“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” ~ Sherry Anderson 

The 9 Lakes partners have a long history of service to the region. The Region has greatly benefited from the sweat equity of previous and current volunteers. When the Civilian Conservation Corps were brought to East Tennessee during the Great Depression, their work became a foundation for the recreational lakes, parks, heritage sites, and state forests that we so enjoy today.  But maintaining these places requires an annual investment of labor and dedication.

Throughout the year, volunteers, both local and visitors, can be found rolling up their sleeves to participate in events that benefit local public lands and waterways.  The 9 Lakes partners collaborate with communities, businesses, Keep America Beautiful affiliates, and non-profits stewarding trails, lakes, and rivers to improve wildlife habitats, and removing debris from shorelines, trails, and roadways. In a region known for its beauty and biodiversity, these activities help to preserve and protect the scenic landscapes and fragile ecosystems of East Tennessee.

January is a month of resolutions so make a commitment to serve the community where you  play.

How you can you help in 2023 ?  Join a scheduled clean-up, weed wrangle, or trail day.  Groups all across the region are organizing late winter/early spring events.  Here are a few to choose between or join as many as you like.  Volunteers are the key to sustaining the beauty of this region.

• Feb: Invasive Species Removal- Seven Islands Birding Park
• March: Norris Lake Project– Norris Lake 5 County Clean-up
• March: Douglas Lake, Pigeon River, Foothills Parkway- Keep Cocke County Beautiful
• April Cherokee Lake- Cherokee Lake Users Group.
• April: NATS Poker Run
• April:- Douglas Lake- Keep Sevier County Beautiful .
• April: Recycling event Keep Blount County Beautiful
• May: Norris Lake Project hosted by Flat Hollow Marina

Enjoy the beauty of our region, but help us keep our lands and waters clean.   Practice Leave No Trace principles when you visit by packing out what you pack in.  Secure items on your boat when in motion to avoid items blowing into the water. When hiking or biking, stay on the designated trails to prevent damage to fragile eco-habitats.  Take a picture, but leave the plants undisturbed.

Finally support local- the marinas and partners who are “Keeping the 9 Lakes Beautiful.”