THE FRIENDS AND THE STATE - A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

People often wonder about the relationship between the State of Oregon and the Friends of Tryon Creek State Park. What role does each play?

The state owns and maintains the Park and facilities. (Even though the Friends built the building and occasionally still provide some furnishings and equipment, the group does not retain ownership.) The State staff includes a Park Manager, a naturalist, a clerk, and any number of rangers, depending on the season. The naturalist is the key person at the Nature House—his responsibilities are directed largely toward interpretive programs and exhibits that serve the general public at Tryon. The other staff also have responsibilities for additional parks in the region.

Since completion of the Nature House in 1975, the Friends have maintained a presence there. Friends’ efforts have been directed largely toward educational programs and volunteer services. For many years we had two part-time employees, but in 1989 we graduated to a full-time Executive Director who also is in charge of volunteer service. Our Education Director conducts a very busy school program and performs various other services as well.

The Friends’ board is actively involved in planning and implementing a number of activities and programs. These include a summer day camp, summer concert series, concessions and annual events such as the Trillium Festival and a holly and wreath sale. In recent years the Friends have also funded a few small land acquisitions.

In reality, the Friends and the state cooperate with, supplement, and complement one another in a myriad of ways. Volunteers serve as school guides and nature center hosts, work on trail improvements and exhibits and are an integral part of many park activities and projects. The talents, time and energy of people in the community add an extra dimension to the Park; in fact, the success of this unique partnership at Tryon Creek has prompted the State to promote similar groups in other parks. It appears that a precedent has been set.