The Tennessee and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) announces a new clean-up campaign for those that are willing to help clean-up our refuge lands. With a slogan of “Save a Critter, Pick up Litter”, it emphasizes the dangers that litter can pose to many forms of wildlife. From discarded fishing line, released balloons, to bottles, bags and cans, these things can ensnare and many times kill the unfortunate wildlife species that happens to come across it.
“So, we are asking the public to help us clean up our refuge!” said Refuge Ranger Joan Howe. “This is the refuge’s 75th anniversary and we are making an effort to clean it up for the safety of our wildlife in honor of this important year. However, during a time when it is not a good idea to get large groups together, we think we have come up with way folks can help us and be socially distant and safe!”
The refuge will have available clean-up kits that contain garbage bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, refuge maps and band aids for any willing participant. Those volunteers can pick up any portion of the refuge or shoreline at their convenience. They ask that participants take before and after photos of their trash clean-up efforts for posting on our refuge Facebook page. With at least three bags of trash picked up comes prizes that include their choice of a t-shirt, reusable trash bag, as well as children’s activity books and gifts.
Howe said, “Some areas of the refuge are currently flooded and inaccessible to pick up trash. If a section of refuge closes temporarily due to flooding, it will be a few days or weeks before the water recedes and it will reopen. However, post-flooded areas fill with trash and will need extra attention. It might be best to give us a call if you are unsure of where to pick up litter.”
Friends of the Refuge President Linda Fields said, “This is a great idea for families, individuals or even groups such as civic clubs, scout troops looking for service projects, 4-H groups, or anyone that want to make a difference. We are also so appreciative of our partners the Tennessee Valley Authority and Grove Collaborative that made this campaign possible.”
This clean-up campaign will run from April 1 – Nov. 15, 2021. Clean-up photos and reporting of the number of bags of litter that were removed can be emailed to: friendstnwr@gmail.com.
Clean-up kits and prizes are available from three different locations:
- Tennessee NWR Headquarter/Visitor Center, 1371 Wildlife Drive, Springville, TN 38256
731-642-2091 - Tennessee NWR Sub-headquarters, 550 Refuge Lane, New Johnsonville, TN 37134
931-535-2465 - Cross Creeks NWR, 643 Wildlife Road, Dover, TN 37058
931-232-7477