Celebrate the Impact of TNP!
Join us as we recognize the meaningful work of TNP volunteers September 21-25
Will you help us support our volunteers and invest in the future of TNP?
Volunteering is a key part of the Tennessee Naturalist Program, and this September, we are celebrating The Impact of TNP. From September 21–25, we are launching a weeklong fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $15,000 to support the future of TNP.
Plus, our Board of Directors has come together to offer a matching gift challenge: the first $5,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact. This year’s matching gift is given in memory of Deborah Adams, whose dedication to the Tennessee Naturalist Program and to volunteering in her community continues to inspire us.
Your donation will help us invest in new projects and initiatives to support our volunteers and improve the program.
Follow along with the campaign on TNP’s mailing list and social media (Facebook, Instagram). You don’t want to miss our special features this week:
- Volunteer stories from dedicated Tennessee Naturalists
- TNP’s plans to better support volunteers
- Volunteer stats and fun facts
- New award announcement
We greatly appreciate any donation you can give. TNP does not receive any outside funding from grants, sponsors, or subsidies; we are completely self-supporting. Your support is crucial in our mission.
Donations can be made by credit/debit card, PayPal, or check. Please make checks payable to “Tennessee Naturalist Program” and send to the address below.
TNP
PO Box 150963
Nashville, TN 37215
All donations to TNP are tax deductible, including required minimum distributions from qualified retirement accounts. Check with your financial advisor.
Volunteer Stories
Learn about five Tennessee Naturalist volunteers who are doing amazing work in their communities. Each of these volunteers noticed a problem in their community and took it upon themselves to create a solution. They truly embody TNP’s values, and we admire their dedication and passion.
You can help Tennessee Naturalist volunteers like Amy, Jane, Maureen, Michelle, and John (and so many others!) by making a donation today. Your gift will help TNP better support volunteers across the state so that they can continue to give back and make a difference.
Amy Ritter – Cedar Creek Greenway Restoration Project
Amy is a Tennessee Naturalist with a deep passion for protecting and restoring natural spaces for future generations. Amy noticed that invasive plants were taking over her local greenway. She established a community project called the Cedar Creek Greenway Restoration Project, and since then, the Project has had great success removing invasive plants, restoring the ecosystem, and educating the community. TNP helped Amy build her knowledge and confidence to take on a project of this size, as well as connecting hard-working TNP volunteers with the Project. Thank you, Amy, for your care and dedication.
See the full story below, plus learn more about the Cedar Creek Greenway Restoration Project on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Jane Powell – Boro Birders
Jane is a Tennessee Naturalist who loves to educate others about the natural world. She leads educational nature programs at a variety of organizations, but she has also created her own organization: Boro Birders. Boro Birders offers monthly birding walks and quarterly education programs to connect people with birds and nature through education, recreation, and conservation. TNP helped Jane get started on her volunteer journey by giving her the knowledge, confidence, and connections to get involved. Thank you, Jane, for sharing your knowledge and bringing people together.
See the full story below, plus learn more about Boro Birders on their Facebook page.
Maureen May – Second Sunday Gardeners
Maureen is a Tennessee Naturalist with big dreams for native gardening and the work ethic to make it happen. Maureen started the Second Sunday Gardeners group, which has transformed a neglected local park into a thriving pollinator paradise. The group has planted 80+ native species in the park, hosts educational and community events, and installed signage to teach the community about the importance of native plants and pollinators. TNP helped Maureen learn more about plants, trees, and invertebrates, and she hopes more Tennessee Naturalists will volunteer at the park. Thank you, Maureen, for making a difference and protecting native plants and pollinators.
See the full story below, plus learn more about Second Sunday Gardeners on their Facebook page.
Michelle Wilson – Little River Wildlife Rehabilitation
Michelle is a Tennessee Naturalist with a unique skillset: she is the only all reptile/amphibian wildlife rehabilitator in East Tennessee. She started Little River Wildlife Rehabilitation to provide care for sick and injured wild animals. She also offers educational programs to teach people how to better coexist with wildlife. TNP helped Michelle find her calling; through TNP, she met other wildlife rehabilitators and was inspired. Now, she welcomes Tennessee Naturalists to volunteer with Little River Wildlife Rehabilitation. Thank you, Michelle, for giving these animals a second chance and teaching others to care for wildlife.
See the full story below, plus learn more about Little River Wildlife Rehabilitation on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
John Henkelman – Trail Work
John is a Tennessee Naturalist with a deep appreciation for the natural world. He is committed to creating a safe, enjoyable, and educational outdoor experience for everyone. He has volunteered for many organizations around Erwin, TN, helping design, install, and maintain trails. He’s also assisted the Nolichucky Restoration Project with Hurricane Helene clean-up and restoration. TNP introduced John to instructors and volunteer organizations, and John has quickly moved from a passive volunteer to an involved leader. Thank you, John, for making the outdoors accessible and for always going above and beyond.
See the full story below, plus learn more about the volunteer sites on their websites: Nolichucky Restoration Project; Erwin National Fish Hatchery; Rocky Fork State Park; Cherokee National Forest.