 731-642-2091.
