Cummins Falls State Park has completed the Gold Recognition Level of the TN State Parks Go Green With Us Initiative and Guidelines. The guidelines include multiple areas of environmental sustainability, including education and outreach, water conservation, energy efficiency, waste and recycling, and much more. Congrats to this park for going above and beyond to be excellent stewards of our natural resources.

The mission of the Tennessee State Parks Go Green With Us program is to preserve and protect our state parks through sustainable park operations, resource conservation, and recycling. Program components cover a diverse array of initiatives, including energy and water conservation through equipment and operations upgrades, recycling programs, projects to enhance ecosystem health, and erosion control, among many others.

• Six new honey bee hives were installed at the park as a part of the Tennessee State Parks Honey Project, which seeks to promote pollinator and environmental health throughout our parks. 
• The park led a composting class for their Jr. Ranger Camp that demonstrated the steps of composting and spoke to its importance.
• Pine trees and tulip poplars have been planted throughout the park.
• A bike trail was established that provides riders with a safe route to the park from a local bike shop.
• Cummins Falls State Park does not have electricity anywhere in the park.
• The only lights in the park are the solar-powered restroom lights.
• Park staff works to prevent erosion and protect the ecosystem along the heavily used trail to the falls through gravel, mulching, and constructing boxed-in earthen steps where appropriate.
• Trash and recycling dumpsters are strategically placed. 
• Maintains rain gardens in conjunction with Friends of Cummins Falls and park neighbors
• Solar lights at restrooms
• Participates in the TN State Parks Honey Project
• Promotes native bees with solitary bee boxes
• Maintains native plant gardens at the visitor center