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What’s Happening...
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HIKES, EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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Storm Clean-Up Dates Set for Nov 19 & 20; Volunteers Needed
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South Cumberland State Park managers have designated Monday, November 19 and Tuesday, November 20 as the first of many work days that will be needed to clean up damage to portions of South Cumberland State Park, resulting from the Nov 6th EF-2 tornado that crossed Grundy County.
“The most severe damage is in the vicinity of Savage Gulf, especially the Savage Campground and Savage Day Loop areas,” explains SCSP Assistant Manager Bill Knapp. “Trails in the eastern half of Savage Gulf are pretty bad. Walking the Savage Day Loop normally takes around an hour, at leisure. When our damage assessment team walked the Day Loop, pushing hard to get through the debris, it took us nearly 3 hours. It was a challenge the entire way, with many trees down and interlaced into a big mess.” Other affected areas include the North Plateau, North and South Rim, Mountain Oak, Collins Rim, and Collins Gulf trails. The clean-up effort will be difficult, and potentially dangerous, due to half-fallen but suspended trees, and heavy limb debris. “For these reasons, we have decided to call in a team of park rangers from across the state to help us with the clearing of trails and campgrounds,” Knapp added. “We have scheduled November 19th and 20th as our first two clean-up days. We have requested 25-30 State Park Rangers with chainsaw experience.” Knapp says the park is also getting calls from the public, asking how they can volunteer to help. “While we cannot allow them to use chainsaws, due to State regulations, we can allow them to follow the chainsaw crews to help pull brush and debris off the trails.” Due to the extent of damage, and the potentially dangerous conditions in the affected areas, Knapp says they can’t manage a large group of volunteers, so each clean-up day will be limited to 20 able-bodied volunteers. “We will have to bring everyone, and all equipment, in by truck,” he explained. |
Persons interested in volunteering must pre-register by calling the SCSP office between 8 am and 4 pm before Friday, November 16th at 931-924-2980. All tools will be provided; volunteers should dress for the weather, bring heavy work gloves, and their own food and water. Only registered volunteers will be allowed to participate. Additional information will be provided to volunteers when they call to register.
Click above to see a brief video of the Savage Day Loop Trail.
"Each clean-up day will be limited to 20 able-bodied volunteers. This will be very strenuous work that will take most all day. These folks need to be able to walk upwards of 8 miles through debris-filled areas while carrying tools, and will be tasked with lifting heavy objects." |
Nov. 6th Storm Damage Closes Portions
of Savage Gulf Area of South Cumberland State Park
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The EF-2 tornado that cut a path of destruction across Grundy County in the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 6th also significantly affected portions of the Savage Gulf area of the Park.
Many large trees are down, and many more are partially down — hanging from, or leaning on other trees. A number of trails are impassable at this time. As a result, for the safety of all park guests, SCSP managers have closed a number of trails and campgrounds. Park managers, and the Friends of South Cumberland State Park, appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. They will work diligently to keep you informed of developments in regard to storm clean-up, opportunities for volunteers to help, and and will provide updates to the status of the affected trail and campground areas. Knapp noted that the public can stay up to date by checking the park’s Facebook page, or the Friends of South Cumberland State Park’s website or Facebook page. All of the affected trails and campgrounds are in the eastern half of the Savage Gulf Natural Area. They will be closed at least until December 1, and possibly longer, until debris is removed and damaged bridges, trails and campsites are repaired. Affected trails and campgrounds include:
• Savage Day Loop • North Rim Trail • North Plateau Trail • South Rim Trail • Savage Falls Campground • Dinky Line Campground • Hobbs Cabin Campground |
The Stagecoach Road campground is open, but only accessible via the Collins West Trailhead. If you have reservations for any of these campgrounds between now and early December, SCSP managers ask that you call the park office at (931) 924-2980 as soon as you can to make other arrangements.
In the meantime, help them by avoiding the affected areas, which are presently unsafe for public use. Anyone found in the affected areas will be cited for unlawfully entering a closed area of the park. Please feel free to safely use and enjoy the other, unaffected areas of Tennessee’s largest and most spectacular State Park, and report any downed trees or other damage to the park office.
Click any image above to see an enlargement.
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Rob Moreland, left, with SCSP Manager George Shinn.
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Congratulations to Friends Volunteer Rob Moreland, recipient of SCSP Manager George Shinn's 2018 "Golden Shell" Award, given annually to the Friends volunteer who exhibits exceptional dedication to the environmental, interpretive and recreational mission of South Cumberland State Park. Rob is currently heading up the Friends' effort to rehab and interpret the site of a 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp in the Grundy Forest area of the Park. Congratulations to Rob for this well-deserved recognition! |
Volunteer to help restore the site of the 1930s-era CCC Camp in Grundy Forest!
Upcoming Work Dates will be announced soon.
Please check back again! |
South Cumberland State Park and the Friends of South Cumberland are looking for volunteers who would like to help restore an important part of local history. Thanks to the financial support of the South Cumberland Community Fund and other generous donors, SCSP Rangers and Friends Volunteers will be working this winter on the next phase of an ambitious plan to interpret portions of the village that housed nearly 200 members of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Company 1475 at Grundy Forest, near Tracy City. More Details »»
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Now’s the time to Volunteer for this fall’s Trail Friends team!
Trail Friends are volunteers who offer Park visitors a cheery welcome and much-needed information about the Park, the natural surroundings, and the specifics of the trails. Trail Friends staff five of the busiest trailheads in the Park, and also walk their assigned trails, answering questions and providing assistance as they go. Thousands of people have been helped by this enthusiastic team of volunteers. The group is accepting new members and on-line training is available now. The Fall Trail Friends season began Sept. 1 and extends on weekends through Nov. 18. Trail Friends will hold a Kickoff Meet and Greet at 3 pm on Sept. 9 at the South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center Pavilion on US 41 in Monteagle. If you're interested in volunteering as a Trail Friend this fall, the time to enroll is NOW! Learn more on our Trail Friends page.
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Trail Friend volunteer Barbara Braswell (right) helping out fall hikers at Savage Gulf.
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2018 Goldenrod Gala raises essential funds
for the Friends and the Park
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The second annual Goldenrod Gala — a “night out for Nature” and an important fundraiser for the Friends of South Cumberland State Park — went underground on Saturday evening, October 6, 2018. This year's Gala took place in the dramatic new performance hall at The Caverns, which is also the now home to the popular PBS television series Bluegrass Underground. This year’s Gala also featured a "silent" version of the very popular Adventure Auction, offering a dozen opportunities to experience unique places in and around South Cumberland State Park.
Still Time to Donate to the Gala Campaign
Even if you couldn't make it to the Gala, there is still time to donate to its purpose -- to generate essential funding for a wide range of Friends’ initiatives on behalf of South Cumberland State Park. |
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SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS YEAR'S GOLDENROD GALA PARTNERS:
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Fourth Graders Connect with Nature in the Park
Those smiling faces say it all ... volunteers with enthusiasm, spunk, stick-to-it-ness, dedication. Their gifts and skill made this year’s 4th grade “Every Child in the Park” field trips a great success.
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As part of the Friends' Every Child in the Park initiative, every fourth grader from Grundy County Schools, plus Monteagle Elementary, got to know the Park during the Friends' annual fall field trip programs, presented this year on October 1st, 2nd and 3rd. From rats to rocks to nature play, the 4th graders were inspired and educated and empowered and encouraged to stretch themselves.
Approximately 70 students attended each day. Students rotated among three activities: Geology and Pioneer Life, inside the Visitor Center; Gardening and Nature Play, on the Meadow Trail; and a hands-on Wildlife Program in the picnic pavilion. Students also received their own SCSP Nature Journal, authored by Friends' member and longtime leader, Mary Priestley. Special thanks to Friends' Education and Outreach chair Margaret Matens for organizing what is now a Fall tradition, and an event in which every fourth grader in Grundy County eagerly looks forward to participating! |
Lots of ‘buzz’ at Honey Bee Day!
National Honey Bee Day was celebrated in SCSP on Sunday, August 19 to call attention to the challenges facing honey bees, a principal source of pollinators for the world's food supplies. Tennessee Naturalist and FSC member Nathaniel Mann set up a temporary hive and did bee-keeping demonstrations. Paula Yeatman presented a program for children based on Mary Priestley's book, William's Wildflowers. Emily Heid, a local SCCF/Sewanee VISTA, demonstrated various aspects of the process of pollination and seed production in the new Visitor Center garden.
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1,125 White Fringeless Orchids Documented in Savage Gulf
South Cumberland State Park is home to a number of rare and endangered plants, one of which is the White Fringeless Orchid (Platanthera intergrilabia). The Savage Gulf area of the Park is home to one of the largest remaining populations of these beautiful plants.
Ranger George Shinn reports that park staff, supported by Division of Natural Areas staff, counted 1,125 of the federally-protected plants at a remote site in Savage Gulf in 2018, compared to 24 plants at that site the previous year. That is the highest number ever recorded for that site.
Platanthera integrilabia is generally found in wet, flat, boggy areas in acidic muck or sand, and in partially, but not fully shaded areas at the head of streams or seepage slopes. It occurs mainly at elevations between 300 and 2,300 feet above sea level. Despite occurring across a relatively wide geographic range, Platanthera integrilabia is listed as "Near Threatened” because of continuing declines in its area of occupancy and number of plants in each area.
The plant has all but disappeared from North Carolina, where it was once thriving. At last count, there were between 50 and 60 existing subpopulations. 29 subpopulations have disappeared since botanists began monitoring the plant, mainly because of human actions that altered growing conditions, particularly with regard to soil moisture. Population declines plague some subpopulations, and today, many have fewer than 100 plants.
In our area, Platanthera integrilabia flowers from late July through early September. The flower bears an odd resemblance to a monkey’s face; hence, some folks call this the “Monkey Face Plant!” Like many orchids, Platanthera integrilabia has pollen sacs which adhere to pollinators, transferring pollen from plant to plant. The percentage of individuals flowering within a subpopulation is generally very low, which is why the relatively large numbers of flowering plants in Savage Gulf this summer is so encouraging!
Watch the Tennessee Wild Side TV episode about the White Fringeless Orchid.
Ranger George Shinn reports that park staff, supported by Division of Natural Areas staff, counted 1,125 of the federally-protected plants at a remote site in Savage Gulf in 2018, compared to 24 plants at that site the previous year. That is the highest number ever recorded for that site.
Platanthera integrilabia is generally found in wet, flat, boggy areas in acidic muck or sand, and in partially, but not fully shaded areas at the head of streams or seepage slopes. It occurs mainly at elevations between 300 and 2,300 feet above sea level. Despite occurring across a relatively wide geographic range, Platanthera integrilabia is listed as "Near Threatened” because of continuing declines in its area of occupancy and number of plants in each area.
The plant has all but disappeared from North Carolina, where it was once thriving. At last count, there were between 50 and 60 existing subpopulations. 29 subpopulations have disappeared since botanists began monitoring the plant, mainly because of human actions that altered growing conditions, particularly with regard to soil moisture. Population declines plague some subpopulations, and today, many have fewer than 100 plants.
In our area, Platanthera integrilabia flowers from late July through early September. The flower bears an odd resemblance to a monkey’s face; hence, some folks call this the “Monkey Face Plant!” Like many orchids, Platanthera integrilabia has pollen sacs which adhere to pollinators, transferring pollen from plant to plant. The percentage of individuals flowering within a subpopulation is generally very low, which is why the relatively large numbers of flowering plants in Savage Gulf this summer is so encouraging!
Watch the Tennessee Wild Side TV episode about the White Fringeless Orchid.
Autumn view of the Crow Creek Valley from one new overlook on the Sherwood Day Loop Trail.
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South Cumberland celebrates 40 years!
On July 1, 1978, South Cumberland State Park was dedicated with less than 10,000 acres. Forty years later, it is the largest State Park in Tennessee, at nearly 31,000 acres. Today, the South Cumberland State Park is visited by nearly 750,000 people each year, and thanks to your support of the Friends, is as wild and spectacular as ever, with new trails and new ways to enjoy the park now available through the hard work of our Friends volunteers!
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Meet the Tennessee Naturalist Program’s South Cumberland Class of 2019!The class series began its 7th year on September 8th as part of the Friends' Education and Outreach initiative. This year, the Friends' offering of the Tennessee Naturalist Program is being ably led by Todd Wright, with help from Ken Beerman.
Photo: Todd Wright |
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Shop Online and help the Park with every purchase!
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates a portion of your purchase directly to the Friends of South Cumberland! Bookmark this page, and use it whenever you shop at Amazon! 
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Learn more about the newest areas of the Park |
South Cumberland State Park continues to grow at a remarkable pace; it is now officially Tennessee's largest state park, at 30,837 acres. Click on any of these links to learn more about recent land areas that have been protected and added to the park, and what work is underway to make these areas accessible to the public: |
Our Mission:
To aid and assist the South Cumberland State Park management and staff in meeting its objectives, and to inform, educate, engage, and inspire its members and the public to protect, conserve, and enjoy all the resources of the park.
Why Should You Be a Friends Member?
Now protecting more than 30,800 acres, South Cumberland is the largest State Park in Tennessee. Although this is great news, more land, and more visitors, creates new and urgent unmet needs for the park. New trails must be built, and existing trails must be maintained or upgraded. New and expanded parking areas, restrooms, camping and picnic facilities, and directional signage are needed. Invasive pests, like the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and invasive plants must be controlled. Guided hikes, seminars and historical re-enactments, including programs for area school children, must be prepared and delivered. And, the work of conserving additional environmentally-significant lands is far from complete.
By becoming a member of the Friends, you can help insure that South Cumberland will always be a safe, well-maintained and amazing place to experience world-class natural beauty!
Your Friends membership directly supports the park.
The Friends of South Cumberland is a group of volunteer citizens dedicated to supporting the South Cumberland State Park, at 30,837 acres, Tennessee's largest state park. A 1993 law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly allows state parks to contract with and receive financial assistance from an organized friends group. As a result, private citizens can be involved with and support the park through both volunteer work and financial support.
Funding for the Friends of South Cumberland is derived from individual and corporate memberships and from private donations. Our tax deductible status was approved in July 1994. As a 501(c)3 non profit public benefit corporation, your membership and gifts may be Federally tax deductible. Please join us in supporting and protecting the South Cumberland State Park!
To aid and assist the South Cumberland State Park management and staff in meeting its objectives, and to inform, educate, engage, and inspire its members and the public to protect, conserve, and enjoy all the resources of the park.
Why Should You Be a Friends Member?
Now protecting more than 30,800 acres, South Cumberland is the largest State Park in Tennessee. Although this is great news, more land, and more visitors, creates new and urgent unmet needs for the park. New trails must be built, and existing trails must be maintained or upgraded. New and expanded parking areas, restrooms, camping and picnic facilities, and directional signage are needed. Invasive pests, like the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, and invasive plants must be controlled. Guided hikes, seminars and historical re-enactments, including programs for area school children, must be prepared and delivered. And, the work of conserving additional environmentally-significant lands is far from complete.
By becoming a member of the Friends, you can help insure that South Cumberland will always be a safe, well-maintained and amazing place to experience world-class natural beauty!
Your Friends membership directly supports the park.
- Your membership supports the good work of the Friends of South Cumberland. You will become part of a group working to save great spaces in the South Cumberland and supporting this magnificent park with both funding and volunteer initiatives.
- You will receive the quarterly FSC Newsletter and monthly Trail Tracker emails to keep you updated on Friends and Park issues, events and volunteer opportunities.
- You will be eligible for members-only programs and events, such as the Tennessee Naturalist Program.
The Friends of South Cumberland is a group of volunteer citizens dedicated to supporting the South Cumberland State Park, at 30,837 acres, Tennessee's largest state park. A 1993 law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly allows state parks to contract with and receive financial assistance from an organized friends group. As a result, private citizens can be involved with and support the park through both volunteer work and financial support.
Funding for the Friends of South Cumberland is derived from individual and corporate memberships and from private donations. Our tax deductible status was approved in July 1994. As a 501(c)3 non profit public benefit corporation, your membership and gifts may be Federally tax deductible. Please join us in supporting and protecting the South Cumberland State Park!
