Events Calendar
Saturday Events:
| The Paris Mt. State Park
Friends entertained donors to their Bathhouse Renovation Project
on Friday, Nov. 9 at the old CCC-constructed bathhouse. The old
building was all decked out in lights for a romantic autumn
evening bringing back fond memories for many of the guests of
their youth when they spent many pleasant days at the park.
Wine, music, and food, prepared by Friends volunteers and the
Phoenix Inn, were enjoyed by all. |
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The highlight of the evening
was the presentation by Friends' President Mary Lou Jones to
park manager Ty Houck of a check for $50,120. This money has been
raised by volunteers in the last few months for the renovation
project. Volunteer architect Jim Hambright was introduced as well as volunteer
fundraiser Jenell Vassy, who
raised half of the funds. The newly renovated building will be
named the Park Center and will be used for education programs, civic
meetings and park offices.
However, for this to really happen, it will
still take
additional funds from the public. The State Parks have a tax
exempt fund to accept donations. If you would like make a
donation that goes 100% to this project, please make check
payable to The Green Fund, for Paris Mt. Bathhouse
Renovation and mail to:
Paris Mt. State Park
2401 State Park Road
Greenville, SC 29609 |
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| The Aquatic Ecology program
was presented for 5th graders at Paris Elementary and Gateway
Elementary this spring and fall.
Wearing boots bought with Friends funds, they sampled the stream
and lake waters, comparing temperature, pH and macro-organisms.
We then went back to our "lab" and inspected our catch
under the new video microscope system purchased by Leadership
Greenville funds. |
This year the program will be continuing and we need Volunteers
for the Aquatic Ecology and the new Forest
Ecology program for fifth graders.
You will be trained for the job and will take charge of a class
when you feel ready. Park staff is friendly and provides much
needed support with most teaching being done by volunteers. We
have fun in nature together. The rewards are expressed in fifth
graders faces and by teachers who feel this is the best field
trip their class has ever experienced. If you like being
outdoors and like to work with enthusiastic students, you will
love this assignment.
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Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-March
through May and from September through November. on days as you are able, twice a week or once a month.Volunteer
Time: 9:30 noon.
To participate as a volunteer, contact: Mary Lou Jones,
242-4498 or
mjones9675@aol.com
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Also, we need a couple Education support
volunteers:
You will work with other volunteers who are friendly and
supportive to restock education kits for classrooms and prepare
teacher guides.
Days: Flexible Hours: Flexible
Contact: Mary Lou Jones, 242-4498 or
mjones9675@aol.com
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Trails
& More
| Our Trail Maintenance Day was held on 20 October.
Thanks to the volunteers that worked to repair a section
of the
Sulphur Springs trail and those who hit the
trails to practice their trimming techniques. We had the
added benefit of a professional trail builder, courtesy of the
National Park System. Thanks to Wayne Bower for his
work directing the trail maintenance group. |
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Our 2nd Arbor Day
Celebration was held on Sat, Dec 1 at Sulphur Springs.
Dampness keep the group small, but we enjoyed a
presentation by Linda Sisson and Ty Houck.
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More Trail News:
In the Middle of December, a meeting was held to discuss the
first draft of a trail management plan for Paris Mountain State
Park. The plan will be out for
public comment by early February. Friends with current e-mail
addresses will receive a copy or check the local outfitter
stores and bike shops.
If you are interested in becoming
involved with the trail project, contact Wayne Bower through
Mary Lou Jones
242-4498 or mjones9675@aol.com
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Mary
Lou Jones
Our emotions have run the gamut this fall. The
Sept. 11 disaster brought families together and on weekends the
park has been full to the brim. However, the insecurity people
felt did not cause them to hesitate when we asked for
contributions to the bathhouse renovation fund. In a matter of
four months, we raised $50,120, which was presented to Ty from
our Friends group on November 9.
We are especially grateful to Jenell Vassy and PRT's Lou Fontana
for grants they wrote and to Maryann Abbott for her fundraising
feats. PRT is able to advance us $20,000 on a five-year Mikel
grant they optioned for our project, so in essence, we now have
$70,000 in our Green Fund! Our architect, Jim Hambright, is
getting the project rolling and reviewed the renovation process
at our annual meeting on Jan. 26.
We will continue fund raising and are also looking for in-kind
donations of electrical, plumbing and carpentry work. Please
call the park if you have suggestions of folks we should
contact.
Special thanks to all our volunteer teachers and trail workers
over the last two years. Your work has won for our group the
coveted South Carolina Wildlife Federation Conservation Award
for Outdoor Ethics. Together we are making a difference in
the park and in lives of school children and nature lovers.
What a legacy! Mary Lou Jones
This will be our 3rd Annual Friends Day on Saturday,
April 27, 2001. Last year we had over 1200 people enjoy the
variety of activities and just being out in the Park. Debbie
Fowler will be chairwoman of the event. There are still a few jobs open for those that would like to help and have
a great time helping the public enjoy the park.
News from the
"New" Park Manager:
I put the word new in quotations because everyone in the
Friends group made be feel right at home from the day the moving
truck arrived, from Sally Nicholson giving me a classic stove,
to Janell Vassy's famous bread, to the fatting yet festive
Christmas parties, to Tom Dudley keeping me in shape. It is
truly inspiring as a Park Manager to work in a community that is
so dedicated to polishing the jewel that is Paris Mountain State
Park.
Paul McCormack told me that I would
have to hit the ground running and I like it that way. Since my
arrival the park has grown from 1275 acres to 1540 acres. We
have had over 600 students learn about the pristine and fragile
ecosystem that is Paris Mountain. We have outlined our goals and
directions for developing more trails for people to appreciate
the green in Greenville. We have implemented the first phase of
a park wide comprehensive recycling plan, and that is only the
highlights.
The most exciting thing that has
happened since I have arrived is that my girlfriend, Erin
Schofield, said "Yes" when I asked her to
marry me on Dec 4. While both of us originate from other states
this is now our home and we will start our lives together when
we wed here on September 7th. Oh, yeah I am also going as
an ambassador for the Upstate to Hong Kong for a month but did I
mention that I am GETTING MARRIED!!!!
THANKS!
Ty Houck, PMSP Manager
PMSP Friends receive
recognition with Conservation Award.
Congratulations to all volunteers who have helped with Aquatic
Ecology, fundraising for the new Park Center renovation, Arbor
Day or Trail Day. Your work has earned our Friends group one of
the most prestigious awards of our state: the 2001 "South
Carolina Wildlife Federation Conservation Award for Outdoor
Ethics".
 Susan Young & Mary
Lou Jones
Mary Lou and Lewis Jones were in Charleston at
Middleton Place Gardens on January 19 to receive the award on
behalf of our hard working group. Many thanks to Aquatic Ecology
volunteer Susan Young for nominating us for this award. It
will be displayed in the new Park Center.
Way to go, volunteers!
Worried that all the good jobs are
gone? Not to worry. Here are some projects and assignments that need volunteers.
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Volunteer teachers for our
Environmental Education Classes - The water is great,
the training is FREE and you get to wear boots!
Fundraising for education
programs - learn big finance on our time.
General help for Friends Day
- 27 April - (you'll still get to try a canoe)
Contact Mary Lou
Jones at 242-4498 or email
her.
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The Friends of Paris Mountain State Park was formed in 1999
to assist the rangers and to help the park provide recreational
and educational opportunities that emphasize the important
natural and cultural history of the park. We work to promote the
park as an urban greenspace and unique asset. And for a mere
$20, ($50 with Park Passport) you can join us.
Joining the FRIENDS is the best way to HELP. Call 244-5565
You can find more information and pictures of
the park on the Upstate
Cycling web site.
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