|
Viewing on a mobile device? Click on the three horizontal lines at the top left of your screen to view and use our site navigation.
|
|
|
Registration is NOW OPEN for the
2019-2020 Class of the Tennessee Naturalist Program!
The Friends of South Cumberland is once again proud to offer the Tennessee Naturalist Program to its members. "TNP" is a series of ten four-hour classes, designed to introduce adult learners to the natural history of Tennessee. Graduates join a critical corps of volunteers providing nature education, outreach, and service to the Park.
Since 2011, the Friends have offered its members the opportunity to become certified as Tennessee Naturalists by completing this series of ten classes, which includes a graduation requirement of 40 hours of service to SCSP or other environmentally-focused organizations. Classes are scheduled in two semesters, from September to November and February to May, and are usually held on Saturday mornings. The classwork is divided between lectures, hands-on activities and many hours of outdoor immersion. Topics include geology, forests, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic ecosystems, trail building and interpretation. The 2019-2020 Tennessee Naturalist Class registration is now open, and the class of 22 will fill up quickly. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
2019-2020 Class of the Tennessee Naturalist Program!
The Friends of South Cumberland is once again proud to offer the Tennessee Naturalist Program to its members. "TNP" is a series of ten four-hour classes, designed to introduce adult learners to the natural history of Tennessee. Graduates join a critical corps of volunteers providing nature education, outreach, and service to the Park.
Since 2011, the Friends have offered its members the opportunity to become certified as Tennessee Naturalists by completing this series of ten classes, which includes a graduation requirement of 40 hours of service to SCSP or other environmentally-focused organizations. Classes are scheduled in two semesters, from September to November and February to May, and are usually held on Saturday mornings. The classwork is divided between lectures, hands-on activities and many hours of outdoor immersion. Topics include geology, forests, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic ecosystems, trail building and interpretation. The 2019-2020 Tennessee Naturalist Class registration is now open, and the class of 22 will fill up quickly. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
— Summer Volunteer Opportunities --
Please Give Back to the Park You Love!
The trails in your park need your help! Unusually heavy rains from this past winter, coupled with ongoing and increasing visitor use, have taken a heavy toll on sections of trail in many parts of South Cumberland State Park. We need YOUR help to repair or re-route these damaged sections, as well as to help our Rangers build new trail in recently-acquired areas of the park.
Please bring yourself, your family, your Scout or Church group and support our Rangers in these efforts! Be prepared for your day of work by dressing for trail work and for the weather, including sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water, lunch and high-energy snacks. If you have favorite trail-building hand tools and gloves, feel free to bring them, too!
— Please email the rangers-in-charge to let them know you'll be coming to help! --
Please bring yourself, your family, your Scout or Church group and support our Rangers in these efforts! Be prepared for your day of work by dressing for trail work and for the weather, including sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water, lunch and high-energy snacks. If you have favorite trail-building hand tools and gloves, feel free to bring them, too!
— Please email the rangers-in-charge to let them know you'll be coming to help! --
|
Sherwood Forest Trail Building
July 19, August 12 & August 31, 9:00 am Meet at the Sherwood Forest East (CCC Road) Trailhead Join with other South Cumberland trail blazers to help complete a brand new loop trail at the park. Sherwood Forest is a beautiful new area of the park, now open for a variety of public uses, so we need your help to get this trail finished! For more information, and to RSVP, email Ranger Jason Reynolds. Foster Falls Trail Grooming July 21, 1:30 pm Meet at the Foster Falls (South) Trailhead Join Ranger Ryan Harris at Foster Falls to help keep this spectacular trail looking beautiful! We'll be picking up trash and cutting back overgrown vegetation. Gloves will be provided if you don't have a pair. For more information, and to RSVP, email Ranger Ryan Harris. Fiery Gizzard Creek Cleanup July 28, 10:00 am Meet at the Fiery Gizzard North (Grundy Forest) Trailhead Help Ranger Jessie keep our park spectacular by joining her for a two-hour clean up of a portion of Fiery Gizzard Creek, on the Grundy Forest Day Loop (the north end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail), one of our most heavily used trails in the park. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Please wear sturdy water shoes. Please, no flip flops! We'll be getting wet and having fun, but don't want any injuries! For more information, and to RSVP, email Ranger Jessie McNeel. Savage Gulf Trail Maintenance August 1 & August 5, 8:15 am Meet at the Savage Gulf East (Savage Ranger Station) Trailhead Join Ranger Mark Greenwood for a day of trail repair and maintenance in the awe-inspring Savage Creek basin of the Savage Gulf State Natural Area. For more information, and to RSVP, email Ranger Mark Greenwood. Trail Building in Collins Gulf August 13 & August 20, 9:00 am Meet at the Savage Gulf South (Collins West) Trailhead Join Ranger Dan Wescoat for a day of building new trail in Collins Gulf. We will be working on a reroute of the trail leading to Horsepound Falls. NOTE: We will be hiking approximately 1.5 miles (each way) to the work-site, through some difficult terrain. For more information, and to RSVP, email Ranger Dan Wescoat. |
This is a park trail, not a creek! The past winter took a heavy toll on SCSP trails. In order to repair them, we need your help!
This portion of the Collins Gulf trail was completely washed away by winter storms, and needs to be rebuilt. Volunteer to help out now!
|
Now’s the time to become a Trail Friend!
Eileen (at right), pictured with her service dog Kiki and Trail Friends Coordinator Lee Davenport (on left), is the newest Trail Friends volunteer. 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 these trails, answering questions and providing assistance as they go. More than four thousand people have been helped by this enthusiastic team of volunteers. The Trail Friends team is always looking for enthusiastic new members! More info and online training is available now. Learn more on our Trail Friends page.
|
|
SCSP Manager highlights challenges facing the Park at Friends Annual Meeting
In his annual State of the Park address, held at the annual Friends meeting on June 22, SCSP Manager George Shinn focused on some of the unique challenges facing the Park at this time: increasing park visitation, even in the winter months; the high number of visitor rescues (61 in the past 11 months) and law enforcement incidents (208 in the past 11 months), all of which require the time and attention of the Park’s eight rangers. A relatively young Ranger staff, coupled with an aging (and retiring) maintenance staff have created additional administrative challenges for Manager Shinn and Assistant Park Managers Aaron Reid (Savage Gulf area of SCSP) and Bill Knapp (Fiery Gizzard-Sherwood Forest-Grundy Lakes areas of SCSP). Manager Shinn concluded his remarks by emphasizing the increasingly important role of FSC volunteers in helping maintain trails, deliver programming, and, in particular, conduct outreach to the communities surrounding the Park.
FRIENDS OF SOUTH CUMBERLAND - ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING RECAP
President Kendrick began the business portion of the meeting by announcing that the State of Tennessee has signed options to purchase the remaining properties currently held by FSC: the Greeter Pines and Jones Tracts at Savage Gulf and the Flury Tract at Grundy Lakes. Proceeds from those purchases will replenish the FSC Land Acquisition Fund, making possible the future purchase of additional environmentally-sensitive lands.
President Kendrick then announced the recommendations of the Nominating Subcommittee for both new and returning Officers and Directors:
• OFFICERS: President, John Hille; Vice-President, Trae Moore; Secretary, Rick Dreves; Treasurer, Rich Wyckoff
• DIRECTORS, RETURNING: Sam Baggett, Ben Myers, John Greeter
• DIRECTORS, NEW: Alyse Getty, Susan Campbell
A motion to accept the slate as presented was made by FSC member Woody McLaughlin, and seconded by member Mary Priestley. The motion was approved unanimously. President Kendrick then asked for a motion to authorize incoming President John Hille and Treasurer Rich Wyckoff to be authorized as signatories on the banking accounts of the Friends of South Cumberland. The motion was made by FSC member Joan Hartvigsen and seconded by member Mary Priestley. The motion was approved unanimously. President Kendrick then officially turned over his responsibilities as FSC President to incoming President John Hille, as signified by the passing of the FSC Presidential Hiking Staff.
A number of awards were presented at the meeting. Highlights are below:
FRIENDS OF SOUTH CUMBERLAND - ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING RECAP
President Kendrick began the business portion of the meeting by announcing that the State of Tennessee has signed options to purchase the remaining properties currently held by FSC: the Greeter Pines and Jones Tracts at Savage Gulf and the Flury Tract at Grundy Lakes. Proceeds from those purchases will replenish the FSC Land Acquisition Fund, making possible the future purchase of additional environmentally-sensitive lands.
President Kendrick then announced the recommendations of the Nominating Subcommittee for both new and returning Officers and Directors:
• OFFICERS: President, John Hille; Vice-President, Trae Moore; Secretary, Rick Dreves; Treasurer, Rich Wyckoff
• DIRECTORS, RETURNING: Sam Baggett, Ben Myers, John Greeter
• DIRECTORS, NEW: Alyse Getty, Susan Campbell
A motion to accept the slate as presented was made by FSC member Woody McLaughlin, and seconded by member Mary Priestley. The motion was approved unanimously. President Kendrick then asked for a motion to authorize incoming President John Hille and Treasurer Rich Wyckoff to be authorized as signatories on the banking accounts of the Friends of South Cumberland. The motion was made by FSC member Joan Hartvigsen and seconded by member Mary Priestley. The motion was approved unanimously. President Kendrick then officially turned over his responsibilities as FSC President to incoming President John Hille, as signified by the passing of the FSC Presidential Hiking Staff.
A number of awards were presented at the meeting. Highlights are below:
|
|
|
Golden Shell Award
The 2019 Golden Shell Award was presented to Lee Davenport, FSC Director and Trail Friends Coordinator, at the annual meeting by SCSP Manager George Shinn. Lee was recognized for her leadership in organizing the FSC Trail Friends program. |
T&T Tribute Award
The 2019 Trails & Trilliums Tribute Award was presented to the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly for its outstanding long-term support of the Friends of South Cumberland, ranger housing initiatives, and other important contributions to South Cumberland State Park. Scott Parrish, right, accepted the award on behalf of the MSSA from outgoing Friends President Naullain Kendrick. |
|
|
|
Harry C. Yeatman Award
For enthusiastically devoting time, energy and resources to educating both children and adults about the natural wonders of our region, the Friends of South Cumberland presented the 2019 Harry C. Yeatman Environmental Education Award to wildlife rehabilitator Margaret Hawkins Matens. With Margaret is outgoing Friends president Naullain Kendrick. Henry "Harry" Clay Yeatman, who died in 2013, was a professor of biology at the University of the South and a beloved naturalist. |
Jim Prince Award
Latham Davis, right, received the 2019 Jim Prince Award at the annual meeting. Davis is a FSC director and president emeritus. The award recognizes his enthusiastic energy, time and leadership to the protection of environmentally significant land on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. With Davis is Naullain Kendrick, outgoing president. |
|
Trail Master Certifications
SCSP Manager George Shinn, left, presents Trail Master Certifications to Naullain Kendrick, outgoing president, (center), and Rick Dreves, FSC Director and Strategic Planning and Communications Committee Chairs. |
CCC Interpretive Area Now Open!
The new CCC Interpretive Area at South Cumberland State Park is now open. The Interpretive Area, consisting of a new 1/3-mile trail connecting 13 graphic panels, tells the story of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1475 in words and historical pictures. The trail, in the Grundy Forest area of the Park, is a project of the Friends of South Cumberland State Park, funded by a generous grant from the South Cumberland Community Fund. It takes visitors past the foundations and other remnants of the "village" that housed 200 young men and their leaders between 1935 and 1938, and the interpretive panels weave together the amazing story of the mission and contributions of the CCC to the South Cumberland Region.
The site is approximately 1/4 mile from the Grundy Forest trailhead, along the Grundy Day Loop Trail. The walk to, through and back from the site totals approximately one mile. The trail is generally easy, but there are sections with roots and rocks; sturdy walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended! Special thanks to Friends' CCC Team Lead Rob Moreland and Interpretive Area Designer Rick Dreves, as well as the dozens of volunteers, Park Rangers and others who worked diligently over the past 2-1/2 years to bring this fascinating piece of area and Park history to life! Can't make it out to the site? Click below to learn about the amazing story of CCC Company 1475, as told on the 13 interpretive panels now on display in the CCC Interpretive Area:
A trail and interpretive signage, part of a recently-completed Friends' initiative, allows visitors to learn about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps at the newly-opened CCC Interpretive Area in South Cumberland State Park.
|
A new outdoor classroom, named in honor of former CCC Superintendent and Tracy City leader Herman Baggenstoss, was dedicated at ceremonies opening the new CCC Interpretive Area. The classroom will be used by the Friends and Park Rangers for school programs, re-enactments, and other educational initiatives.
Friends of South Cumberland State Park CCC Project Team Lead Rob Moreland, left, and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Acting Deputy Commissioner Anne Marshall discuss the story of CCC Company 1475 during the dedication ceremonies opening the new CCC Interpretive Area at South Cumberland State Park in Tracy City, TN, on April 12, 2019.
Judy Phillips of the Franklin County Historical Society, left, with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Area Manager Chris Padgett discuss the story of CCC Company 1475 during the dedication ceremonies opening the new CCC Interpretive Area at South Cumberland State Park in Tracy City, TN, on April 12, 2019.
|
State zoologist recognized for Sherwood Forest work
State zoologist David Withers, center, received the 2019 Recovery Champion Award on Friday, May 17, for his efforts to protect the endangered Painted Snake-Coiled Forest Snail, which lives exclusively in Sherwood Forest. With Withers, from left, are Jeffrey Powell and Geoff Call, both with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Photo by Susan Campbell
His work to save a tiny, endangered snail native to Franklin County has earned a state zoologist a national award.
David Withers, a zoologist with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), received the 2019 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ (USFWS) Recovery Champion Award during a ceremony held Friday, May 17, at the South Cumberland State Park’s Sherwood Forest. The award is given to two individuals each year across the nation.
Withers was recognized for his work to protect the Painted Snake-Coiled Forest Snail, known to live exclusively in the Sherwood area of Franklin County and on the federal endangered species list.
According to Geoff Call, USFWS endangered species recovery coordinator, 840 acres in the Sherwood Forest region is home to 900,000 of the rare, air-breathing land snails.
According to the Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office, the snail has long been thought to be native to one cove on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near the town of Sherwood. The cove is heavily forested and studded with limestone outcrops, and it has a creek running through. The snail still occurs at this cove and it is abundant there. Recent surveys have shown that it also lives a few miles past the cove. Until recently, its entire distribution was located on privately owned land.
In 2017, 4,061 acres in Sherwood Forest came under state protection following a five-year project involving a partnership with The Conservation Fund, the state of Tennessee and The Land Trust for Tennessee; with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and help from the Open Space Institute. More than 980 acres of the tract were added to Franklin State Forest, with the remainder adjoining the existing 375-acre Carter State Natural Area in the Park.
In addition to the Painted Snake-Coiled Forest Snail, Sherwood Forest is home to the endangered Morefield’s Leather Flower, a population of Cumberland Rosinweed, a type of sunflower found only on the Cumberland Plateau, and two endangered animal species, the Eastern Small-Footed Bat and the Allegheny Woodrat. All of these species have been recorded on the property, along with Four-Toed Salamanders, Barking Tree Frogs, and Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat, which are all state-protected animals.
Sherwood Forest also now protects the Griffin Rock Shelter, presently the only excavated prehistoric rock art site in Tennessee. The Griffin site, estimated to be approximately 1,000 years old, includes four panels of elaborate and deeply incised petroglyphs, as well as artifacts used to carve the art and perform sacred activities.
A new, 3-mile loop trail which leads to the Crow Creek Valley Overlook is now open to hikers. The Sherwood Forest addition was honored by former Gov. Bill Haslam and TDEC as one of the winners of the 2017 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards To learn more about Sherwood Forest, or the South Cumberland State Park, visit www.friendsofsouthcumberland.org, or www.tnstateparks.com.
David Withers, a zoologist with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), received the 2019 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ (USFWS) Recovery Champion Award during a ceremony held Friday, May 17, at the South Cumberland State Park’s Sherwood Forest. The award is given to two individuals each year across the nation.
Withers was recognized for his work to protect the Painted Snake-Coiled Forest Snail, known to live exclusively in the Sherwood area of Franklin County and on the federal endangered species list.
According to Geoff Call, USFWS endangered species recovery coordinator, 840 acres in the Sherwood Forest region is home to 900,000 of the rare, air-breathing land snails.
According to the Tennessee Ecological Services Field Office, the snail has long been thought to be native to one cove on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, near the town of Sherwood. The cove is heavily forested and studded with limestone outcrops, and it has a creek running through. The snail still occurs at this cove and it is abundant there. Recent surveys have shown that it also lives a few miles past the cove. Until recently, its entire distribution was located on privately owned land.
In 2017, 4,061 acres in Sherwood Forest came under state protection following a five-year project involving a partnership with The Conservation Fund, the state of Tennessee and The Land Trust for Tennessee; with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and help from the Open Space Institute. More than 980 acres of the tract were added to Franklin State Forest, with the remainder adjoining the existing 375-acre Carter State Natural Area in the Park.
In addition to the Painted Snake-Coiled Forest Snail, Sherwood Forest is home to the endangered Morefield’s Leather Flower, a population of Cumberland Rosinweed, a type of sunflower found only on the Cumberland Plateau, and two endangered animal species, the Eastern Small-Footed Bat and the Allegheny Woodrat. All of these species have been recorded on the property, along with Four-Toed Salamanders, Barking Tree Frogs, and Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat, which are all state-protected animals.
Sherwood Forest also now protects the Griffin Rock Shelter, presently the only excavated prehistoric rock art site in Tennessee. The Griffin site, estimated to be approximately 1,000 years old, includes four panels of elaborate and deeply incised petroglyphs, as well as artifacts used to carve the art and perform sacred activities.
A new, 3-mile loop trail which leads to the Crow Creek Valley Overlook is now open to hikers. The Sherwood Forest addition was honored by former Gov. Bill Haslam and TDEC as one of the winners of the 2017 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards To learn more about Sherwood Forest, or the South Cumberland State Park, visit www.friendsofsouthcumberland.org, or www.tnstateparks.com.
|
South Cumberland celebrates 41 years!
On July 1, 1978, South Cumberland State Park was dedicated with less than 10,000 acres. Four decades 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! Please take a moment to join or renew your membership in the Friends of South Cumberland State Park!
|
|
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! 
|
|
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 nearly 31,000 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!
