Big Ridge For Educators

  • A vibrant sunset over a serene river winding through dense, green hills. Dramatic clouds streak the sky in pink, orange, and blue, creating a tranquil scene.
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    Big Ridge Educator Programs 

    Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger!  

    Tennessee State Parks offers accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today.

    Our Programs

      • Park ranger teaching children about wildlife outdoors.

      Field Trips 

      • Group of children listening to a man outdoors near a tree.

      School Outreach 

      • Hexagonal sign in a meadow highlights pollinator habitat and wildflowers, with vibrant images of flowers and text about bees. Sunny day, blue sky.

      Self-guided/Teacher-led 

      • Old wooden cabin by a pond in a lush green forest, viewed from a wooden deck.

      Virtual Connections

    • Group of children walking on a forest trail.

    What Do Big Ridge Educator Programs Offer?

    Big Ridge State Park offers field trips and school outreach programs on topics such as: 

    • Civilian Conservation Corps History
    • General Biology
    • Regional History
    • Early Settler History
    • Park Career Options 

    How To Request a Program

    Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program. 

    To complete the form:   

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks on tnstateparks.com. Find the park that has the right location and program available for your needs. You can request more than one park and more than one program.

    • 2.

      Identify the type of program(s) of interest.

      You are not limited to just one program. When completing the application, provide us the list of specific programs you are interested in. 

    • 3.

      Complete the form.

      Fill out our program request form and submit. Once submitted, allow 10 days for processing.

    Request a Program

    Funding Assistance

    Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.

    The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs at a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs and park program fees. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.

    When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support. 

    Download PDF

    What’s Next?  

    Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.

    The request will be in "Pending" status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.    

    If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.  

    Submitting for Funding Reimbursement 

    To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:   

    1. Bus invoice
    2. Park invoice
    3. Photos
    4. Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
    5. Student and teacher feedback
    Apply for Reimbursement

    Accessibility: We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully.   

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