A beautiful autumn day greeted Friends to Paris Landing State Park for the 8th Annual Friends Conference on Oct. 21-23, 2011.
The President’s Breakfast on Saturday, October 22, was well attended. TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau was the featured speaker.
The President’s Breakfast concluded with TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau and Deputy Commissioner of Tennessee State Parks and Conservation Brock Hill, joining the Presidents for a group photo.
Paris Landing Park Manger, Joan Williams warmly welcomed everyone to Paris Landing.
TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau shared his vision and hopes for Tennessee State Parks.
Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill: Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill pledged his support and commitment to Tennessee State Parks.
Assistant Commissioner for Tennessee State Parks led an inspiring discussion on “Connecting People to Parks”.
Laura Franklin, Conservation Education Coordinator engaged Friends with pointers on “Getting YOUth Outdoors”.
Fount Bertram, President of the Friends of Tennessee State Parks Coalition gave an update on Coalition happenings, “Going Forward and Growing”.
Friends of Edgar Evins, Phyllis Shaw and LaDonna Sorensen listen intently to Fount’s presentation.
TDEC Director of Public Affairs and Conference Emcee, David Owenby shares a laugh with Assistant Commissioner of Tennessee State Parks, Mike Carlton.
Ramble the Racoon shares a smile with Johnsonville State Park Manager Jerry Wooten and TDEC State Natural Areas Manager Robin Wooten.
Tim Phelps, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry presented an educating and informative program on “Firewood as a Threat to Forest Health”.
Professor Mark Fly, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee gave a lively presentation on “The Social, Psychological & Economic Benefits of Tennessee State Parks.
A young Friend of Edgar Evins shares a joke with Tennessee State Park’s LaRae Smiley.
George and Angie Underwood from Friends of Harrison Bay pause for a photo with Ramble the Racoon.
Jack and Betty Eliassen, Friends of Cordell Hull and Isaac Harris, President, Friends of Panther Creek listen intently to a presentation.
Phyllis Shaw, LaDonna Sorensen, and Lorie and Greg Christensen, Friends of Edgar Evins and George Brewton (foreground) of Meeman-Shelby’s Friends of the Forest learn about the TSP Jr. Ranger Program.
Tim Phelps, TN Dept. of Agriculture/Forestry chats with Eugenia (Jeanie) Cavender, Friends of Red Clay.
George and Nancy Brewton, Friends of the Forest of Meeman-Shelby listen intently to Mark Fly’s presentation
Flat Broke provided toe-tapping musical entertainment.
Friends of Bledsoe Creek, Randy and Kay Poole enjoy the positive message from TDEC Commissioner Martineau.
Friends of Henry Horton, Teresa Dugger looks on as Friends bid on Silent Auction items.
April Welch, East TN Regional Interpretive Specialist and Mary Priestly, Friends of South Cumberland pose for a reunion photo.
Montgomery Bell Ranger, John Bass looks at the TN State Natural Areas Program booth.
Angie and Gerald Bowker, Friends of Johnsonville reunite with Ramble the Racoon
Gary Farris, Tims Ford Environmental Education Association points out the camera to Ramble the Racoon
Liana Dranes, Friends of Long Hunter explains the Friends Long Hunter State Park Nature Circle program to Charles Brewton, Director, Tennessee State Parks Marketing.
Many thanks to our Co-hosts for the Conference, Friends of Paris Landing.
Jack “Birdman” Foddrill presented an engaging Bird of Prey program.
Friends of the Forest/Meeman-Shelby won third place in the annual Friends Display Contest.
Friends of Nathan Bedford Forrest placed second in the annual Friends Display Contest
Friends of Edgar Evins took the first place prize in the annual Friends Display Contest
Thank you to all the Tennessee State Parks Friends Groups for making the 8th Annual Friends Conference a success!
As usual, Gary McEntire, Paris Inn Manager and Joan Williams, Park Manager provided excellent hospitality. Not to be outdone, Sunday’s sunrise at the park was the perfect way to start the last day of the conference.
