FSP Funds taxidermy for Elk Knob State Natural Area educational efforts. 2010 This new natural area is already a hit with the local community and visitors.

FSP helps fund two week-long 2010 Administrative Professional Training conferences. We helped fill the gap in a year of extra tight budget restrictions to support 90 DEPR staff from across the state to continue their training on how to best support our park visitors.

FSP partners with Great Outdoor Provision to send five NC Department of Parks Recreation staff to the 2010 National Association for Interpretation Region 3 Annual Workshop in Asheville, NC.  This is one of the places where park advocates, volunteers and park staff can come together for development and skill-building.  It is a tremendous opportunity to network with other interpreters.  Last year there were approximately 130 people in attendance from multiple states and agencies including federal, state and municipal agencies, non-profit organizations and private industry.  With so many different backgrounds and experiences, there are several resources for new ideas to apply, or to get advice from when dealing with issues that someone else has already had to deal with and resolve.  This idea sharing is a great opportunity for the park educators to learn the most efficient effective ways of fulfilling their unique roles. We are glad to be able to help during this tough budget times.

"Bubba" a Great Blue Heron mount at Chimney Rock State Park This poor guy was found frozen last winter but has been restored to help educate generations of visitors FSP helps support the taxidermy exhibits that are a favorite of visiting students. 2009

Crowders Mountains gains new Beaver Mount for education  FSP helps support the taxidermy exhibits that are a favorite of visiting students. 2009