LIMESTONE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Flooding from Hurricane Helene left nearly a foot of mud on the trails of David Crockett Birthplace State Park. On Saturday, volunteers worked to restore the trails they love.

The state park is a special place for locals, serving as an escape for many.

“I would come here every day for a walk with my dogs,” said Limestone resident Joe Williams. “I carry the baby in a backpack on my back. And plus, it was just a beautiful state park.”

“I moved to Limestone formally about 13 years ago and came here almost every day since,” said Limestone resident Robin Bennett.

The devastation caused by the flood left those who frequent the park almost speechless.

“There aren’t words,” Bennett said. “Just aren’t words. It’s mourning, all of us are mourning the loss of not just the place, but the ecosystem, the history and just the memories.”

“It’s really just unrecognizable. It was, it was a big loss,” Williams said.

Bennett is a part of the Friends of David Crockett Birthplace State Park, which allows her to volunteer consistently. Because of this, she felt a strong need to help with the cleanup.

“Because I volunteer at the park in another context already, I was already contacting park employees the day after the event,” said Bennett.

Bennett wasn’t alone; park leaders were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and willingness to help.

“When the flood happened, people were showing up and asking us, ‘How can we help? We really want to help out,'” said Park Ranger Chelsea Walters.

When the park was ready for people to clean up, the volunteers were, too. The park scheduled Saturday cleanup events, many of which were already full of eager volunteers.

On Saturday, around 20 people showed up at the park with shovels and boots.

“I’m very surprised today,” said Walters. “I know that’s not the most glamorous thing to do at a park, but it’s an essential part of the park and the steps to build the park back.”

“I knew I was capable to work and I liked doing it,” said Williams. “I like the physical labor. But also, I just really wanted to be involved as part of the cleanup efforts.”

Those who assisted said they’re thankful to be a part of restoring the beloved park.

“You’re putting your hands on that,” said Bennett. “You’re part of the land. You’re leaving your sweat, you know, your sweat, tears and you’re making new memories of how You’re going to engage with the place.”

The park plans to have more volunteer events moving forward. Information about those events can be found here.