News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cumberland Mountain State Park took home first place in the 2020 My TN State Park fundraiser.
Park Ranger Mark Houston said the park received over $14,000 and this win was special because of the tough competition they beat. Houston said it meant a lot to see the parks efforts in 2020 pay off with this level of community support.
“As their lives got changed, in the sense that they couldn’t go to what might be regular,” Houston said. “Whether that be outdoor sporting activities or indoor concerts or events. They saw that they could get away and relax in something that’s always taken care of and it’s safe, it’s a safe environment.”
Houston said the park will use these donations to support the virtual programming for schools. However, Houston said they will also look to use donations towards the Birds of Prey exhibit and grow the new honeybee project.
“We want to build onto our aviary and always helping take care of our birds,” Houston said. “In a manner that’s very professional and it gets it out to the public. We also have a honeybee project we implemented last year in the park. That’s something we were needing extra funding to just get materials so we could get the honey out.”
In total, $96,000 was raised to support trail repair, birds of prey programs, and childhood education efforts in state parks. Cumberland Mountain State Park itself, received over 200 donors.
