Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau and Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill announced today that Virgin Falls State Natural Area in White County has been acquired by the state of Tennessee through the support of a number of private/public partnerships.
Virgin Falls has been under private ownership, but managed by the state as a natural area for nearly 40 years. Working closely with the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation, the state of Tennessee was able to purchase the 1,551-acre parcel near Sparta through a combination of funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and private donations. «Read the rest of this article»
Long Hunter State Park to host 31st Annual Pow Wow and Fall Festival October 19th-21st
October 16, 2012 |
Nashville, TN – The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, and to help commemorate this important milestone, Long Hunter State Park will host the 31st Annual Pow Wow and Fall Festival October 19th-21st, featuring Native American artists, musicians, dancers, food and storytellers.
Sponsored by the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee, this time-honored gathering draws thousands of people from across the country and offers a great opportunity to explore a variety of tribal customs and cultural experiences. «Read the rest of this article»
Tennessee History Festival to be held at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park October 19th-20th
October 13, 2012 |
Event Will Help Commemorate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary
Nashville, TN – The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, and to help commemorate this important milestone, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will host its annual Tennessee’s History Festival October 19th-20th.
With a focus on Tennessee’s 216 years of statehood, the event blends education and entertainment, allowing school groups and families to experience day-to-day soldier life in history. In year’s past, the festival has drawn more than 6,000 visitors to the park.
“We are very excited to celebrate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary this year,” said Park Manager Mike Cole. “Tennessee’s History Festival offers something for the entire family and all age groups.” «Read the rest of this article»
Bledsoe Creek State Park to Hold Special Music Festival September 8th
September 6, 2012 |
Event Will Help Commemorate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary
Gallatin, TN – The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary, and to help commemorate this important milestone, Bledsoe Creek State Park will host a special music festival on Saturday, September 8th, beginning at 11:00am through 6:00pm. This event is free and open to the public.
“We are very excited to celebrate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary this year,” said Park Manager Wayne Bomar. “The music festival is a great time to gather with friends, enjoy a day of music and it is the perfect opportunity to thank the Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park for all their hard work and support.” «Read the rest of this article»
Tennessee State Parks’ Traveling 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hits Road
July 20, 2012 |
Specially Designed Trailer Brings State Parks’ Unique History to Communities Across Tennessee
Nashville, TN – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau and Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill today announced the premiere of Tennessee State Parks’ new traveling anniversary exhibit that will take state parks’ unique history on the road.
Beginning this week, the traveling exhibit will tour state parks and various communities in honor of Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary. Enclosed in a colorful trailer emblazoned with Tennessee State Park images and logos, the exhibit interprets the origins and heritage of the park system.
 Tennessee State Parks’ Traveling Trailer.
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Tennessee State Parks Lift Temporary Ban on Backcountry Campfires
July 18, 2012 |
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Parks system has lifted a temporary ban on backcountry campfires in state parks, which was put into place June 29th, 2012, due to dry weather conditions and the potential for wildfire hazards.
The announcement is consistent with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s recent action to lift some of the county burn bans throughout the state. For an up-to-date list of the Department of Agriculture’s current county-by-county fire bans, please visit www.burnsafetn.org . «Read the rest of this article»
Tennessee State Parks Temporarily Ban Backcountry Campfires
June 30, 2012 |
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Parks system is issuing a temporary ban on backcountry campfires in all state parks due to dry weather conditions that could increase the potential for wildfire hazards. The backcountry campfire ban is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
In coordination with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry efforts, this burn ban serves as an additional measure to ensure the safety of campers and to protect the parks’ forested areas. Campers will still be able to build campfires and use charcoal to cook their meals, as long as they are inside an appropriate fire ring or designated grill area in designated campground facilities (not in backcountry areas). «Read the rest of this article»
Tennessee Titans and Tennessee State Parks Partner on NFL Play60 Campaign
March 31, 2012 |
NFL Play60 Campaign Encourages Young People to Lead Healthy Lifestyles
Nashville, TN – This spring Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Titans are partnering in a number of unique ways as part of the NFL Play60 effort, encouraging kids to stay active, eat healthy and become more physically fit – all while enjoying one of Tennessee’s great 53 state parks.
Tennessee is the first state park system to participate in the NFL Play60 campaign, which features outreach into local schools and communities to engage children with messages and activities that promote outdoor experiences, the natural world, healthy lifestyles and fun.
 Front Row (L to R) Tennessee Titans Executive Vice President Don MacLachlan, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau; Back Row (L to R) Department of Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner, Titans Third-Year Tight End Jared Cook and Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill.
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Tennessee State Parks Kick Off 75th Anniversary with First Hikes of the New Year
December 27, 2011 |
Nashville, TN – The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary and to kick off this year-long commemoration, each state park will host its own special hike in the first few days of the New Year.
“We are very excited to announce Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary and felt this series of First Hikes would be a fitting way to commence the various celebrations slated throughout the year and across the state,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “Following the old Gaelic tradition of ‘first footing,’ the First Hikes are meant to encourage all Tennesseans to hit the trail and get 2012 started on the right foot.” «Read the rest of this article»
Tennessee State Parks Serve Traditional Thanksgiving Meal
November 16, 2011 |
Enjoy Food, Friends and Family at Eight State Parks this Thanksgiving Day
Nashville, TN – Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with friends and family, while surrounding yourself with Tennessee’s natural wonders during this season of thanksgiving.
Once again, Tennessee State Park officials are pleased to announce that all eight state park restaurants will be open Thursday, November 24th, serving their annual Thanksgiving Day feast. «Read the rest of this article»
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