A good-natured cause.

Preserving nature takes time and resources.
Realizing the limited resources available to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Friends Of The Forest is working to recruit volunteers to help with park projects and events as well as solicit donations to fund worthwhile wilderness projects. Becoming a member of Friends Of The Forest costs $20 annually. Joining makes you part of an elite group of concerned individuals dedicated to preserving nature. To join, please complete a membership application.

Current and ongoing projects:
Your donations go to funding a wide range of educational and recreational wilderness projects. Rest assured that 100% of your donations go directly to funding these projects and not to administrative costs. Some current and ongoing projects include:

  • Group Nature Programs
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
  • Kid's Summer Camp
  • Trail Maintenance
  • Nature Displays
  • Park Maintenance
    		• Welcome

    Welcome to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

    John's truck

    Ongoing trail maintenance is a big part
    of the Friend's volunteer activities.

    MISSION
    The Friends purpose is to assist the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park personnel in maintaining the ecological treasures of the park and enhance the recreational activities for current and future generations.

    Monthly meetings

    Time: second Tuesday at 6:30pm
    Location: Meeman-Shelby Forest State
    Park Visitor Center.

    Trail maintenance in action - Volunteers removing fallen trees from the Woodland Trail.
    A Red-tailed Hawk's daring aerial show, a chance encounter with a curious white-tailed deer, a wake-up call from a hooting Barred Owl ... the wonders of Shelby Forest touch our senses in many ways. However, without proper stewardship of our natural resources, spectacular natural wonders like these will not be here for future generations. Friends Of The Forest is a non-profit group working to preserve the 14,000 acres of pristine wilderness that comprise Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.

    Through the efforts of volunteers and sponsors, Friends is helping Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park develop, maintain and fund Group Nature Programs, Wildlife Rehab Programs, Kid's Summer Camps, trail maintenance and numerous recreational events.

    spring flowers spring flowers Daffodils in snow Trillium vines on tree Jack-in-the-Pulpit Butterfly

    Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park Learn more about Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
    Tennessee Trails Association Take a hike with the Tennessee Trails Association
    Find us on Facebook Find Friends of the Forest on Facebook

    Pioneer Springs Trail

    August 2012 - Scout Derrian Foster coordinated construction of this new bridge for his Eagle Scout Project. The old Pioneer Springs Trail bridge was crushed by a falling tree last year during storms.

    Woodland Trail

    August 2011 - Members of the local US Naval Sea Cadet Corps met to build a bridge on the Red Trail and to replace a bridge that was washed down stream during spring storms.

    Woodland Trail

    October 2010 - We moved three bridges and fixed another with the help of Boy Scout Troop 331,
    Wayne Simpson from TTA and Mike Samuelson from the Swampstompers.

    Contact the Friends

    If you have questions about FRIENDS OF THE FOREST for Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, feel free to contact George Brewton by email.

    We are always looking for Boy Scouts and other civic groups who are interested in helping with such things as bridge building on the trails. If you would like to help Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park please contact Park Ranger Samantha Cox.

    FRIENDS OF THE FOREST

    This website is not supported nor endorsed by Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park or the State of Tennessee.
    FRIENDS OF THE FOREST for Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is responsible for the content and upkeep of this website.