Friends of Tennessee State Parks award mini grants

The Friends of Tennessee State Parks (FOTSP) Board of Directors recently announced that nearly $7,000 has been awarded this summer to 15 Tennessee State Parks Friends Groups. The grants will fund a variety of projects that will enhance the visitor’s experience in a Tennessee State Park or Natural Area. 

The following Friends groups received a $500 Mini Grant Award:

Cordell Hull – Interpretive display panels for the museum

Dunbar Cave – Trail building tools

Edgar Evins – Updating Storybook Trail

Harrison Bay – Upgrading dog park

Henry Horton – Tools for designated trail tools trailer

Long Hunter – Interpretive signs

Mousetail Landing – Planting native wildflower fields

Nathan Bedford Forrest – Informational kiosk and trail signs

Rocky Fork – Natural material safety fencing for overlooks

Sergeant York – Trail building tools

Seven Islands – Native bee hotel

South Cumberland – Interpretive panels with QR code system for flora 

The following Friends groups received a $250 Mini Grant Award:

Fort Louden – Doggie waste stations

Hiwassee Ocoee – Tools for classroom instruction

Pinson Mounds – Directional signage

Teresa Dugger, Vice-President of The Friends of Tennessee State Parks stated, “The Friends of Tennessee State Parks is thrilled to provide grant funding despite COVID-19’s heavy toll on our ability to hold our Annual Conference in 2020 or to socialize and fund raise.  We had $7,000.00 budgeted for the 2021 awards and were able to fully fund twelve grant requests at the maximum of $500 and partially fund three other requests.  We were impressed by the number of applicants as well as the quality of the projects proposed.  We appreciate all of our State Parks all-volunteer Friends Groups and the work they do.”

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