-
Lead Ranger Adam Monroe and volunteers move debris out of a freshly excavated site at Smokemont Campground during a recent Smokies Service Day.
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Last Friday, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park held a Smokies Service Day at Smokemont Campground about three miles north of Oconaluftee Village and Visitor Center on highway 441, Newfound Gap Road. Volunteers, rangers and contractors assisted in moving debris, digging for a new septic line, while an archaeologist searched the area for ancient artifacts.
“The campground is in need of a new sewer line, so that’s what they're working on here,” Lead Ranger Adam Monroe said motioning toward the excavators. “We are waiting on the archaeologist to get here, so she can look for Native American artifacts in the area.”
Some volunteers were scattered throughout the campground using leaf blowers to clean campsites.
Doug Brinkmeyer is part of the National Park facilities management division and performs cleaning and maintenance at campgrounds and picnic areas and said the Park holds service days and cleanups every few months.
“There are many Smokies Service Days throughout the year and one of the most unique events in October is called “Spookmont,” where volunteers are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes to make volunteering more fun.” Brinkmeyer said.
Some other cleanups nearby are held at Deep Creek and Cataloochee during the year.
On Saturday, volunteers also participated in a litter pick up on the Tennessee side of the National Park near Gatlinburg.
To volunteer or get involved in keeping the Smokies beautiful visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/volunteer.htm.