Save Our Smokies

07/14/2026

Here’s some opportunities to get out and get involved.

07/09/2026

We heard back from GSMNP and the decision was made not to accept the donation of equipment at this time.

Therefore, all of our supplies, equipment and remaining funds are being donated to Responsible Stewardship (RS). IRS and State of Tennessee Secretary of State requires a nonprofit that dissolves to donate to a similar nonprofit. As RS has worked beside us over the years and formed from some of the same principles as us, this decision seemed the most logical. They are an all volunteer organization that is also volunteer led without any paid positions.

Again, we encourage all of our followers and supporters to volunteer with GSMNP directly through their Volunteer in Park (VIP) program. Or support your local litter program and make a difference in your community.

06/25/2026

https://www.wvlt.tv/2026/06/25/save-our-smokies-volunteer-group-shut-down-after-struggles-with-funding/

Brian Carpenter, a Save Our Smokies volunteer, said the cleanup work showed how much volunteers can accomplish together.

06/24/2026

We encourage all of our volunteers to continue to support the efforts of GSMNP by continuing to work directly with the Park. Show up for these service days. Or you can contact the Park Volunteer Office and volunteer as a VIP (Volunteer In Park). There are so many ways they can use volunteers. From litter pick up, trail maintenance, monitoring high use areas, elk rovers, etc. There is a spot that probably fits your skills and desire.

06/24/2026

If you have been a team leader and have supplies, especially grabbers and vests, please message, so that I can get those collected and donated with our other supplies.

We met and delivered all litter removal supplies we had to Responsible Stewardship, so they can be utilized to continue removing litter.

Thanks!

06/22/2026

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to Park? Here's your opportunity. Keep Sevier Beautiful is once again partnering with the National Park for Smokies Service Days. One Saturday a month through September they will work on cleaning an area of the Park. Please check out the calendar below and hopefully you can find a day to join.

06/18/2026

Continue the battle!! 💪🏼

Happy International Picnic Day! 🧺

Summer is picnic season! ☀️If you are headed outside, be sure to stash your trash, and throw it away!

Even food scraps like banana peels and apple cores are harmful to local wildlife, so if you wouldn’t leave it on your kitchen floor, don’t leave it on the grass! 🌲🦝

06/16/2026

Hello friends and supporters,

This message is from Jerry Willis, Founder and President of Save Our Smokies. I want to first thank everyone who has supported us, either with your time, finances, Board and even simply sharing our cause across social media over the last 6 years. We have accomplished so much over this period. We have removed in excess of 35K pounds of litter and scrubbed lots of graffiti from the historic stonework.

However, it is with heavy hearts that I must share that our Board made the difficult decision to begin dissolving our organization. Over the last several years, funding has become increasingly difficult to obtain, even with minimal expenses for supplies, storage, website, etc. We have struggled with keeping consistent leaders willing to lead teams. Personally, I don’t see those challenges improving in the future.

Over the coming weeks, we will be formally shutting down our organization. Part of that will be identifying another similar nonprofit to give any remaining funds and supplies to. We are also in conversations with other organizations and the NPS to see how the graffiti removal may be able to continue to be performed and donate our equipment to them.

We highly encourage our supporters to continue to pick up litter. Volunteer through the Volunteer In Park program that GSMNP has. Our park needs volunteers now more than ever.

It has been a tremendous honor to have led this organization and to have met all the wonderful people along this journey. Hopefully, we will see you on the trail, or around the Park, leaving it better than we found it.

05/16/2026

🌎🎉 Join us next week for Keep Sevier Beautiful's Earth Fair as we celebrate our amazing planet and America’s 250th anniversary! 🇺🇸🌱

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of environmental education, community spirit, activities for all ages, and ways we can work together to keep Sevier County beautiful for generations to come.

Local vendors and community partners include Sevier Stormwater Group, Smoky Mountain Lash Bees, Barefoot University, Seven Islands State Birding Park, Smokies BearWise, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Appalachian Bear Rescue, Ocean Connections, Inc., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, A Walk in the Woods Great Smoky Mountains, Wears Valley Coffee & Goods, and more!

As we honor 250 years of America, let’s also celebrate the natural beauty that makes our community so special. Together, we can protect and preserve our environment while building a cleaner, greener future.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💚

05/06/2026

Now for something a little different.

Here's an opportunity to help with some maintenance type clean up in the Smokies.

We will be partnering with Keep Sevier Beautiful on other opportunities like this in the near future.

Stay tuned!! 😎

It's time for some more Spring cleaning in the Smoky Mountains! 🌸

Join us next Wednesday, May 13, from 9am - Noon, as we lend a helping hand to park staff at Big Creek Campground.

Please register in advance at https://form.jotform.com/261205699519163.

*Campground is at the end of Big Creek Entrance Rd. Waterville, NC, 28785 (Haywood County)