News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Burgess Falls State Park has been awarded the highest ranking in the state’s Go Green With Us program.
The program recognizes Tennessee State Parks for their efforts in sustainability. Park Ranger Lauren Fagin said recycling and energy conservation lead Burgess Falls to the top.
“A lot of recycling,” Fagin said. “A lot of renewable energy recycling. We have signs everywhere about remembering to turn off the lights and simple things like that. In the park itself, we have multiple plastic bins with plastic and aluminium signs on them.”
Fagin said the park also implemented automatic lights, sinks and water bottle refill stations. Only six state parks earned platinum status, including Cummins Falls State Park.
“It is pretty awesome,” Fagin said. “There are 56 Tennessee State Parks alongside with natural areas as well, so to be at the top of the list is a pretty big accomplishment, and we are very proud of it.”
Go Green with us began as a recycling movement in 2015. Now, parks are judged by nine categories including: education and outreach, energy efficiency, green offices, habitat and species protection, guest services, maintenance procedures, recycling and waste, transportation and water conservation.
Twenty parks achieved gold level status, 22 silver and eight bronze.
