Friends of State Parks

In 1993, Tennessee passed legislation authorizing private, non-profit groups to organize for "maintaining and enhancing the purposes, programs and functions of the state park system". These groups, more commonly known as Friends, are concerned citizens who have banded together to assist in protecting, preserving and promoting the beauty and the splendor of their favorite state park. They give selflessly of their time, talents and energy to help ensure the park's integrity is intact for future generations to enjoy.

Which Parks have a Friends Group?

There are 35 active and established Friends groups. To find out more about a group or how to get involved with one, check out the group's website (if available) or contact the volunteer coordinator at: tnstateparks.volunteer@tn.gov or (615) 532-5249.

• Friends of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park • Friends of Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area • Friends of Big Ridge State Park • Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park • Friends of Cedars of Lebanon State Park • Friends of Chickasaw State Park • Friends of Cordell Hull • Friends of Cove Lake State Park • Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park • Friends of the Cumberland Trail • Friends of David Crockett State Park • Pioneer Friends of Davy Crockett Birthplace State Historic Park • Friends of Dunbar Cave State Natural Area • Friends of Edgar Evins State Park • Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Park • Fort Loudoun Association • Friends of Fort Pillow State Historic Park • Friends of Harrison Bay State Park

• Friends of Henry Horton State Park • Friends of the Johnsonville State Historic Park • Friends of Long Hunter State Park • Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park • Friends of Natchez Trace State Park • Friends of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park • Friends of Norris Dam State Park • Friends of Panther Creek State Park • Friends of Paris Landing State Park • Friends of Pickwick Landing State Park • Friends of Radnor Lake • Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area • Friends of Standing Stone State Park • Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park • Tims Ford Environmental Education Association • Friends of T.O. Fuller State Park • Friends of Warriors' Path State Park

The following state parks have interest groups formed that are working toward becoming official friends' groups in 2010.

• Burgess Falls State Natural Area
• Friends of the Forest for Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
• Mousetail Landing State Park

 

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