Shared by Andrea Hasenfus, Volunteer Coordinator, as Guest Blogger.

There are many “friends” of Pocahontas State Park as is seen by the non-profit group Friends of Pocahontas State Park (FOPSP) who in the last few years have done some amazing things in and for the park.

FOPSP is composed of many passionate folks who love the park and offers a myriad of different ways to get involved.  

The group might be known for driving major growth of mountain bike trails or helping to expand these trails to a Bronze level International Mountain Bicycling Association Ride Regional Center designation. But, it is worth pointing out that this group does and has accomplished many other great feats not related to mountain biking.

Here is a “Top Ten” list of great things the Friends of Pocahontas State Park do:

1. Manages a rotating volunteer team that runs the wood splitting operation in the park. Downed trees are collected and split using gas powered wood splitters, and then sold to campers as a fund raiser. This operation – all volunteer run – generated thousands of dollars last year that goes directly to benefit park programs.
2. Runs regularly scheduled volunteer days to manage the invasive species in the park and pick up trash along Qualla Road which was adopted through the Adopt-A-Highway program.
3. Supports park events like concerts, races, and educational programs with volunteers and fundraising efforts.
4. Conducts their own events simply for community enjoyment such as Take a Kid Mountain Biking and Park After Dark.
5. Supports the park’s volunteer program by sponsoring youth partnerships like Youth Conservation Corps, Teen Volunteer Week, and Alternative Spring Break.
6. Supports the park’s interpretive program with funding for projects and supplies.
7. Finances and oversees many Eagle Scout projects each year in the park.
8. Assists park staff with storm damage after storms and trains new volunteers on proper chainsaw use.
9. Purchased and renovated a new hay wagon for park visitors to enjoy rides on during special events.
10. Helps further the Pocahontas hiking community in creating new hiking opportunities and trails.

Friends members built a hay wagon for use at the park's Park After Dark Fall Festival

Park staff and the Friends group work together closely on many projects and initiatives. It is a wonderful and fruitful partnership both greatly appreciates and hopes to maintain and grow in the future.

The Friends of Pocahontas State Park was formed many years ago 

Different volunteers have been on the board and took active roles as their lives allowed for it. The first set of single track mountain bike trails were built through the blood, sweat, and tears of several devoted members. Over the last four years, the group has had a president with a vision and great drive, Phil Walker. He has been able to help the group accomplish much growth from more miles of single track trails, to a naturalist division of the group, to the well-run wood splitting operation, to the Bronze level IMBA Richmond Regional Ride Center. Phil is stepping down from his role as president and will be sorely missed, but has promised to remain active.

Volunteers were instrumental in building and maintaining new mountain bike trails

For more information on volunteer opportunities or to join the Friends of Pocahontas State Park click here.