History
Over the last several years, citizens of our nation have joined together to form more than 140 “Friends” groups to support specific national parks. By 1995, Lori Palmer and her husband Russ Jewert had been visiting Big Bend National Park for over 20 years. Having heard of other Friends groups, they decided to join one for Big Bend; however they discovered that no such group existed.
After they met with park staff in February 1996, the wheels were put in motion to form a group. Other park enthusiasts joined the effort and provided early leadership. The National Park Foundation provided a $2500 seed grant to cover startup costs. A steering committee formed and met in July to create a mission statement, shape the new organization, and establish the founding board of directors. Within months, the group was incorporated and had a 501-c-3 tax status from the IRS. The Wray Trust provided an additional startup funding, a membership brochure was produced, and the first “Friends” started signing up!
In early 1997, founding board member Jack Lamkin initiated a successful effort to seek legislative approval of a special designed license plate to benefit Big Bend National Park. Thousands of Texans have supported Big Bend through their purchase of both car and motorcycle license plates.
To date, Friends of Big Bend National Park has raised over $750,000 for the park.