CHEROKEE-The Natchez Trace Parkway recognized the contributions of long-time seasonal employees to the operation of the Parkway. Seasonal employees join the National Park Service’s workforce during the busiest time of the year to augment the efforts of permanent employees. Depending upon the Parkway’s budget, they can work up to 1,039 hours each year.
“Our seasonal employees are often said to be the backbone of the National Park Service
Mary Risser
workforce,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “They come on board during the busiest time of the year and heavily contribute to getting essential tasks done. Here, on the Parkway, most seasonal employees work for maintenance and are responsible for mowing, weed-eating, and keeping the Parkway in the amazing condition that our visitors get to enjoy on a daily basis.”
Throughout the National Park Service, seasonal employees also present campfire talks, lead hikes, conduct backcountry and river patrols, fight wildland fire, provide for search and rescue operations, monitor threatened and endangered species, etc. Most work during the summer months. A few seasonal employees are able to pick up work in parks whose primary busy season is in the winter.
“The Natchez Trace Parkway is very fortunate to have a cadre of seasonal employees who have been returning for many years,” continued Risser. “Cleophus Southward, who works out of the Cherokee office, has worked on the Parkway for 15 summers; 17 other seasonal employees have returned for more than 5 seasons. It’s a privilege to present our seasonals with plaques to recognize their service.”
Following is a list of employees who have received awards.
Willie Harris/5 seasons, Thomas Miller/5 seasons, Christopher Ellington/6 seasons, Johnny Fowler/6 seasons, James Goss/6 seasons, Amy Williams/6 seasons, Emily Davie/8 seasons, Willard Chism/8 seasons, Frank Cooks/9 seasons, Ronald Gray/9 seasons, Tommy Parkerson/9 seasons, Charlie Robinson/9 seasons, Charles Bean/10 seasons, Cornelius Tenner/10 seasons, Connie Calton/ 11 seasons, Michael Perkin/11 seasons, Harold Wyatt/12 seasons, Jimmy Johnston/13 seasons, Cleophus Southward/15 seasons
MEDIA RELEASE/Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
