:Texas State Park Resources
TEXANS FOR STATE PARKS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
In accordance with the Bylaws, an Annual Conference of the members is held each year for the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting. Non-members are also invited to attend.
The annual conference provides an opportunity to help keep members and other park supporters informed about issues affecting the state park system and to have an opportunity to get involved and possibly make a difference. It also provides an opportunity for members and interested persons to network with others working in support of the parks.
The conference normally begins Friday evening when members have the opportunity for presentations to show off their work in their parks and continues Saturday with the State of State Parks by State Park Division officials, presentation of the Volunteer Service Awards and informative programs for the volunteer groups. And, just for fun, a Silent Auction has recently been added to the program.
The conferences are held in various areas of the state each year in order to make it more accessible to members and park supporters around the state.
2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Texans for State Parks 2020 Annual Conference
April 24-25, 2020
Fort Parker State Park, Mexia
Hosted by Friends of Fort Parker State Park
The Conference will be held at the Barracks Complex which includes Dorms, a Dining Hall and Rec Hall. Watch for more details about reservations and the program as they come available throughout the year.
During the conference, TfSP will recognize individuals and organizations for noteworthy and distinguished service to Texas State Parks.
Nominations will be accepted beginning December 1, 2019 and will closing February 22, 2020.
For additional information and photos see
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-parker/fees-facilities/group-facilties/group-camp-dining-
game-barracks
VOLUNTEER AWARDS PROGRAM
Texans for State Parks have developed a Volunteer Awards Program to positively recognize persons for their exemplary service for State Park. The volunteer award program coincides with the annual Conference each year.
Nominations will be taken approximately a month prior to the conference. The nominations will be reviewed by a committee of TfSP board members who will forward their recommendations to the TfSP Board of Directors for final approval and presentation at our annual Conference.
Nominations may be submitted by Friends Group members, State Park staff, or any other individual. Although there are countless persons throughout the state deserving of awards, only one award will be presented in each of three categories, Distinguished Volunteer, Distinguished Park Friends Group and Distinguished TPWD Park Ranger. Forms for submitting nominations electronically are available on this page below.
Looking for ways we can help you help the Texas State Parks? We offer two grant programs to individuals and organizations looking to improve the Texas State Parks system.
Development Grants – State Parks Friends
State Park Friends Groups are volunteer-led, membership-based nonprofit partners that support a park site through volunteerism, fundraising and public education. Friends Groups also serve as an important link to the local community. Check the list of current State Park Friends Groups and Support Organizations. If no group is listed for your favorite park, contact the park manager to see how you can help form a group.
Texans for State Parks (TfSP) seek to encourage the development and growth of State Park Friends grops who help protect and maintain our State Parks by offering Development Grants intended to help build and strengthen l volunteer groups that provide direct benefits for public use and enjoyment of individual Texas State Parks.
TfSP Friends Grant Application Form
Pass-Through Grants
Some organizations wish to help a park of their choice but are required to make donations to non-profits rather than a state agency or within a specified time frame. Texans for State Parks has developed a process so that we may act as the fiscal agent for grants and gifts to parks and/or Friends Groups.
To arrange a monetary or property donation to a park through Texans for State Parks, please contact Texans for State Parks, P.O Box 41480, Austin, Tx 78704 or email [email protected]. You may also contact the park of your choice and ask them to arrange the donation through Texans for State Parks.
NOMINATION FORMS FOR VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Distinguished Volunteer:
Distinguished Friends Group:
Distinguished TPWD Ranger:
Latest Park News
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