|
The Friends of Fall Creek Falls are a non-profit (501(c)3) organization established in 1994 to support the Park through various efforts that incorporate the CARE program which has been established to assist in preserving the natural & cultural riches of Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Purpose
Our purpose is to foster conservation and educational efforts in support
of Fall Creek Falls State Park, and to assist the Park in its efforts
to better preserve and protect its existing land resources. This includes
but is not limited to the many natural, cultural and scenic features
and to assist in providing quality recreational and interpretive experiences.
CONSERVATION - AWARENESS - RECREATION - EDUCATION
Daily Activities of the Friends
At the Nature Center
- Full time staffing
- Building maintenance
- Management & daily operations of our non-profit retail sales & bookstore
- Provide accurate/friendly information to the parks visitors & guests via phone, in person and online. Trail maps & other free handouts printed. Weather conditions posted. Emergency situations aided as directed
- Keep brochures of addition relevant activities in stock for promoting Tennessee Tourism effors to visitors
- Eradication of non-native plants throughout the park and volunteer efforts at the Nature Center
- Assist park staff in monitoring water/air quality
- Advocate & promote State Parks System in different online & print mediums/venues for greater activity - volunteer participation & turnout
- Newsletter; We use this medium to keep our members and the general public who read it, updated on issues relating to the park directly or indirectly; your input is valued and appreciated
2009 Accomplishments
- 1 Year Membership to EMMA
- Friends web site redesign and current
- Donation of shelves in Nature Center
- Arial Flyover for Hemlocks
- Corporate Sponsorship Draft
- Revitalization of multiple committees; Membership & Nominating
- New Office Manager hired
- Purchase of uniforms & rain suits for Naturalists
- 130 Mountaineer Folk Festival Crafters
- Over $2,000 raised at MFF Silent Auction
- Approval to upgrade Friends computer
- 120 Friends Members
- Continue 501-C status
- New Printer Purchased
- Lawn Mower donated to Nature Center
- Successful turnout for 6th Annual Friends
- Raised enough funds to keep the Nature Center open
2010 Goals
- Increase Friends Membership
- Extend communication with the support of EMMA
- Corporate Sponsorship Packages
- Monthly or quarterly Friends newsletter
- Host 7th Annual Friends Conference
- Increase awareness of the Friends and their involvement with community
- Submit and learn more about volunteer hours
- Assist Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Establish Volunteer Projects: Fire Tower Restoration
- Grant for Nature Center Renovations
- Grant for Bike Trail through Campground
- Volunteer Coordinator
|
