NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak was named Tennessee's Park of the Year on Thursday, beating out more than 50 other parks in the state.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said the park got the award after demonstrating excellence in innovation, sustainability, interpretation, resource management, facilities management and customer engagement. The department also said the park was fiscally responsible.
According to a release, Seven Islands State Birding Park used an Adverse Childhood Experiences grant to provide educational programs, connecting with more than 1,100 students this year. More than 50 volunteers also recorded 2,268 volunteer hours this year. Three interns also served with the park in community science efforts.
The park has also improved its facilities, creating 1,100 feet of new trail and renovating 676 feet of existing trail. Staff and volunteers also managed to remove around six acres worth of invasive species while also planting around five acres of pollinator habitat. Around two dons of debris was also removed this year from historic dump sites.