Friends History

If not for the efforts of a small group of Gaston County citizens in the early 1970's everything we know as, "Crowders Mountain State Park," would not exist for your enjoyment today! This group known as, "The Gaston Conservation Society," worked very hard to get your park created and thus saved from a proposed mining operation. Although The Gaston Conservation Society no longer exists there is a group helping your park today! The "Friends of Crowders Mountain State Park" is a support group of concerned citizens working together to assist your park reach its many goals. As a non-profit organization the Friends group can raise money for the park, and provides community support. These efforts help the park reach its primary mandates of public education, promoting stewardship of natural resources, and providing the public with recreational opportunities. Most recently the Friends group has purchased a digital camera for the park. This camera has already been very helpful in getting last minute images for our upcoming permanent Museum exhibits. There is a new handicap assessable bridge on the Lake Trail, the materials purchased by the Friends group. They also purchased a cabinet for the interactive computer in the Visitor Center lobby and some materials for the Backyard Pond. Recently nine members came for a day of volunteer work helping clear ice storm damage from the Lake Trail. The list goes on and more exciting projects are planned in the future. If you are looking for a way to get involved with the park you love please consider joining the Friends group. Brochures are available in the Visitor Center lobby or see their web site: www.friendsofcrowdersmountain.org.