News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Burgess Falls continues to be a model in the Upper Cumberland for environmental sustainability and community partnerships.
For two years in a row, the state park has received the highest ranking from TDEC for their efforts. Park Manager Bill Summers said earning the platinum ranking in the “Go Green With Us,” program is all about working together to protect and preserve.
“We’ve done a wide variety of things through the years,” Summers said. “Not only do we have a recycling program, we also have the native butterfly garden, and we partner with the White County Girl Scouts, Putnam County Master Gardeners and the Friends of Burgess Falls to maintain that and do other things.”
The park goes further than keeping natural areas safe. Summers said staff use teaching gardens to educate volunteers and patrol the park by foot to be energy efficient.
“I think people appreciate it,” Summers said. “And we, the team, have really strove to do as much as we can with this 500 acres under our stewardship as far as Burgess Falls and Window Cliffs to take care of our resources and our visitors.”
Summer said through these undertakings, staff get to be on the grounds with guests to enhance each park experience.
“One of the joys of the park to be out amongst,” Summers said. “Last year, we had 250,000 visitors at Burgess and Window Cliffs, so we have quite a few visitors anymore, but it is good to spend time with the folks especially our volunteers as much as we can.”
Burgess Falls State Park is one of 10 that received platinum status. Three others in the region earned the same distinction: Cummins Falls, Rock Island and Standing Stone.
