TN State Parks Conservancy Archives

Friends of Harrison Bay State Park: Tennessee’s Oldest State Park and a Dedicated Friends Group

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

There people stand in front of bench at state park.

Tennessee’s oldest state park has a strong, vibrant Friends group. Harrison Bay State Park spans 1,200 acres and includes nearly 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline. TVA originally developed it as a recreation area in the 1930s.

The park’s name comes from a large bay along the Tennessee River’s main channel. That bay covers the old town of Harrison and the last Cherokee Campground. The Cherokee Campground included three villages ruled by one of the last great Cherokee chieftains.

Harrison Bay became Tennessee’s first state park in 1937. Today, it sits in Hamilton County near Chattanooga.

World War I History Comes Alive at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Historical Reenactors stand on battle field.

This state park honors its namesake, Alvin Cullum York, one of the most decorated U.S. Army soldiers of World War I. Located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, the state established Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in 1967 after York’s wife, Gracie, donated their farm. The park also preserves York’s two-story house, general store, and post office.

Connecting Kids to Conservation and Science Through the Story of the Bobwhite Quail

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

“As a teacher, this is the type of field trip I have been waiting for.”

This year, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supported a field trip design that incorporates STEM learning and habitat improvement for declining Bobwhite quail. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It represents an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for future careers and connects kids to conservation.

Field trips are crucial for middle school STEM lessons because they provide hands-on experiences. As a result, students bring theoretical concepts to life. They also interact directly with STEM concepts, which deepens understanding and sparks curiosity.

New State Parks Coming: Conservancy & TN State Parks Team Up

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 27, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Aerial image of Horse Shoe Bend, a horse shoe shaped river.

When Tennessee Governor Bill Lee unveiled his bold vision to grow our state park system to 70 parks, we knew this was our moment to make a lasting impact. Now, that vision is becoming reality. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (TSPC) is thrilled to partner with Tennessee State Parks in creating two new state parks by the end of 2026—expanding access to the natural beauty that defines our state.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the support of the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, we’ve already secured 451 acres. These locations are along the Buffalo River and key tracts on the scenic Clinch River. And we’re not stopping there—TSPC is currently leading the effort to acquire an additional property on the Clinch River in Hancock County. Our goal is to preserve even more of Tennessee’s wild and wonderful landscapes for generations to come.

As of October 2025, the Lee administration has funded the formation of 13 new parks bringing the current total of 62 State. Some of these are brand new parks and others will be created from existing state lands.

How Donor Support Transformed Tennessee State Parks in 2025

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 18, 2026. Posted in My TN State Park, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Roan Mountain State Park staff at Storybook Trail ribbon cutting for ‘Benny the Hellbender’ giant storybook

The My TN State Parks Annual Fundraiser continues to transform parks across Tennessee. In 2025, donor support created measurable impact statewide. Your gifts strengthened conservation, improved public safety, enhanced wildlife care, and expanded family-friendly education. If you want to support Tennessee State Parks, your donation funds projects like these. As we prepare for the April 1, 2026, campaign kickoff, we celebrate what your generosity made possible.

David Crockett Birthplace State Park Restoration: Rebuilding a Tennessee Legacy

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 18, 2026. Posted in David Crockett Birthplace State Park, TN State Parks Conservancy.

David Crockett Birthplace cabin - Limestone TN in Greene County

David Crockett Birthplace State Park is rising again.

After catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, this historic Tennessee landmark now stands at a defining moment. The park, located near Limestone in Greene County, marks the 1786 birthplace of David Crockett — frontiersman, congressman, and Alamo defender.

Today, the Tennessee State Park Conservancy is playing a key role in the bold restoration effort to rebuild the park stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.

This is more than recovery. It is a rebirth.

Run for the Trees Virtual 5K: Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day for Tennessee

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on February 10, 2026. Posted in Run for the Trees, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Runner on tree-lined path supporting Run for the Trees virtual 5K Tennessee

Run for the Trees Virtual 5K: Support Tennessee This Earth Day and Arbor Day

Run for something bigger this spring.
The Run for the Trees virtual 5K returns April 18–26, 2026.
This nationwide event supports tree planting and forest restoration.

When you choose Tennessee, your participation directly benefits Tennessee State Parks and natural areas.
Every step helps protect forests, trails, and wildlife habitat.

Why Building and Maintaining Tennessee Trails Matters

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on January 24, 2026. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy, Trail Pack.

2026 Trail Pack sticker from Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supporting trail building and maintenance

You have felt it before. The moment a trail opens to a waterfall, a canyon, or a quiet forest overlook. These experiences do not happen by accident. They exist because Tennessee trails are carefully built, maintained, and protected by skilled trailbuilders and dedicated supporters.

Not every path is easy to find. Some wind through deep gorges, beside roaring waterfalls, or beneath Tennessee’s wild canopy. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is on a mission to protect these places and ensure Tennessee State Parks trails remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for generations.

Kids in Parks: Opening Tennessee State Parks to the Next Generation

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on December 16, 2025. Posted in Kids In Parks, TN State Parks Conservancy.

Students learning outdoors in front of an accessible classroom at a Tennessee State Park through the Kids in Parks program

Every child deserves the chance to experience the outdoors. At Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, the Kids in Parks program exists to make that possible.

In 2025, together, we sent more than 5,000 students to Tennessee State Parks through Kids in Parks. Many of these students had never visited a state park before.

These experiences open doors to learning, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature.

Giving Tuesday: Three Powerful Ways to Make an Impact in Tennessee’s State Parks

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on November 24, 2025. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy, Ways to Give.

Visitors gazing at a Tennessee mountain and forest landscape from a trail overlook.

Giving Tuesday inspires people everywhere to embrace generosity and support the places and causes that matter most to them. Each year, millions join this global movement to celebrate community, kindness, and the power of giving. For Tennesseans, Giving Tuesday offers a meaningful chance to protect the state parks that shape our families, memories, and outdoor traditions.

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy works year-round to protect the trails, educational programs, and accessible experiences that make our parks special. Giving Tuesday fuels this mission by bringing people together to create shared impact. This blog explores ways you can participate, including giving, volunteering, or forming a giving circle to support the long-term health of Tennessee State Parks.

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