You are here

Home » Tennessee Trailhead: A Site With Promise

Tennessee Trailhead: A Site With Promise

Share

Published Date

February 1, 2007

    I stumbled upon a new parks blog today, and it's one that holds promise for a couple of reasons.
    For starters, the park system needs all the bloggers it can get. But beyond that, Tennessee Trailhead, though not even a month old, is a much welcome addition to the small handful of parks bloggers because its blogmeister is a high school junior.
    Yep, Chance Finegan probably doesn't even own a razor and yet he's recognized the plight facing our national parks. And folks are worried about younger generations not appreciating the out-of-doors and national parks?
    "The blog is only about two weeks old," he tells me. "I decided that talking to my friends about the trouble that the NPS is in wasn't doing much, but a blog would. I'm hoping to reach people at my school - teachers included - that otherwise wouldn't know about the issues facing the parks."
    Now, I don't know about you, but when I was a high school junior I was more focused on girls and cars than world or national issues. Not only is it a breath of fresh air to discover Chance's blog, but to listen to his plans one gets a feeling that perhaps the younger generations are paying more attention to the world around them than they get credit for. 

    Listen to this:
    "I'm a high school junior, and plan on becoming a park ranger after college.  I hope to attend either U of Tennessee - Martin or U of Tennessee - Chattanooga, double majoring in natural resource management and environmental science/biology," says Chance. "I'm a junior ranger in about 40 parks, and I helped to found the Wilderness Advocacy Team - a division of the Cookeville High School Chapter of SPEAK (Students Promoting Environmental Action and Knowledge) - in response to the NPS Management Policy mess last year."
    Kid's busy, no? And somehow he and his friends found the time last year to participate in 50 or so park planning issues with the National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. Oh yeah, they also volunteer at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
    When you get a chance, be sure to check out the Tennessee Trailhead. (fyi: The server was having some troubles this morning, so if you don't get through initially, try later in the day.)

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.