Tag: Tennesse State Parks Conservancy

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.

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.

Experience Fall at a Tennessee State Park

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on October 2, 2024. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Fall in TN State Parks, TN State Parks Conservancy List of Fall Hikes and Activities

As the air cools and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange, there’s no better time to experience fall than at a Tennessee State Park. With various events and activities, this season is perfect for making memories and enjoying the natural beauty around you.

Connecting Chattanooga Youth with Nature: An Interview with Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Executive Director Alex Wyss

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on September 25, 2024. Posted in TN State Parks Conservancy.

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Provides Outdoor Youth Program

There’s something magical about the great outdoors, and a new program in Chattanooga is helping kids discover it firsthand. The program, spearheaded by the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, is connecting Chattanooga Youth with nature. As well as fostering a love for the environment and an appreciation for the natural beauty around them.

Exploring Nature’s Classroom: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Written by TN State Parks Conservancy on May 9, 2024. Posted in Impact.

Group of students in a Tennessee State Park engaging with Park staff by answering questions.

Youth in Tennessee State Parks, Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Brings Youth Outdoors

Remember those awe-inspiring childhood field trips where your textbook science lesson came to life right in front of you? That is what the Kids in Parks Program is all about – creating unforgettable moments for the next generation through investments in educational adventures at Tennessee State Parks. This program supports what we know: allowing kids to explore nature’s classroom is crucial to inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

Tag: Tennesse State Parks Conservancy

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