NELSONVILLE — The Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park has announced the establishment of an endowment fund with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

The new fund serves as a permanent source of funding to advance environmental education, preservation and community involvement in Hocking Hills State Park.

The announcement comes on the heels of several recent successes led by the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park, including the re-routing of State Route 664 to improve visitor access and safety, creating a new archery range, and enhancements to safety equipment and educational resources within the parks.

“As our organization has grown, we’ve been able to successfully complete numerous projects in Hocking Hills State Park,” shared Jerry Jividen, President of the Friends of the Hocking Hills. “Creating this fund ensures we are able to engage new opportunities for growth and preservation in a place we all hope to visit and share for generations to come.”

The new endowment creates a permanent source of funding to foster partnerships between outdoor enthusiasts and Hocking Hills State Park that ensures a better place for nature education, while setting high conservation standards and raising a strong sense of responsibility for future generations. Distributions from the fund will be advised by the Friends of the Hocking Hills board and used to improve and preserve Park features.

“The investments of the Friends of the Hocking Hills have made a huge difference for visitors of the Park,” said Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. “We are honored to help them build on their success by creating a permanent fund to forever support their mission.”

If you would like to make a gift to the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park Endowment Fund, please visit www.appalachianohio.org , clicking on the “Donate Online Today” in the upper right corner of the screen, and designating the Friends of the Hocking Hills Endowment Fund. To discuss additional giving opportunities, including how your legacy can support the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park’s mission and work – through gifts of bequest, charitable remainder trust, stocks, bonds, real estate, or life insurance, please call the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio at 740.753.1111.

Visit the Friends of the Hocking Hills website at www.friendsofhockinghills.org where you can learn more about the organization, the parks they serve, and how to become a member.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio with the mission of enriching the region’s current and future quality of life. A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Foundation attracts contributions for programs and endowment, makes grants for charitable and civic purposes, and supports local efforts for positive change. For more information about FAO, call 740.753.1111 or visit www.appalachianohio.org.