Friends of Short Springs

05/18/2026

This past weekend at our Friends of Short Springs workday, we undertook repairs to the Collier-Horn Bridge and trail work on the Laurel Loop Trail. Thank you to all who participated and a special thanks to the scouts from Troop 402 who helped! Our next workday is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th, so mark your calendars. We will post more details as we get closer to the date.

05/10/2026

Hey there Friends! We have an opportunity for y’all to give us a hand this coming Saturday, May 16th at our workday at Short Springs State Natural Area from 8-11 am. The ranger plans are to work on the Busby Falls Trail and also work on some board repairs for the Collier-Horn bridge. Bring work gloves and water. The rangers have some tools but if you have any rakes or a Pulaski axe it would be helpful to bring. Meet at 8:00 am CDT in the grass field off Short Springs Road north of the paved parking lots at 2250 Short Springs Road, Tullahoma. While you may register with Joan Hartvigsen, jhartvigs.net or 931 636-2914, the rangers would prefer sign ups at the Friends of Short Springs Volunteer User Group- https://tnstateparksvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/user/joinGroup/?group=CoTz8tEVL9k5roCP76w4YQiqT8f7zD5%2FTXJZ0Ijio9ho6H8l2Efys3gmkfb8bqNX%2FnnsoODwbCTfsGUJnQu%2B%2Bg%3D%3D

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03/09/2026

We are having a Short Springs Workday Saturday March 14, 2026 from 8:00 am to 11 am CDT. We will clean up the shores of Bobo Creek and Machine Creek. Bring trash bags. Wear waterproof boots and work gloves. Meet at 8:00 am CDT in the grass field off Short Springs Road north of the paved parking lots at 2250 Short Springs Road, Tullahoma. Let Joan Hartvigsen know that you can help, [email protected] or 931-636-2914.

02/17/2026

Did you know? Aside from volunteering to work on projects and trail maintenance at Short Springs State Natural Area, the Friends of Short Springs (FOSS) funds the cost of materials for many of these endeavors. Examples include paint to mark trails, fence rails and posts, signage, and even the materials used for building the Machine Falls Overlook platform a few years ago. Our Board members and Short Springs Rangers have identified several projects that will incur additional material costs. Memberships in FOSS are key to financing these projects.

If you have ever considered becoming a member now is the time! Friends of Short Springs is having a Membership Drive. We have an annual membership for $25.00 for Individuals and for $35.00 for Families. We also have a Lifetime membership for $150.00.

If you are interested, you can either join through the donation button and then send your name, address, email address and phone number to [email protected], or send your name and contact information and membership contribution to Friends of Short Springs, PO Box 1326, Tullahoma, TN 37388.

Your support of this amazing natural resource here in southern Middle Tennessee is much appreciated.

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02/12/2026

Hi Friends. We have some exciting news about Short Springs. The Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) has graciously donated to the State of Tennessee, 8 acres of land adjacent to Short Springs Natural Area along Bobo Creek. The donation by TUA was approved by the Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Alderman.

This land contains a rare fish species known as Barrens Topminnow, as well as several rare plant species. A big thank you to TUA for your most generous contribution of this property which will add to the preservation of this unique natural resource.

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11/19/2025

Your Friends' admin is a bit tardy with this post.

On Saturday, November 8, the Friends of Short Springs hosted a workday at Short Springs State Natural Area in Tullahoma. Armed with work gloves, saws and loppers, 18 people from around the region contributed to the task of blocking social trails to help visitors stay on a safe path. Thanks to all who pitched in.

The Friends of Short Springs hosts 4 workdays each year. The next workday will be March 14, 2026.

Wishing all the Friends a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/03/2025

Hi Friends. This Saturday, November 8th is our workday at Short Springs State Natural Area from 8-11 am. Our tentative project is to work on covering “social trails” so hikers will stay on the “real trails.” Of course, the rangers have the prerogative to change that!

Please meet at 8 am in the Short Springs SNA parking lot, 2250 Short Springs Road, Tullahoma. Bring work gloves and water. Please register with Joan Hartvigsen, [email protected] or 931-636-2914.

See you there.

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09/26/2025

Last weekend, Friends rerouted the trail by the new bridge on Machine Falls Loop, with the oversite of Ranger Marlie and Ranger Gage. Thanks to all who joined in to help!

09/16/2025

Hey Friends. Our Work Day at Short Springs State Natural Area is this coming Saturday, September 20 from 8:00 –11:00 am. Ranger Marlie will direct us in the rerouting of the trail near the new foot bridge on the Machine Falls Loop. Some other projects related to the trails may be undertaken as well. Please meet at 8 am in the Short Springs SNA parking lot, 2250 Short Springs Road, Tullahoma. Bring work gloves and water. Please register with Joan Hartvigsen, [email protected] or 931-636-2914.

Hope to see you there.

09/09/2025

The step restoration work on the formerly eroded downward slope leading to Machine Falls and the Wildflower Loop is finished and it is fantastic! The construction is substantial yet maintains the natural aspects of the area. Most importantly, it provides a safe way for people to access the gorge.

We once again want to thank Heather Hart, Senior Specialist at TVA Natural Resource Management, Murray Gheesling, Stewardship Ecologist at the Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, and Keith Wimberley, Park Manager, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, for their support of Short Springs State Natural Area and particularly for this restoration.

As a reminder, the next Work Day for Friends of Short Springs will be September 20. More information on the specific work to be done will be forthcoming next week.