Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation Becomes Official “Friends” Group for State Park
ECW welcomes Keith Price
In March, the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation became an official Citizens Support Organization (CSO)—or “friends” group—for Culpeper Battlefields State Park, an important step that saw the Foundation adopt as a key purpose activities to conserve, enhance, and interpret the resources of the Park. For over 20 years, the Foundation has stewarded Cedar Mountain Battlefield while hosting visitors and providing trails, tours, speakers, and living history events. The Foundation will continue those activities but will also support the state park through volunteerism, advocacy, and funding for special projects and purchases.
“Culpeper citizens and organizations like the Foundation made this park a reality,” said Drew Gruber, Park Manager. He continued, “Their continued investment is a sign we’ve earned their trust and are heading in the right direction.” To date, the state park totals 439 acres with the majority at Cedar Mountain, although hundreds more at Brandy Station are set to transfer to the commonwealth later this year. Cedar Mountain Battlefield not only offers extensive interpreted trails and a variety of programs, but the the park office—located at Cedar Mountain and the administrative hub for the growing park—is the first stop for visitors.
Foundation president Keith Price noted, “Becoming an official CSO was a major step up for our Foundation, and working with Drew and his staff opens an exciting new chapter in preserving and interpreting this historic ground.” The Foundation’s board and volunteers have worked with the park manager and staff to transform the Cedar Mountain visitor center into the park office while continuing to provide programs and exhibits. Members of the Foundation are also signing up as official state park volunteers, enabling them to staff the park office, lead tours, and conduct maintenance alongside park rangers.
For more information about upcoming programs, tours, or volunteer opportunities at Cedar Mountain visit www.cedarmountainbattlefield.com or the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation’s Facebook page.
Keith Price is the president of the Cedar Mountain Battlefield Foundation
