Middle Fork Bottoms For Educators
  • family with a dog and a ranger walking down a paved trail while the sun it setting

    • Middle Fork Bottoms Educator Programs

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

    Middle Fork Bottoms State Park offers accessible, experiential educational opportunities to both engage and educate students. Choose from varied park programs or work with a Ranger to create a program that meets the Tennessee academic standards in your classroom. 

    Download our Educator Guide

    Our Programs

      • A group of children are outdoors, blowing dandelion seeds with joyful expressions. Sunlight filters through trees, enhancing the playful, carefree mood.

      School Outreach

      • Group of people gathered by a riverbank, some squatting and touching the water.

      Field Trips

    • Aerial view of a tranquil park with a small lake, surrounded by green fields and dense forest. Cars are parked on a winding road. Sunny, peaceful setting.

    What Does Middle Fork Bottoms Offer?

    Middle Fork Bottoms State Park offers programs that cover topics such as:

    • General Biology
    • Native Wildlife
    • Animal Adaptations & Keystone Species
    • Flood Mitigation
    • Water Channelization
    • Park Career Options

    Why Tennessee State Parks?

    • Our Rangers are experienced and knowledgeable in various subjects.
    • Our programs support many Tennessee academic standards.
    • Many programs can be modified for differing age groups and academic goals.
    • Easily accessible lunch, parking, and restroom facilities.
    • Tennessee State Parks ranger uniform patch on a shirt.

    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 four to six weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.  

    To complete the form:  

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks to 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.  

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