Statements
Mission
Friends of Warner Parks is dedicated to the preservation, stewardship, and protection of the Warner Parks. The organization works to protect the natural and historical integrity of the area by supporting recreational activities, maintaining and enhancing historical features, and promoting programs that inspire appreciation and conservation of the Parks.
Background
The history of the Friends of Warner Parks begins with the history of the Warner Parks. In 1927, Percy Warner Park was established with a gift of 868 acres to the city of Nashville. In the 1930s the Warner Parks grew to 2,665 acres with the addition of Edwin Warner Park and was enhanced through support from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). During this period, many of Warner Parks historic features, such as the Sandstone Gates Entrance, the iconic Allee steps, stonework features and cedar and stone shelters were built. Despite community support of the parks, visible signs of the parks' decline came to the forefront by the 1970s. To spark interest in nature and the environment and to develop a new preservation ethic, Warner Park Nature Center was established in 1973.
In 1984, the Warner Parks were listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1987, a group of local men and women formed the Friends of Warner Parks to work for the protection, preservation and stewardship of the Parks. In 1998, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Warner Park Nature Center, ground was broken on a new Susanne Warner Bass Learning Center which was officially opened in 2000. Since its founding, Friends of Warner Parks has invested $33 million for the maintenance of the parks, restoration of historic features, purchase of additional property, environmental education programming and to provide leadership for ongoing community interest in the extensive public park system.
Impact
Established in 1987, Friends of Warner Parks is a non-profit corporation supporting and enhancing the Warner Parks. Comprised of nearly 3200 acres divided between Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park, Nashville is fortunate to have parks of great size and significant natural beauty in very central locations. Created as a 501c3 to protect and preserve the Warner Parks, the significance of this organization has grown, as now, more than ever, outdoor spaces are a refuge and respite in these times. Friends of Warner Parks plays an important role in both the preservation and improvement of one of our city's greatest treasures.
The two Warner parks have offered spaces of natural beauty for over 90 years. Friends of Warner Parks partners with Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation to oversee land and resource management, maintain and enhance its historic features, and educate through programs and events an appreciation of nature and the parks. Through the Nature Center and events such as Full Moon Pickin' Party and Shelter Dinners and Hummingbird Happy Hour, the community is drawn into an understanding of and participation in the mission of the organization.
Recently, Friends of Warner Parks has completed several large initiatives through the generosity of the community, including the complete renovation of the historic gates to Percy Warner Park and the beautiful stone Allee steps that greet visitors at the entrance. In addition, the organization has completed an invasive plant control plan and preserved historic picnic shelters, restoration of the hiking trail system, and the launch of a bird research and migration tracking program. More protected land has also been recently acquired.
We invest in the biodiversity, health, and vitality of the Warner Parks for the benefit of 1.5 million+ annual park visitors. We protect the spaces that promote clean air, healthy living, accessible recreation, a connection to nature, and environmental awareness in our communities.
In partnership with the Warner Park Nature Center, we also provide essential youth programming and public education, investing in environmental equality and stewardship in the greater Nashville community.
Needs
Our work to preserve and protect Warner Parks relies on the support of our community in the following ways:
1. Give through a financial donation or annual membership.
2. Give a designated gift:
• Plant a tree through our tree trust
• Purchase a custom commemorative bench
• Give to our endowment Plan your Legacy Giving
• Contribute to the It's My Nature Capital Campaign
3. Volunteer as an individual or with a group
4. Sponsor or participate in a benefit event
CEO Statement
For over twenty years, the Warner Parks have been a special place for me and my family. I walk or run the trails nearly every day and discover something new, something beautiful in the nature and the history of Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. I'm excited to work with a dedicated Board and staff to help protect Warner Parks, our 3,195-acre sanctuary in the city. Every day the small team at Friends works to preserve and protect the Parks for its more than 1 million annual visitors. We protect the trails - more than 60 miles of wooded, paved, and equestrian-friendly routes of forest bound beauty. We protect the birds - through 16 bird research projects at the Warner Park Nature Center. We protect the history - WPA-era shelters, stonework, cemeteries, iconic park features that contribute to our designation on the National Register of Historic Places. We protect the plants - by removing invasive plants and reestablishing a biodiverse ecosystem. We protect the programs - our robust free environmental through the Warner Park Nature Center and our outreach to urban communities. And we protect the future - ensuring that our Sanctuary is here for all, forever.
Board Chair Statement
I proudly serve as the Board Chair, working alongside an engaged and active group of community leaders to preserve and protect the Warner Parks. As Nashville's need for preserved green space grows, the need for funding to maintain the Parks and its vital community programs grows. Friends of Warner Parks works to protect this special place and its historic legacy for future generations.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Environment - Natural Resources Conservation & Protection |
| Secondary Category: | Education - Educational Services |
| Tertiary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Alliances & Advocacy |
Areas Served
Middle Tennessee
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
