Partner Spotlight Friends of the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies is a nonprofit organization that supports the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Founded in 1993, it aims to assist the park by raising funds and awareness to help preserve and protect the park’s natural and cultural resources.
The organization funds a wide range of projects, including wildlife conservation, historic preservation, education programs, and trail maintenance.
Friends of the Smokies works closely with the National Park Service to identify critical needs within the park and provides financial support through donations, memberships, and fundraising events.
Their efforts help ensure that the park remains a cherished natural area for future generations to enjoy.
Example Project - Trails Forever:
In 2012, Friends of the Smokies, alongside a generous matching gift from the Aslan Foundation in Knoxville, established the Trails Forever endowment.
This initiative has flourished, amassing over $6 million and funding a full-time trail crew.
Their crucial work focuses on reconstructing and rehabilitating the park’s most heavily impacted trails, making Trails Forever the fastest growing endowment in the National Park System.
The Arrowhead Charm: A Symbol of Stewardship
Each of our ornaments is adorned with an Arrowhead Charm, a meaningful emblem that goes beyond mere decoration. As you unwrap these treasures each Christmas, let the charm serve as a heartfelt reminder of the significant role you play in preserving our national parks.
This charm does more than just represent our brand; it symbolizes your direct impact and commitment to the enhancement and conservation of these precious natural treasures.
