Your State Parks Day is Friends biggest statewide volunteer day of the year and YOU are invited! Come on out to Georgia's State Parks and historic sites for a day of fun and service. Each of our Friends chapter volunteers are planning special services projects to meet each site's greatest needs. There's a huge variety of opportunity but we need your help to make the day successful!
Come volunteer September 24, and your admission will be waived for the entire day! Free Admission for Volunteers, Free Shirts for Volunteers AND a wonderful opportunity to meet others and serve your community.
See our list of opportunities and start planning your day of service in your area:
A.H. Stephens State Park - Crawfordville, GA
Saturday, Sept 24, 2016 9AM to 1PM
Please come and join Friends of A. H. Stephens and our Park Staff on this very important day. Our goal is to clean, rake, clip, and remove underbrush in areas throughout the park. Bring bug spray, work gloves and any yard tools that you would like to use, some will be provided. Bottled water and snacks will be distributed. All ages welcome. 706-456-2602.
Black Rock Mountain State Park - Mountain City, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 to Sunday, Sep 25, 2016 10 AM to 4 AM
Want to spend a day up in the higher elevations, surrounded by nature and helping to improve the trails on Black Rock Mountain? Join our trailblazing crew to help in repainting the blazes on the Tennessee Rock Trail. Be sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring a hat and water. 706-746-2141.
Chief Vann House Historic Site - Chatsworth, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 1 PM
Volunteers around the country will be helping to improve their favorite historic site & park on this special day. Join local FFA members as they help repair and replace the miles (it seems) of rail fencing we have surrounding the Vann plantation. Special afternoon tours for volunteers provided. Pack a lunch & make sure to bring work gloves! Free for Volunteers. 706-695-2598.
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
Friends of Cloudland Canyon State Park have a number of service projects and activities planned! Plan on getting a little dirty, having fun, and meeting new people. Grab your work gloves and your gardening shovels and join us as we enhance garden, picnic, and playground areas throughout the park. Help us enhance the Yurt Village Playground; installing fence, mulching and planting, installing natural playground logs, and creating a dry creek to direct water flow through playground area. Join supervised trail maintenance projects on the Backcountry Trail. Other projects also include power washing concrete picnic tables and servicing recycling collection cans. Meet at the Interpretive Center.
Many family friendly activities will also be offered on September 24 as well. These include: Introduction To DISC Golf, hayrides (additional fee), catfish pond fishing (poles available), hikes, nature exhibits, kids crafts and scavenger hunt, bluegrass music, and a breakfast and lunch concession. We will also offer a park bike tour, celebrating Adventure Cycling Association’s “Bike Your Park Day”. 706-657-4050.
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Join our river cleanup with Rivers Alive and the Cooperative Extension Office. We will clean along the water way and remove trash from fishing areas. Please wear clothing that can get dirty. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. 912-882-5256.
Don Carter State Park - Gainesville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 8 AM to 1 PM
Join Lake Lanier Association's annual Shore Sweep. This event is organized for the benefit of Lake Lanier and all who enjoy its beauty. In past years Shore Sweep has had over 1,000 volunteers. Wear gloves and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Meet at the park office. 678-450-7726.
Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 8 AM to 2 PM
We will begin the day with a beach sweep; Help us clean the shoreline beginning at 8 am. At 10 am our kids fishing rodeo begins. Kids fifteen and younger will enjoy fishing in a stock cove. The fun will continue from 12 pm- 2 pm with a kids bouncy house and water fun. 706-359-3458.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site - Cartersville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 1 PM
Celebrate National Public Lands Day with Friends of Etowah and come learn about the invasive plants in your backyard, then participate in a park cleanup project. 770-387-3747.
FD Roosevelt State Park - Pin Mountain, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Choose your project! There are three different options this year at FDR: (1) Horse Trail Clean Up (2) Civilian Conservation Corps Fish Pools Clean Out (3) Discovery Table/ Learning Station managers,monitors, and hosts. If interested, please call the park to register in advance: 706-663-4858
Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 5 PM
Join Friends volunteers in assisting with a river and marina basin cleanup, repairing the fish cleaning station, installing swings near the famous Chattahoochee River and pruning trees in the campground and cottage area. Please bring some hand tools, gloves, etc. 229-838-4244.
Fort King George Historic Site - Darien, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Your State Parks Day is an opportunity to give back, so lend a hand and help us with our volunteer project on the park. Volunteers will assist with the construction of a replica Native American Indian roundhouse. Wear clothing suitable to work outdoors. Volunteers receive FREE admission. 912-437-4770.
Fort McAllister State Park - Richmond Hill, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 4 PM
Bring your friends and family to lend a helping hand. Your State Parks Day is devoted to improving and rejuvenating the park. From cleaning trails to painting and washing, there's just so much to do. Lunch provided for our volunteers. 912-727-2339.
Fort Mountain State Park - Chatsworth, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
We will be giving the Lake Trail some tender loving care. You will be able to help with everything from picking up litter to installing new timbers to help prevent erosion. No parking pass necessary if volunteering with this project. 706-422-1932.
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Volunteers are needed to help cleanup our handicap accessible Birdberry Trail. Stay for an hour, or make it an all-day event. Please wear clothing that can get dirty. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Volunteers will receive free admission to the park. 770-867-3489.
General Coffee State Park - Nicholls, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9AM to 12 PM
Help Friends volunteers and park staff replace and repair some of the boardwalks and bridges around the parks farm pond. This day will be devoted to deconstructing the boardwalk and bridge decking at the pitcher plant bog in preparation for repairs. Bring gloves, hammers and crowbars if you have them.
George L. Smith State Park - Twin City, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
Come out and pitch in as we observe Your State Parks Day by doing beautification work projects throughout the park. T-shirts, water bottles, and other give-away items will be offered throughout the morning. 478-763-2759.
Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park - Reidsville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 12 PM
One way to leave no trace is to remove what has been left been behind so come out and gather with Park Staff in cleaning up the Nature Trail. 912-557-7744.
Hamburg State Park - Mitchell, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
Our goal is to clean, rake, clip, and remove underbrush in areas throughout the park. Bring bug spray, work gloves and any yard tools that you would like to use, some will be provided. Please come and join Friends of Hamburg and our Park Staff on this very important day. 478-552-2393.
Hard Labor Creek State Park - Rutledge, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 2 PM
All hands on deck to clear loose brush and limbs from the park's cottage area. We will be trimming trees, gathering downed wood, and all sorts of late-summer yard work. 706-557-3001.
High Falls State Park - Jackson, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 12 PM
Bring your garden tools and gloves and help park staff and volunteers weed, plant, and mulch our beautiful Butterfly Garden at the Park Office. 478-993-3053.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Hofwyl Plantation has hundreds of centuries old, historic live oak trees. However, through the years a number of trees have naturally died leaving empty places in the landscape. We will be transplanting saplings to fill these spaces. Tools will be provided, bring gloves and insect repellent. 912-264-7333.
Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM
Join Friends of Indian Springs State Park as we install new interpretive signs along the 3/4-mile Overland Nature Trail. Remember, participating volunteers receive free parking on Your State Parks Day. 770-504-2277.
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 3 PM
Volunteers will have a chance to help with our future Wildlife Garden. 706-857-0826.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Bring your gardening gloves and join us to play in the dirt. In exchange for cleaning up our garden beds and helping maintain the beauty of the site, volunteers will receive free admission for the day. 478-986-5172.
Laura Walker State Park - Waycross, GA
Saturday Sept 24, 2016 9AM to 12PM
Join Friends of Laura Walker as we rejuvinate our pollinator garden! All ages are welcome as we cultivate healthful ecosystems for all of our native animals while sprucing up the park to it's full beauty in the process. Our animals are thriving, especially our butterfiles, but several areas are in need of some extra care. Join us with your family and friends as we create a remarkably serene setting by the lake and throughout the park! 912-287-4900
Magnolia Springs State Park - Millen, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 4 PM
Your State Parks Day is devoted to making improvements and sprucing up our park. We will be cleaning trails, painting, and organizing. Please bring a friend or family and come out to lend a hand to the Park Rangers and help make your Magnolia Springs State Park beautiful. Don't forget some comfortable shoes and work gloves if you have them. 478-982-1660.
Mistletoe State Park - Appling, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Mistletoe is seeking volunteers to tidy the butterfly garden and trails for the season. Volunteers will be able to choose their own challenge whether picking up litter on the Rock Dam or pulling weeds in the garden behind the office. Meet at the Nature Center at 9AM for instruction. Bring sturdy shoes, water, gloves and hand tools. 706-541-0321.
Moccasin Creek State Park - Clarkesville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 11 AM
Come out and volunteer to help with minor maintenance of hiking trails and primitive campsites. Work will include picking up litter and cleaning fire pits. Please bring water and be prepared to get dirty. Park and meet at Hemlock Falls Trail Head. 706-947-3194.
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
Join park staff and volunteers as we work to keep our public lands beautiful and clean. We will be planting local wildflowers in our sweeping "Power of Flight" grassland habitat area, cleaning litter from our lake shores, and giving your park the care she deserves. All ages welcome! Meet at the Alexander Lakes parking area. Sponsored by Friends of Georgia State Parks. 770-389-7801.
Pickett's Mill Battlefield - Dallas, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10AM to 2PM
Friends volunteerw will be welcoming folks of all ages to participate in various projects at the site including spreading mulch, pulling weeds, trail maintenance, planting native and heirloom plants, repairing an authentic style split rail fence, sprucing up the historic cabin and homestead, removing invasive plants, and installing information signs along the trail. Volunteers receive free admission. 770-443-7850.
Providence Canyon Outdoor Recreation Area - Lumpkin, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
Volunteers are encouraged to help our park stay safe and clean. Various projects will be offered. Please meet at picnic shelter #2 for assignments. 229-838-4244.
Red Top Mountain State Park - Acworth, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 3 PM
Volunteers of all ages are needed for several projects for the Outdoor Classroom. We will be improving existing features, working on new projects, and beautifying the area. Bring gloves, water, and wear clothes you can get dirty! We will meet at the Outdoor Classroom (behind the Park Office). Sponsored by Friends of Red Top Mountain State Park. Free for Volunteers. 770-975-0055.
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 8 AM to 1 PM
Help us keep your state park beautiful. The Friends of Reed Bingham are going to be cleaning up Red Roberts Landing and need your help. A t-shirt and lunch will be provided for those who participate. We welcome individuals as well as groups. We welcome Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or any organizations looking for community service hours. 229-894-3551.
Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 2 PM
Volunteers are being sought to help pressure wash the bridge and sidewalks on the entrance. We want to enlist your support to help with this project. Equipment will be provided. You may get wet, bring an extra set of clothes or shoes. 706-655-5870.
Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12 PM
We will be working to eliminate the Chinese Tallow Tree, an invasive species found in our park. Please register by Friday, September 23. 912-598-2300.
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 12 PM
We will be doing a trail maintenance day for our famous Martin's Mine trail. This will include removing invasive species from the trail edges, clearing limbs and debris, and cleaning and refurbishing trail signs. Volunteers please wear clothing that can get dirty. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. 706-878-3087.
Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 8:30 AM to 10 AM
We will have a park service project for You're State Parks Day. Then we will be discussing why State Parks are so important. We will clean up our park while riding around on bikes, this will be a fun way to exercise and play a part in keeping the Okefenokee beautiful. Come be a part of improving our park! 912-637-5274.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9:30 AM to 12 PM
Volunteers are welcome to help pick up trash and clean brush off the Shortline Trail. Volunteers will also be used to trim bushes and paint around our front gate to make it more ascetically pleasing. Bring water and snacks. 706-754-7981.
Tugaloo State Park - Lavonia, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 2 PM to 2:30 PM
Meet the Ranger at the Park office to help celebrate your Georgia State Parks by helping us keep them beautiful. We will be walking around the cove behind the Park office picking up litter and trash. 706-356-4362.
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 10 AM to 12 PM
Enjoy a day of volunteering with the staff and the "Friend's of Victoria Bryant State Park" by working on beautification projects, trails and other small projects. Lunch will be provided afterwards by the Friends of Victoria Bryant State Park. Parking is free for all volunteers that day. 706-245-6270.
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 12:30 PM
Come to Vogel as we walk around Trahlyta Lake and clean up the trail. Afterwards, join us for an action packed putt-putt tournament. All who volunteer get free parking this day. 706-745-2628.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park - Comer, GA
Saturday, Sep 24, 2016 9 AM to 1 PM
Help staff and volunteers build an equestrian handicapped ramp that will enable all riders the ability to enjoy our trails. Please bring tools, bug spray and sunscreen. We can also use "Clip and Riders" Sponsored by Friends of Watson Mill Bridge State Park. 706-783-5349.
Can't find your local park listing? Don't worry! Call your local park to find out what projects your Friends chapter and site staff have planned for the day!
**Photo Credit: Sherry Rosen Photography
Sherry is one of our fabulous volunteer photographers who help make Your State Parks Day memorable for all! If you would like to help volunteer by capturing this special day with your camera, please email Amy at amy.toft@friendsofgastateparks.org