Donations & Grants
Donations Received for 2022 Alternative Spring Breakaway
Each year the Cumberland Trails Conference hosts an Alternative Spring BreakAway (ASB) program. ASB is open to college students from across the nation. The program provides educational opportunities to learn more about the environment, history, and culture along the Cumberland Trail.
Alternative Spring BreakAway is made possible by donations and funding from a range of different sources. The Cumberland Trails Conference would like to take the opportunity to showcase some of our most recent donors.
Thank you for your continued support — Bob’s Trails, Trees, and Gardens and the Tennessee Trails Association!
Bob Richards of Bob’s Trails, Trees & Gardens has generously donated $1,000 towards meals for the Alternative Spring Break 2022 Students.
We’d also like to thank the Tennessee Trails Association for their donation of $500 to go towards food and supplies needs for Alternative Spring Break 2022
The Cumberland Trail Conference received a $67,400 RTP grant for the Big Soddy Bridge Project at the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park.
Pictured from left to right are: Gerald Parish, TDEC Recreation Education Services Director; Tony Hook, Cumberland Trail Conference Manager; and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke.
Tennessee’s Recreation Educational Services is responsible for administering federal and state grant programs to local and state governments, and non-profit agencies. The division manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) Grant Program, the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) and the Recreation Trails Program (RTP).
The Cumberland Trail Conference received a $67,400 RTP grant for the Big Soddy Bridge Project
CTC Receives Grant for Addition of Trail
The Cumberland Trail Conference received a $68,500 RTP Grant for the addition of 12.5 miles of trail to the Cumberland Trail State Park.
Pictured from left to right are: Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke, CTC General Manager Anthony Hook, Governor Phil Bredesen, and Office Manager Marleya Pendleton.
Bredesen Announces Cumberland Trail Acquisition
Critical Partnerships Made 3,200 Acre Acquisition Possible
Jan. 12, 2010 NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen and Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke announced today the closing of a land acquisition that will add more than 3,200 acres and 10 linear miles of trail to the Cumberland Trail State Park in Hamilton and Rhea counties.The acquisition was funded through a variety of sources, including a grant from the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, federal grants and private funds raised by the Cumberland Trail Conference. It includes a significant conservation easement put in place by the Land Trust for Tennessee.
“This acquisition speaks to the power of leveraging resources and cultivating partnerships to accomplish more than we could do alone,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased that a variety of agencies and organizations were able to come together to accomplish an acquisition that will benefit Tennesseans for generations to come.”
The property on Graysville Mountain is part of Tennessee’s Cumberland Trail State Park. It will allow the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail to expand between Dayton, in Rhea County, and Sale Creek in Hamilton County. The area provides opportunities for fishing, day hiking, whitewater paddling, swimming, rock climbing and trail running.
”Not only will the Graysville Mountain acquisition protect priority land and natural resources, it also represents an important piece of the Cumberland Trail,” said Fyke. “Under Governor Bredesen’s leadership, we have made considerable progress on the trail, increasing the acreage managed by the Cumberland Trail State Park from 1,200 acres to 23,000 acres since 2003.”
The project is funded with more than $3.5 million in federal grants and a $1 million grant from the state’s Heritage Conservation Trust Fund from Fiscal Year 2007-2008. The Cumberland Trail Conference will contribute up to $300,000 in private funds for administrative costs. The Land Trust for Tennessee assisted in negotiating the transaction with the seller, Richard Kinzalow, and will hold a permanent conservation easement on the 2,197 acres located in Rhea County.
The project marks the Land Trust’s first in Rhea County and places a total of more than 5,000 acres under easement managed by the Land Trust in Southeast Tennessee.
“The Land Trust for Tennessee is thrilled to be a partner on this wonderful conservation project that will forever protect the incredible biodiversity of the unique, irreplaceable cove ecosystem along Walden Ridge,” said Executive Director Jeanie Nelson. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the state of Tennessee and Mr. Kinzalow on this landmark acquisition, and the permanent contribution to the future generations of Tennesseans that it signifies.”
The Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization that assists the state in a variety of efforts related to the continuing development of the Cumberland Trail, raised money to assist with this acquisition during its, Pathways for People, People for Nature capital campaign.
“We appreciate all the donors, volunteers and CTC staff that contributed and worked to execute a very successful fundraiser,” said Tony Hook, Manager of the Cumberland Trail Conference. “It is because of their efforts that the CTC was able to assist with this land purchase to expand the reach of the Cumberland Trail.”
About the Cumberland Trail State Park and Scenic Trail
Upon completion, the Cumberland Trail, the state’s only linear park, will be 300 miles, cutting through 11 Tennessee counties from the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park on the Tennessee-Virginia-Kentucky border to the Signal Point near Chattanooga. More than one hundred and fifty miles of the Cumberland Trail is currently open and ready for exploration. For more information on the Cumberland Trail State Park and Scenic Trail, visit www.tnstateparks.com.
About the Cumberland Trail Conference
The Cumberland Trail Conference is an affiliate organization of the non-profit Tennessee Trails Association. The CTC is dedicated to the establishment and development of the Cumberland Trail. Since 1997, the Conference has assisted with land acquisitions, volunteer organization, trail construction and trail maintenance. Working with park staff, the CTC has constructed and maintained more than 100 miles of the Cumberland Trail to date.
About the Land Trust for Tennessee
The Land Trust for Tennessee is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in 1999. Its mission is to preserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscapes for future generations. To date, the Land Trust for Tennessee has protected more than 50,000 acres of land and is working with numerous other landowners across the state. The Land Trust works with willing landowners to find ways to preserve forever the historic, scenic and natural values of their land. The organization is supported primarily by financial contributions from individuals. The Land Trust has offices in Nashville, Sewanee and Chattanooga. More information is available at www.landtrustn.org.
Anne Potter Wilson Foundation Grant
The Cumberland Trail Conference announces the award of a $25,000 grant from the Anne Potter Wilson Foundation.
This very generous grant will be used to further the CTC’s mission of the establishment and development of the Cumberland Trail and its associated corridor. Once completed, the 300-mile Cumberland Trail will be an asset for local Tennessee communities and will be a star in the Tennessee state park system.
With the valuable support from the Anne Potter Wilson Foundation, the CTC will continue to strive forward, complete the project, and create a lasting legacy that will allow people to enjoy the unique Cumberland Plateau for generations
Rock/Creek Donates $3000 Raised from 9th Rock/Crekk StumpJump 50K
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge Rock/Creek in conjunction with Patagonia for a $3,000 donation. These funds were raised through, Rock/Creek’s 9th year running, StumpJump 50K race.
This donation will be used to further the Cumberland Trail Conference’s mission of establishing and developing the Cumberland Scenic Trail and its associated corridor. This corridor will provide numerous recreational opportunities and preservation of the historical, cultural, and natural resources on the Cumberland Plateau. This trail will create one of the last remaining unbroken greenway corridors in the state, creating a lasting legacy, to be shared and enjoyed by all those who value the great outdoors.
Rock/Creek have been long time supporters of the Cumberland Trail Conference and with their continued support, the Cumberland Trail project will continue to move forward.
Arleen Decker Has Dedicated the Newby Branch Bridge
in Memory of Her Mother, Beverly Scheller Pogue
Arleen Decker Dedicates Newby Branch Bridge in Memory of Her Mother, Beverly Scheller Pogue
Her mother is commemorated by her children, Arleen, Estelle, Marylou, Rick, Gary, and Randy.
The bridge is near the Newby Branch trailhead on the Piney River segment of the Cumberland Trail.
Arleen, a longtime TTA member and CTC supporter, managed CTC’s first Capital Campaign to purchase the Gorgeous Gorges in Hamilton County and the subsequent Phase II Capital Campaign. In addition to her work to make both Capital Campaigns a huge success, Arleen made a generous memorial contribution, and has dedicated the Newby Branch bridge in honor of her mother.
Plaque Honoring King W. Jamison, Sr., Dedicated
Frank Jamison and King Jamison, Jr., by Plaque Honoring King W. Jamison, Sr.
Frank Jamison, whose support and generous contribution in the Phase II Capital Campaign merits a large bridge memorial dedication, has dedicated the Piney River bridge on the Cumberland Trail in honor of his father King W. Jamison, Sr.
Frank and his brother King Jamison, Jr., are pictured at the dedication of the bridge to their father who was an “Outdoorsman and Conservationist who ‘Loved being on the trail’. “
Plaque Honoring Janet Roe Parvin and Bret Edward Parvin Dedicated
Plaque Honoring Janet Roe Parvin and Bret Edward Parvin Dedicated on the Turkey Creek
Bridge
A plaque was dedicated on the Turkey Creek bridge on the Obed section of the Cumberland Trail honoring Janet Roe Parvin and Bret Edward Parvin. Tad and Diane Parvin are longtime active Plateau TTA members and CTC supporters and made a very generous memorial contribution to the CTC as part of the 2000 Capital Campaign to purchase the Gorgeous Gorges in Hamilton County. Tad and Diane, pictured, are from the Crossville area.
You too can make a memorial contribution to the CTC and have a permanent commemorative plaque placed in honor of someone special.
Thank you REI!
REI gave a grant in the amount of $2,000 to help fund
the replacement of the log bridges in Rock Creek Gorge.
Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Donates $2500
Middle TN Natural Gas donates $2500 to CTC
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge Middle Tennessee Natural Gas (MTNG) for a donation of $2,500 to support the CTC’s 13th annual spring Break-Away program.
This donation was made possible by MTNG’s Project Hometown Help, a community enhancement program. Customers may elect to round their monthly bill up to the next whole dollar, and all funds collected are distributed back to the community from which it was collected to benefit local charitable causes.
The CTC’s Break-Away program brings college and university students from across the United States to Tennessee during their spring break to help construct the Cumberland Trail, a state scenic trail.
The funds from the Project Hometown Help will offset the cost of food and lodging for the student volunteers that attend, assist with trail construction materials, staffing, and transportation cost. This program enables the CTC to educate the volunteers about the Cumberland Trail project, trail construction techniques, the environment, and the conservation effort to help preserve the Cumberland Plateau.
The 2010 Break-Away program will take place in the North Chickamauga Gorge located in Hamilton County, Tennessee.Because of the donation from the Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Company, the Cumberland Trail project will move another step closer to completion.
Over $13,000 Raised for Trails At
9th Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K
See the article Over $13,000 Raised for Trails at 9th Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k.
Brown-Forman Supports CTC’s Upcoming BreakAway Program
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge Brown-Forman, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including many of the most well-known and best loved brand names in the world, for a grant in the amount of $1000 to support CTC’s 13th annual spring Break-Away program.
“Again, we’re very pleased to be able to support Cumberland Trail Conference and proud to be associated with an organization that makes a significant contribution to making our communities a better place to live, work and raise our families,” states Mr. Rusty Cheuvront, Director of Community Relations of Brown-Forman.
These funds will offset the cost of food and lodging for the students that attend. The program enables the CTC to educate our youth about the Cumberland Trail, the environment, and conservation and to construct and maintain the Cumberland Trail.
Once completed, the Cumberland Trail will stretch from Signal Point near Chattanooga, Tennessee, north to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This state scenic trail provides numerous recreational opportunities and for the preservation of the historical, cultural, and natural resources on the Cumberland Plateau. The Cumberland Trail will create one of the last remaining unbroken greenway corridors in the state, creating a lasting legacy, to be shared and enjoyed by all those who value the great outdoors.
Brown-Forman has been a long time supporter of the Cumberland Trail Conference. With their continued support, the Cumberland Trail project will continue to move forward.
TVA Grants $1000
The Cumberland Trail Conference(CTC) would like to thank Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a grant in the amount of $1000 awarded on August 7, 2009.
With TVA’s assistance, the CTC’s annual BreakAway 2010 program will be a huge success. These funds will offset the cost of food and lodging for the students that attend.
This program enables the CTC to educate our youth about the Cumberland Trail, the environment, and conservation and to construct and maintain the Cumberland Trail. This trail will not only serve recreational needs, but will be one of the last unbroken greenways in Tennessee helping to preserve a portion of the very bio-diverse Cumberland Plateau.
REI’s Generous Grant
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge Recreational Equipment, Incorporated (REI) for a $2,000 grant awarded on July 24th, 2009.
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
This generous grant will help fund a volunteer bridge construction program on the Cumberland Trail, a state scenic trail. Once completed, the Cumberland Trail will stretch from Signal Point near Chattanooga, Tennessee north to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This state scenic trail provides numerous recreational opportunities and for the preservation of the historical, cultural, and natural resources on the Cumberland Plateau. This trail will create one of the last remaining unbroken greenway corridors in the state, creating a lasting legacy, to be shared and enjoyed by all those who value the great outdoors.
EI has been a long time supporter of the Cumberland Trail Conference. With their continued support, the Cumberland Trail project will continue to move forward.
Exciting News!
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge the Lyndhurst Foundation for a $30,000 grant awarded for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
This grant will be used to further the Cumberland Trail Conference’s mission of establishing and developing the Cumberland State Scenic Trail and its associated corridor. This corridor will provide numerous recreational opportunities and preservation of the historical, cultural, and natural resources on the Cumberland Plateau.
With the assistance of the Lyndhurst Foundation, an extraordinary project will be completed. This trail will create one of the last remaining unbroken greenway corridors in the state, creating a lasting legacy, to be shared and enjoyed by all those who value the great outdoors.
The Lyndhurst Foundation and its president Mr. Benic M Clark III have been long time supporters of the Cumberland Trail Conference and with their continued support, the Cumberland Trail project will continue to move forward.
Rock/Creek and Patagonia Support
The Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC) would like to acknowledge Rock/Creek in conjunction with Patagonia for a $1,000 donation.
Rock/Creek has been a long time supporter of the Cumberland Trail Conference and with their continued support, the Cumberland Trail project will continue to move forward.
To date Rock/Creek has donated a total of $15,500. The most recent donation of $1,000 helped to fund the construction of the Little Possum Creek Bridge in Hamilton County.
Cumberland Odyssey
An important project of the Cumberland Trail Conference has been the creation of a high quality medium for telling the Cumberland Trail story. This effort has come to fruition with the publication of a stunning new book, “Cumberland Odyssey.”
Justin P. Wilson receives the first copy of the “Cumberland Odyssey” that is dedicated to him in recognition of his unparalleled support of the Cumberland Trail project
Pictured here, Justin P. Wilson receives the first copy of the “Cumberland Odyssey” that is dedicated to him in recognition of his unparalleled support of the Cumberland Trail project, appropriately named the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail. The beautifully told story of the Cumberland Trail project and its place in the Cumberland Plateau is just off the press.
Justin Wilson (right) was honored in a presentation by Cumberland Trail General Manager Tony Hook (left) and Cumberland Trail Conference Board Chairman Ray Garrett (center) in a ceremony in his office in Nashville where he is comptroller of the treasury for the state of Tennessee. The book itself was supported almost entirely by a generous donation from Mr. Wilson.
The story is told by widely published outdoor and adventure author David Brill, with gorgeous pictures by award winning photographer Bill Campbell. It will be for sale in a wide variety of outlets just in time to serve as a lovely Christmas gift, providing “A Journey in Pictures and Words along Tennessee’s Cumberland Trail and Plateau.”