The Friends of Cumberland Mountain State Park are seeking donations to provide a year of food and supplies for the three raptors at the park’s aviary.
These birds are wounded or are imprinted on humans and cannot be returned to the wild, said Laurie Snyder, secretary/treasurer of the Friends group. They are used to educate the public about the need to protect raptors and can be seen at the aviary next to the Camp Store.
“A campaign is being started this month to raise the amount needed to feed the screech owl, barn owl and a hawk and future potential additions of three more raptors in 2026,” she said. “We spent $5,837 this fiscal year and are seeing a future need of $6,500. Last fiscal year generous donors provided nearly $6,000 during the December/January campaign.”
The Friends group hopes to receive final approval from the state to add two more cages to the aviary to hold flight-capable birds like the red-tailed hawk and the barn owl.
“Thank you to all our bird loving friends. It is so encouraging to the Friends and park staff that we are in a caring community that shares our vision and provided for these beautiful birds since the aviary was built in 2016,” Snyder added.
She said visitors enjoy visiting the aviary and attending the educational bird shows at the park, especially during the summer. The birds are also taken to schools and other community events.
Donations can be made through PayPal to Friends.cmsp@gmail.com; mailed to P.O. Box 3021, Crossville, TN 38557; or dropped into the donation box at the park office at 24 Office Drive, Crossville, TN 38555.
Go to Facebook for more information on the aviary and the schedule of events that include the state park’s raptors.