ONEIDA — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will host an official naturalization ceremony on Thursday, April 24. One hundred and fifty individuals will take the oath of citizenship. 

The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and witness meaningful milestones. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at Bandy  Creek Visitor Center, with the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips presiding. Local Boy Scout Troop and Crew 333 will conduct the presentation of colors. 

“National Park Week is a celebration of America’s national heritage. And national parks  preserve this great nation’s stories and natural and cultural wonders,” said Superintendent Niki  Stephanie Nicholas. “Welcoming new citizens in such a special place is suitable to their  inspirational journeys, qualities and characters.” 

Naturalization is the official process through which a foreign citizen or national becomes a United States citizen after meeting the requirements set by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act. This process culminates in a formal court proceeding where individuals take the Oath of Allegiance, receive their Certificate of Naturalization and are officially welcomed as U.S. citizens, marking the beginning of their new chapters in the American community. 

This official step unites new citizens through a shared commitment to the nation’s values, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. Welcome them into the fabric of our nation.

A farrier demonstrates his skills during a past installment of the annual Spring Planting and Music Festival at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, set this year for April 26.  National Park Service

ONEIDA — Step back in time and experience history in motion at the 25^th Annual Spring Planting and Music Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26 at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Traditions of early Appalachian settlers come to life at this free, family-friendly event. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the heritage of the Big South Fork region with live demonstrations, traditional crafts, music and hands-on activities that showcase the self-sufficient way of life practiced by generations past. 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Oscar and Lora Blevins farm sites and the Bandy Creek area, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional Appalachian life. Visitors will see a variety of demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight the skills and craftsmanship of early settlers.

One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is the plowing and planting demonstration with mule and horse teams at the Lora Blevins field.

Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring old-time toys and taking part in interactive exhibits that make history come alive. Live music will be provided by some of the region’s most talented musicians.

The annual Obed Adopt-a-Crag event is set for Sept. 14 and will include access trail maintenance such as that performed here by volunteers at a previous event.  National Park Service

WARTBURG — The East Tennessee Climbers Coalition and Obed Wild and Scenic River will host the park’s annual Adopt-a-Crag event on Saturday, Sep. 14 2024

Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of projects including general trail maintenance and litter pickup. Please meet at the Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery, 920 Ridge Road, Lancing, at 10 a.m. to register and receive a project assignment. Due to limited parking, carpooling is suggested.  Please bring your own lunch and water. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring hand tools, gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellant.

After completing their projects, volunteers are invited to spend the day climbing their favorite routes or enjoying other recreational opportunities in the park.  Following the event, the ETCC will be hosting a volunteer appreciation event at the Lilly Pad.

The sandstone cliffs of the Obed Wild and Scenic River area provide sport-climbing opportunities rare for the Southeast. Visiting climbers inject an estimated $770,000 per year into the area economy.  Mark Large via National Park Service

Obed rock climbers spend $770k annually on area visits; gas and short-term rentals top spending categories

WARTBURG — Rock climbers visiting the Obed Wild and Scenic River, a unit of the National Park Service located between Knoxville and Crossville in the Upper Cumberland Plateau, annually spend about $768,000 at local businesses, according to a new study.

A recent analysis released by the Access Fund, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the East Tennessee Climbers Coalition evaluated tourism and spending in several prominent climbing locations in Tennessee, including the Obed.

The study reported 12,000 total estimated annual climbing visits to the Obed and the majority (62 percent) of those climbers stayed overnight while visiting the Obed. The economic impact of the spending sectors included short-term housing rentals (43 percent), gasoline (21 percent), dine-in restaurants (19 percent), fast food, groceries and snacks (10 percent), camping (4 percent) and hotels (3 percent). 

Demographics analysis of the overall study found that two thirds of the respondents self-identified as male, 85 percent identified as white, 88 percent had at least a four-year college degree and 66 percent had an average annual income of more than $50,000.

The Obed Wild and Scenic River protects 45 miles of river and steep gorges which contain rock formations that are excellent for climbing. The area contains more than 400 climbing routes and is also a destination for bouldering, climbing on large, exposed boulders.

A Youth Conservation Corps team performs trail maintenance at Obed Wild and Scenic River during a summer YCC program at the park.  National Park Service

WARTBURG — 2024’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) team at the Obed Wild and Scenic River spent their summer working to maintain and enhance hiking trails. The YCC is a paid summer work program for youth ages 15-18 on federally managed lands. Since its inception in 1970, the YCC has introduced young Americans to conservation opportunities on public lands. 

This year’s YCC team members include Lydia Barnett from Gateway Christian School, Emma Foust from Anderson County High School and Jimmy Hall, Haylee Morgan and Joshua Stedman from Wartburg Central High School.

Youth Conservation Corps members engage in activities that restore, rehabilitate and repair the natural, cultural and historical resources within federally preserved areas. The crew is led by National Park Service staff, who provide transportation, supervision, training and education. Students acquire basic trade skills and learn about cultural and environmental topics, fostering a sense of stewardship toward park resources. The program also includes instructor-led recreational activities, educational field trips and classroom instruction. 

The completion of this year’s YCC project will extend the lifespan of trail assets and  components, enhancing visitor satisfaction and safety. Participating youth will gain new skills, improve teamwork and develop a deeper understanding of environmental impact, contributing to the National Park Service’s mission.

GATLINBURG — The National Park Service has posted the Foothills Parkway Section 8D Environmental Assessment (EA) for a 30-day public comment period ending Aug. 21. The EA evaluates the construction of nine miles of new parkway from Wears Valley to the Gatlinburg Spur near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

(Hellbender Press first reported on this proposal in 2021.) 

A virtual public meeting about the EA and the proposed action will be held at 5 p.m. July 30. The meeting will include a presentation about the overview of the project and give time for the public to ask questions.

Read the EA, learn more about the proposed Foothills Parkway Section 8D project, and provide comments. 

Volunteers helped build this bridge on Sheltowee Trace in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.  National Park Service

ONEIDA — Two popular trails were greatly improved with the help of volunteers during Big South Fork’s annual National Trails Day event, observed this year on June 22. 

Volunteers helped build a 40-foot-long trail bridge between Yahoo Falls and Alum Ford on the Sheltowee Trace (a designated National Recreation Trail), by assisting park staff in transporting lumber and tools as well as the replacement of decking boards and handrails on the entire bridge. Volunteers also assisted trail crews with vegetation, drainage and tread improvements on the Proctor Ridge Horse Trail. 

Volunteers are an important part of ensuring park trails are clear and well-maintained. If you are interested in learning more on how you can volunteer, contact the volunteer coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call (423) 569-9778.