FOG 2022 Spring Update:
Spring has Sprung at Gorges State Park!
|
|
Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker: Larry Ragsdale
FOG is pleased to announce Larry Ragsdale as our speaker for the 2022 Annual Meeting! Mr. Ragsdale is a retired professor from Brevard College who was one of the original 9 Park Advisory Committee (PAC) members. He was a driving force in the creation of FOG in 2011 and has since served as Vice President of the Friends of State Parks organization. He will be speaking on the importance of Friends groups for state parks as well as how parks are affected by climate change. Please join us in welcoming Larry Ragsdale at our 2022 Annual Meeting on June 6th!
Transylvania Times Partnership
Have you seen articles about Gorges State Park and FOG in the Transylvania Times?! We have an exciting and budding partnership with our local newspaper providing informational and seasonal articles about the park written by local outdoor enthusiast Jacob Myers. Keep your eye out for them in your next Transylvania Times!
Seeking Board Members
FOG is growing! And we want YOU on our team! In order to better serve Gorges State Park, we are looking to add members to our Board. Board members are responsible for making the decisions that FOG acts on. For those passionate about Gorges State Park and driven to give back to their community, consider joining the FOG Board today! To find out more about this great opportunity, email volunteer@friendsofgorges.org. Information on current Board members can be found on our website.
|
|
Board of the National Association of State Park Directors Visit
On March 13th, FOG hosted the NASPD at Gorges State Park. The group took a tour of the upcoming Family Campground and shared presentations in the Visitor Center. Presenters included Fred Annan, Director of the NC Nature Conservancy, Bill Holman, Director of the NC Conservation Fund, Robert Siler and Jim Hendricks, both retired executives with Duke Energy who presented information on “The Blue Wall”, and Earl Hunter, Founder and President of “Black Folks Camp Too”. Special thanks to all who spoke and the park staff who helped make this event a success! To learn more about NASPD, visit the parks website.
|
|
|
Campground Update
We are excited to announce that the Gorges State Park campground is set to open in summer 2022! The campground will offer full RV hookup, primitive tent sites, and climate controlled cabins. As we near the official opening of the campground, Gorges needs Campground Hosts! For more information, email the park at gorges@ncparks.gov or call at 828-966-9099.
Gorges is Hiring!
Have you considered a career in the outdoor industry but don't know where to begin? Now is a great time and here is a great opportunity! Gorges State Park is hiring two seasonal positions: Office Assistant and Maintenance Worker. For more information, visit the parks website.
Art in the Park
Ranger Briley has been conducting educational art programs at Gorges with the assistance of FOG Board member Linda Ives. Some of the fine art created during Art in the Park can be viewed on the hanging display in the Visitor Center Exhibit Hall. This program is open to all school groups. Interested teachers can contact Ranger Briley at melanie.strnad@ncparks.gov or by calling 828-966-9099.
Earth Day Celebration
On Friday, April 22nd, Gorges hosted a fun Earth Day celebration with a nature walk, park cleanup, and an informational presentation on phenology, the science behind altitude, climate, and the changing seasons. Thanks to all who came out, volunteered, and participated!
|
|
You're invited to our 2022 Annual Meeting!
|
|
Thank You to our Business Sponsors:
|
|
|
|
|
Meet + greet with light food + refreshments
