Hiwassee Scenic River for Educators
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    Hiwassee Scenic River 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

      • A park ranger in uniform shows animal pelts and skulls to two curious children under a wooden pavilion. The scene conveys educational engagement.

      Field Trips

      • Teacher speaking to students in a classroom with a whiteboard.

      School Outreach

      • Orange mushroom on a forest floor covered with pine needles.

      Virtual Connections

    • Educator with owl presenting to children in a classroom.

    What Does Hiwassee River Offer?

    Hiwassee offers programs that cover topics such as:

    • Stream Ecology
    • Protecting Our Watersheds
    • Animal Adaptations & Food Chains with Live Bird of Prey
    • Animal Adaptations & Food Chains with Live Reptile
    • Nature Hikes
    • Cherokee History
    • Park Career Options

    Planning Your Field Trip

    • Program(s) are offered daily Monday - Thursday for up to 40 students.
    • Request your program(s) at least six (6) weeks in advance.
    • Outdoor classroom available for groups of up to 20 students.
    • Historic wooden log cabin with an informational sign in a sunny park setting.
      Matt Morrison
    • Tennessee State Parks ranger uniform patch on a shirt.

    Why Tennessee State Parks?

    • Our Rangers are experienced and knowledgeable in various subjects.
    • Our programs support many Tennessee academic standards.
    • Easily accessible lunch, parking, and restroom facilities. 

    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, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. 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.  

    Become a Tennessee Conservationist

    Escape into the stories and insider information about the history and cultures in Tennessee with the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks. Become a Tennessee Conservationist by subscribing today.  

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