History

The citizens who promoted the park formed an organization known as “Friends of Bays Mountain.” After the City built the park, they reorganized, changed the name to “The Bays Mountain Park Association” and obtained a classication of 501(c)(3) from the IRS. This classification is for non-profit organizations and permits tax-deductible contributions to be made to the Association.

Purpose

The purposes of the Association are twofold: First, to give its members unlimited access to the park when it is open; and second, to assist the park and the park staff in any way possible. Assistance is given by volunteers who meet the public, assist in instruction of school groups, lead nature hikes and answer questions about the park and its facilities, exhibits and programs, as well as helping the staff “back-stage.” The Association also runs the gift shop in the Nature Center. Functionally, the Association reports to the Bays Mountain Park Commission, which is a group charged by the City of Kingsport with setting park policies.

Funding

The Association’s income consists of membership fees, profits from the gift shop and contributions. All surplus funds are given each year to the Bays Mountain Park Commission and are used for new equipment, facilities and other improvements to the park that would not ordinarily be funded by the City of Kingsport.

Animal Adoption

The many animals in our Animal Habitats require constant and unique care and nurturing. Your support helps us maintain the level of care that our animals deserve.

Participants will receive:

• A certificate of adoption naming you as the supporter of the animal or your choice.
• A picture of your animal.
• A fact sheet with information about the particular habits, markings, and facts concerning your animal.

For more information about how to participate in our Animal Adoption Program, please contact the Park Association at (423)229-9449.

Gift Shop

A gift shop in the Nature Center, operated by the Bays Mountain Park Association, stocks reasonably priced merchandise for shoppers of all ages. For the school children, there is a wide variety of toys, many of which help to teach some principle of science. For adults, there are starfinders, sweat shirts, books on many scientific subjects and a wide variety of other gifts. The gift shop also has a large stock of National Geographic, nature, space and astronomy videos that are available for free checkout to Association members.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers play a vital role to the daily operations of Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. The volunteer opportunities at Bays Mountain Park offer individuals a variety of ways to become involved in the community. Bays Mountain Park Association (BMPA) volunteers are trained by the Park’s staff and aid in every aspect of the Park’s operation. Some of Bays Mountain Park’s largest public programs could not be offered without the assistance of volunteers.

Listed below are the different areas where you can get involved. If you are interested in volunteering or would just like to know more, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator’s office at (423)229-9483 or send an email to haney@kingsporttn.gov.

*Volunteer positions are available to those who are 18-years-old and above.  Group volunteer opportunities are available by special request.

Farmstead

The Farmstead Museum is dedicated to the people of Bays Mountain and their way of life in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Items in the Farmstead Museum include genealogy studies, farm tools, and household items necessary for everyday settler living. Volunteers will greet visitors, answer questions, and assist in the general maintenance of the facility.  Volunteers are asked to work one weekend day per month from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

General

Volunteers will be asked to assist with a number of general tasks including, but not limited to, exhibit maintenance, brush removal, painting, cleaning, and other duties that may need to be met.  Scheduling is on an as-needed basis.

Herpetarium

Volunteers will receive training working with live turtles, snakes and amphibians such as frogs and salamanders.  Training will focus on cleaning and handling such animals.  Volunteers may be asked to present programs (public, school groups, and/or special events).  Volunteers should become proficient in the natural history of the residents found in the Herpetarium and be able to answer visitor questions.  Volunteers are asked to work one day a month between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Raptor Center

Volunteers selected for this position will receive intensive training concerning all aspects of bird care – handling, feeding and record keeping.  Volunteers will be asked to present programs (public, school groups, and/or special events).  Raptor volunteers are required to provide a solid commitment of one day per week (3-4 hours per day worked) for a minimum of one year.  Some weekend work may be required.

Astronomy

Astronomy enthusiasts can provide help by joining the Bays Mountain Astronomy Club. The club provides volunteers to assist with special events and astronomical programs for the public at the park observatory and around the community.

Watershed Room

Meet the public, answer questions about the fresh-water pool and fresh-water aquariums, and explain the other live and freeze-dried specimens in the room. Feed the fish and clean the outside of aquaria.  A minimum commitment of two work days per month is required.

Trail Maintenance (Trail Friends of Bays Mountain Park)

There are two options available for trail maintenance.  For those who enjoy the trails but do not want extensive volunteer duties we offer a checklist that allows volunteers to review a specific trail(s) and note any issues found while also removing litter from the trail(s) being surveyed.  For those who desire to participate in more extensive trail maintenance we offer specific training that will allow volunteers to help with brush removal, mulching, digging, trimming, and more detailed trail maintenance efforts.  Trail workdays are scheduled per trail priority and need.

Adventure Course (Ropes Course)

Volunteers will assist with the Park’s 300-foot zip line, low ropes course, and high ropes course activity.  40 hours of training must be completed prior to participation and volunteers will work the course under staff supervision.  Operating times are seasonal.

Interpretive/Educational Service

The Park offers school, public and special event/request programs.  Interpretive/Educational volunteers may choose one or all and will be provided study materials and training.  Prior knowledge of plants, wildlife, ecology, geography, and/or general biology is a plus but not essential.  Volunteers must be comfortable speaking to groups of all age groups and sizes (a typical public program may contain around 30 attendees of varying ages, for example).  Programs are presented year-round.  Interpretive/Educational Volunteers are asked to commit to providing assistance as needed with programs during the warm season (March thru October).  Ideally, at minimum, volunteers in this field will be able to provide weekly assistance to Park naturalists in the presenting of school programs during the months of September and October in the Fall and March, April and May in the Spring.

Pavilion at LilyPad Cove Host

The primary goal of the Pavilion Host is to help visitors enjoy the Pavilion by welcoming them and providing historical information about the Park and the Pavilion itself, and helping with events hosted there.  Pavilion Hosts would serve primarily on the weekends, either Saturday or Sunday, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., but may be asked to assist at other times and/or events.  A commitment of two days per month is requested.