Copy
View this email in your browser
Thank you so much for making 2019 a successful year for our TVA Natural Resources volunteer program. You are making such a difference to help protect public lands and make sure the trails are in great shape for everyone to enjoy. As 2019 comes to a close, here are some statistics on how you helped us out:
  • Nine additional Adopt A Trail/ Adopt A Spot volunteers joined us in five additional counties in Tennessee, and one additional county in Alabama. We now have 33 volunteers working in 12 counties who have adopted trails, boat ramps and informal recreation areas.
  • Close than 100 hours of Adopt a Trail/Adopt a Spot volunteer work completed.
  • We added additional sites for potential adoption and extended opportunities to boat launches and stream access sites.
  • We doubled the number of Crew Log newsletter subscribers (thanks!).
  • Greensteps, a Chattanooga community group focused on eradicating litter, collected over 8,000 gallons of litter between the nine Chickamauga stations on TVA land that they adopted.
  • We held our first Team up for Trails, trail maintenance workshop in Hamblen County, Tennessee, in April.
  • Twelve volunteers received a recognition hammock by completing all four site visits and one volunteer received their t-shirt for eight site visits. Keep up the good work!
  • We made new partners, including the Limestone County Historical Society, National Environmental Education Foundation, The Tennessee Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA) Huntsville, and Five Rivers Mountain Biking Club.
  • We held seven National Trails Day events throughout the month of June, including three new SORBA partners for volunteer trail maintenance work days. Over 86 volunteers helped us maintain over 18.5 miles of TVA trails this year, including work on three of the TVA managed trails designated as National Recreation Trails.
  • We held eight National Public Lands Day events in 2019 with 123 volunteers participating in river cleanups, invasive plant removal, nature walks, and trail maintenance on five reservoirs (Melton Hill, Muscle Shoals, Norris, Watts Bar, and Nottely).
  • We supported community cleanups along lakes and rivers.  36 organizations received TVA Reservoir and Community Cleanup funding for partnership  cleanups. These events gathered 5,914 volunteers to help clean up 584,684 pounds of trash (almost 300 tons!)-- twice the amount of last year’s haul.
  • What will 2020 hold?
Our first Team up for Trails workshop was a success and in 2020 we will offer another trail maintenance workshop in Alabama to enhance the skills and knowledge of our dedicated volunteer base. If you are interested, please let me know.

We want to partner with you! We will work this year to expand our reach to involve more community groups, students requiring volunteer service hours, and corporate partners.

Suzanne
volunteer@tva.gov

Learn more here! 

Upcoming Opportunities

Name: Friends of Land Between the Lakes
Date: Various dates throughout December and January
County: Trigg, KY; Calloway, KY; Marshall, KY
Description: Join the Friends of Land Between the Lakes for cleanups at various locations
Contact: Anita Spaulding, volunteer@friendsoflbl.org or call (270) 924-2007

Outdoors Winter Safety Tips

Spending time outdoors in the winter months can be a great way to lift your spirits and beat the winter doldrums, but make sure you take a few precautions and don’t get caught off-guard. Here are a few reminders and tips to keep in mind before you venture away from your cozy home.

Dress for success. Stay dry and warm by layering articles of clothing. Start with your base layer, often referred to as your long underwear. Avoid cotton, if possible, so that this layer can breathe and wick moisture away from your skin. Next is the insulating layer, such as wool, fleece, or microfleece shirts and/or jackets. This layer should keep you warm. Remember to think about insulated pants, if the temperatures are near or below freezing. Top it off with a waterproof shell so that the wind and snow won’t cut through your layers. Don’t forget that you can layer your socks and gloves as well and remember… keep your head warm with an insulated hat that can cover your ears. If it is near (or below) freezing, remember to cover your nose and extremities to prevent frostbite. As for footwear, waterproof boots are the best. In the south, you make think it is warm enough for sandals in the morning, but then realize that you needed your boots half-way up the trail. Be prepared for changing conditions.

Hello darkness, my old friend.  The amount of available daylight in the winter months is reduced and the sun can set as early as 5:20 (EST). This means that if you live in the western portion of the Tennessee River Valley, it could be dark before you leave work or shortly after you get home from school.  Plan on completing any outdoor work or recreation activity early enough in the day or go on the weekend to prevent getting caught out in the dark. Take note of the sun’s position in the sky if you are on the trail and wrap up your work or fun before it gets too low in the sky…so, don’t go that extra mile. And remember to take a flashlight or headlamp just in case.

It’s the journey, not the destination. Driving in winter conditions can be tricky and a downright nightmare in the south. Keep your car serviced, check your tire tread and pressure, and don’t let your fuel level sink too low. Check road conditions before you venture out and consider postponing your trip if the weather conditions are not favorable. Volunteering is just that. Save it for another day. If you are out on the trail and the weather sneaks up on you, remember that slipping and tripping hazards exist. Leaves are wet and slippery and what seems like a gentle rolling hill may end up being a slippery slide on your backside. Go slow and steady. Trekking poles can be good, but they can also slip out from under you on wet rocks and snow. Be aware of your footing and pay attention to the path. Check out the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Winter Drive Safety Tips so you can be prepared this winter.

Remember your essentials. You can still get a sunburn and become dehydrated in the winter, so remember to take sunscreen and plenty of water. Your winter pack should also include extra clothes and socks, food, first aid kit, flashlight, map, and emergency contact information. Carry these in a water-proof plastic bag in case the weather turns on you. Lip moisturizer and chewing gum are also great to keep in your pocket (just remember to pack out your trash)!

It’s hunting season!  Remember that most TVA areas are multiuse. Hunting is allowed unless otherwise posted, but hikers, horseback riders and other recreation users may be in the area, too. Wearing hunter orange hats and vests helps ensure that you are seen when you’re in the woods—whether you’re hunting or not. Read more information on hunting on TVA lands.

Plan, plan, and plan some more. Make sure someone else knows your plan and make sure you plan well. It goes without saying, when in doubt…sit it out. Check your local weather forecast and plan accordingly. Visit TVA’s website for any road, trail or other facility closures that may affect your trip.

Volunteers at work

Please welcome new volunteers from the Lawrence County History and Preservation Society for the Adopt a Spot parcel at Joe Wheeler Crossing on Wheeler Reservoir and Brittany Zepernick for Clean Creek Trail on Norris Reservoir. We appreciate your help!  

Congratulations to John Klemski, Melton Hill volunteer for completing his four condition reports and earning a t-shirt!



Earlier this month, the Lawrence County History and Preservation Society partnered with TVA for a cleanup that removed 750 pounds of trash from the Historic Lawrence County Park in Colbert, AL.

These beautiful places need your help!



Oak Grove Boat Ramp (Douglas Reservoir-Jefferson, TN)

This is a popular local site near Dandridge, TN with a boat launch and other bank fishing areas just off of Flat Woods Rd in Jefferson County, TN. Volunteer through our Adopt a Spot initiative and help us keep this area free from litter and looking its best.

Email volunteer@tva.gov  for more information on these sites or other volunteer opportunities.

Reminders and Upcoming Events

  • Adopt a Spot Volunteers: remember to fill out your Condition Evaluation Report and submit your volunteer hours to volunteer@tva.gov.
  • Complete four site visits and you’ll earn a hammock. Complete eight site visits and you’ll earn our new volunteer t-shirt. It is quick dry and long-sleeved!
Join the fun!
We would love to see photos of your volunteer activities and stories.

Share your adventure on social media by tagging #tvafun to your posts

Share your volunteer story by emailing volunteer@tva.gov for a chance to be featured in the Volunteer Spotlight

Find out about volunteer events and opportunities on TVA public lands in other parts of seven states in the Tennessee Valley

Plan your next adventure on TVA lands
This newsletter is published monthly to keep TVA’s stakeholders informed about activities associated with work on the earthen embankment at Boone Dam.

Our mailing address is:
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902

Add us to your address book


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.