Who are Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks?

We are a non-profit corporation formed and managed by people who share a common interest in providing a support resource for Turkey Run and Shades State Parks.
We assist the parks in conserving, developing, studying and interpreting the cultural, historical and natural resources within and near the parks' boundaries.
 

Turkey Run and Shades - Same Creek, Same Friends

Sugar creek forms a connection between these sister parks, where deep canyons nestled in the shadows of sandstone cliffs and peaceful hemlock groves harbor some of the most ruggedly beautiful hiking trails in the state.

            ... a refuge for all of us from life's daily stresses

From the tiny mosses and ferns to the majestic old-growth walnuts and sycamores, lush plant communities thrive here, supporting an abundance of wildlife. Deer tracks, beaver-chewed trees, pileated woodpecker excavations, the rocking flight of the turkey vulture, all are common sights throughout the year.

These two parks protect unique natural areas that are vestiges of the Indiana that once was, and serve as a refuge for all of us from life's daily stresses.

Volunteer Opportunities

                    Your options are endless ...
 

Nature Center
Work at the Nature Center Information Desk or as an administrative assistant, program presenter, event planner, artist, animal keeper or gardener.

Trails
Adopt A Trail and monitor it on a monthly basis: hike it, pick up litter and help maintain it, whether as an individual or as a family.

Historic Lusk Home
Learn to give guided tours, work with other volunteers in the heritage kitchen garden, or plan and promote fundraising activities for the kitchen restoration.

Resource Management
Help manage the parks' natural resources: participate in ongoing restoration projects, invasive plant eradication, controlled burns, GPS mapping and data manipulation.

Amphitheater
Help design, fund and build an outdoor amphitheater.

        ... or fit your own unique talents and interests to park needs and design your own volunteer project
 

Membership in the Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks
 

To apply for membership, please fill out the following information

    Name__________________________

    Address ____________________________________________

                ______________________________________

    Phone _____________________

    Email _______________________________________
 

Annual Membership Request

    Students - $5
    Senior (60+) - $5
    Individual - $20
    Family - $25
    Sponsors - $50
    Partners - $100
    Benefactors - $250
    Conservators - $500

Send the information and a check to:

                         Friends of Turkey Run & Shades State Parks, Inc.
                                       P. O. Box 37
                                  Marshall, Indiana 47859

Please list additional names for family memberships

Additional donations are always welcome!
 

Park Benefits

The purpose of the Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks is to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the parks and to educate the public about this heritage while functioning within the mission of the parks

Our goals are to assist the parks in:

• protecting the beauty and ecological health of the parks
  
• providing interpretive activities that increase the public's appreciation of the parks' natural and cultural resources
  
• preserving the parks' historical assets
  
• conducting scientific and historical research

• The camaraderie of people with similar interests donating their skills and talents to a common effort
• Opportunities to explore nature and history on a deeper level by addending special Friends-sponsored programs presented by experts
• The satisfaction of enriching the lives of those who visit the parks while having a good time yourself.

• Travel N on US 41 from Rockville and follow the signs, turning E on Ind 47
• Travel W on Ind 47 from Crawfordsville

• Travel past Turkey Run state park on Ind 47 for about 10 min. Turn N at the sign near Waveland. Follow this road till you reach a 'T' and turn left. When the road swings left, you will see a sign for Shades.
• Follow Ind 47 from Crawfordsville and turn N at the sign near Waveland. Follow this road till you reach a 'T' and turn left. When the road swings left, you will see a sign for Shades.

    We meet in Turkey Run State Park on the 3rd Thursday evening of each month at 7 PM,  either in the Nature Center or the Inn at Turkey Run

Contact the Friends        email   [email protected]

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