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 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.
“This was transformative. Students that were afraid of getting dirty had muddy knees and big smiles as they reclaimed their seats on the bus to head back to school. “
That’s what we want to hear after a group of kids takes a trip to one of Tennessee’s state parks. This past school year we approved school trips for 5,000 students from across the state. More than half of those kids have never been to a state park. We fund transportation grants for Title 1 schools, and the park rangers do the rest. When rangers work with these kids, they are providing natural experiences in creeks and along trails while also building on the lessons they are learning in class by giving them hands-on-experiences.
Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in West Tennessee has opened the new accessible outdoor classroom at Bulrush Lake. We have installed the platform and walkway, creating opportunities for children and visitors to explore nature in an inclusive environment.
Tennessee State Parks mean something special to each of us. From hiking trails to family picnics, these natural spaces give us room to breathe, play, and reconnect. In 2025, the My TN State Park Fundraiser gave park lovers a chance to show how much they care, and their response made it a remarkable year. Through generous donations, supporters showed appreciation, improved their favorite parks, and championed continued investment in Tennessee’s outdoor future.
The 2025 My TN State Park Fundraiser brought in strong support from across Tennessee, with 1,305 donors contributing $109,394. Each donation doubled as a vote, letting supporters back the parks they love in a fun and interactive way.
This engaging format helped raise essential funds while sparking friendly competition and deeper connections to Tennessee State Parks statewide. Every dollar will support meaningful projects that preserve our state’s natural beauty and enhance park experiences for future generations.
This summer, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy launched a program to benefit youth mental health while expanding its year-round engagement with Tennessee’s youth. By increasing involvement, the Conservancy aims to help youth and families from historically marginalized communities access the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor public spaces.