: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

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

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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:

Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less
describing why you are nominating an individual for the Distinguished Volunteer
Award. You may use any of the below suggestions to support your nomination.

Demonstrates positive leadership and cooperative qualities when working with
others
Distinguishes themselves with their outstanding participation and dedication
during the year.
Continually supports programs that protect the park’s natural and cultural
resources for future generations
Supports the park to create positive public involvement for future stewards of the
park
Promotes the Park Friends Program in their efforts to increase membership,
participation, and involvement in their Park Friends group.
Assists in developing events that will inspire the public to learn more about the
outdoors while enjoying outdoor activities and festivities.
Works to increase park’s usage by diverse groups

Distinguished Friends Group:

Please write a descriptive narrative of 2000 characters (~500 words) or less
describing why you would like to nominate your Friends Group for the
Distinguished Friends Group Award. You may use any of the below suggestions
to support your nomination.

Continually works to provide programs that protect the park’s natural and cultural
resources for future generations.
Through programs and events, encourages the participation of children, families, and
school groups in park activities and creates future stewards of the park.
Promotes increased membership and participation in the Park Friends Program.
Supports the park’s needs and develops programs to meet those needs.
Works to increase park usage by diverse groups.
Finds creative solutions to long-standing problems facing the park.

Distinguished TPWD Ranger:

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