What a month October was! The official opening of Head of the Crow State Park, the christening of Fiery Gizzard State Park, and the announcement of the introduction of the red-cockaded woodpecker to Savage Gulf all heralded a new era for Friends of the Parks. Our territory remains roughly the same (although several conservation acquisitions are underway), but the need for support from Friends is drastically increasing.
- Three newly staffed parks means more trailbuilding and more opportunities for educational programs.
- Newly branded parks with new trails means more visitors.
- More trails and visitors means more need for Trail Friends.
- Finally, all of the activity on the plateau – new parks, the economic activity of the South Cumberland Partnership, new Michelin star restaurants, etc. – means we need to increase the vigilance and activity of our Land Conservation Committee to protect our parks and their watersheds and viewsheds.
Reflecting our renewed commitment to the parks and the new challenges and opportunities we face, we have revised our mission statement, redesigned our website, and overhauled our operating budget.
Ned Murray, Executive Director – Friends of the Parks
Check out Friends of the Parks’ new website.
Note: Friends of the Parks was formerly known as Friends of South Cumberland State Park.
Logo: Friends of the Parks