Friends of Warner Parks

What Friends of Warner Parks does

Friends of Warner Parks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 62-1333658) founded in 1987 to preserve, protect, and steward Percy and Edwin Warner Parks in Nashville, Tennessee. Operating in a public-private partnership with Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation, the organization manages and funds operations across 3,195 acres of parkland containing 60+ miles of trails, serving 733,425 annual visitors. Its programmatic portfolio includes the B.I.R.D. Program (avian research with the oldest Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Project in the U.S. since 1936 and the longest-running MAPS banding station in Tennessee since 1991), the Nature Discovery Program (serving 1,000+ youth annually across 22+ Metro Parks Community Centers), the SWEAT workforce development initiative, and the Warner Park Nature Center (hosting 10,000+ school field trips annually). Summer camps for ages 5-15, historic preservation of WPA-era structures, and a seven-year invasive species eradication plan (683 acres, targeting 2027 completion) round out the operational footprint.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit funding stack rather than a product-revenue engine. Revenue streams include individual donations, an annual membership program (600+ members) with tiered retail benefits, a corporate partnership program with three named tiers ($10,000, $15,000, $25,000) anchored by Nashville Fortune 500 sponsors (Amazon, Nissan, HCA Healthcare, Bank of America, Bridgestone, Pinnacle Financial), planned giving through the Edwin Warner Bass Legacy Society, Tree Trust dedications ($1,500 per tree, $50 per 10 seedlings), and summer camp fees ($200-$400 per session). A $15 million "It's My Nature" Capital Campaign funds large-scale restoration and land acquisition, including the prior $15 million raised to acquire the 500-acre Burch Reserve and Hill Forest. The organization is led by President Jenny Hannon with a 14-person staff and a board chaired by Brad Blevins. Technology infrastructure is limited to standard nonprofit tooling: a Qgiv donation platform, Shopify gift shop, website, and social media channels.

Name

Friends of Warner Parks

Legal name

Friends of Warner Parks, Inc.

Website

https://warnerparks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Friends of Warner Parks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 that preserves and funds operations for Nashville's 3,195-acre Percy and Edwin Warner Parks through donations, memberships, corporate sponsorships, and educational programs serving 733,000+ annual visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations solicited through the website and direct outreach to support park preservation, restoration projects, and conservation initiatives.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership donations providing benefits including retailer discounts, event invitations, and merchandise discounts.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships at three tiers ($25,000, $15,000, $10,000) providing recognition, event tickets, volunteer days, and corporate team-building activities.
4. Planned Giving: Legacy giving through bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts, and gift annuities for the Edwin Warner Bass Legacy Society.
5. Tree Trust Program: Dedications at $1,500 per tree with plaque, and $50 for 10 native seedlings for conservation planting.
6. Summer Camps: Nature camps for youth ages 5-15 at $200-$400 per week session.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Friends of Warner Parks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds, manages, and delivers conservation, environmental education, wildlife research, historic preservation, and recreational programming for Percy and Edwin Warner Parks in Nashville. Its offerings span the B.I.R.D. avian research program, Nature Discovery youth education, summer naturalist camps, trail maintenance and invasive plant eradication, historic WPA-era structure restoration, and the Warner Park Nature Center educational facility, supported by donations, memberships, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving.

Product overview

Friends of Warner Parks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 62-1333658) dedicated to preserving, stewarding, and protecting Percy and Edwin Warner Parks in Nashville, Tennessee. The organization operates a collection of interconnected programs rather than a unified technology product. Core offerings include the B.I.R.D. Program for avian research, the Nature Discovery Program for youth education, the SWEAT workforce training initiative, and the Warner Park Nature Center as an educational hub. Additional programs encompass summer naturalist camps, the Young Friends community group, historic site preservation, trail maintenance, and invasive plant control. These programs work in coordination with Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation to manage 3,195 acres of parkland serving 733,425 annual visitors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• B.I.R.D. Program (Bird Information Research and Data) A comprehensive avian research and conservation program that manages year-round bird banding stations, conducts migration and breeding research including MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) and Motus radio telemetry, and engages in community education about birds and their habitats.
• Nature Discovery Program An environmental education initiative that provides outdoor experiences for Metro Parks Community Center youth, including after-school programs, summer camps, and fall activities that serve more than 1,000 youth annually.
• SWEAT (Special Work, Education and Trails) Program A workforce development program where team members maintain Warner Parks' trails, gardens, and facilities while receiving environmental education training.
• Warner Park Nature Center Nashville's primary outdoor education laboratory offering field trips, scout programs, research activities, and public programs for 10,000+ annual visitors.
• Summer Naturalist Camps Week-long summer camps for youth ages 5-15 offering half-day and full-day options with nature exploration, hiking, kayaking, and bird research activities.
• Young Friends of Warner Parks A community group for young adults in their 20s and 30s that organizes hikes, social events, and fundraisers to support park preservation.
• Historic Site Preservation Services Restoration and maintenance of historic WPA-era stonework, gates, picnic shelters, and the iconic Allée steps, including projects funded through the $15 million It's My Nature Capital Campaign.
• Trail Maintenance and Preservation Maintenance of 60+ miles of trails including hiking, biking, and equestrian paths, with invasive plant control and natural drainage restoration.
• Invasive Plant Control Program Comprehensive eradication program targeting invasive species across Warner Parks' forested land, with a goal of complete eradication by 2027.
• Corporate Partnership Sponsorship Program Tiered annual corporate sponsorship program offering recognition, event tickets, volunteer days, and team-building activities at $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000 levels.
• Annual Membership Program Annual membership program providing recurring donations with benefits including retailer discounts, event invitations, and merchandise discounts.
• Tree Trust Dedication Program Tribute and conservation program offering tree dedications at $1,500 per tree (with species selection, 3-year watering, 5-year guarantee, and plaque with inscription) or 10 native seedlings for $50 to support conservation planting and protective buffers for waterways.
• Edwin Warner Bass Legacy Society (Planned Giving) Legacy and planned giving program offering bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts, and gift annuities for the Edwin Warner Bass Legacy Society.
• Warner Parks Gift Shop Online merchandise store offering Full Moon Pickin' Party merchandise, Warner Parks branded apparel, and commemorative items.

Quantifiable outcome

• 683 acres of invasive plants eradicated with goal of complete eradication by 2027
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cumberland River CompactcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership launched fall 2021 for restoration of the Little Harpeth River Watershed in Edwin Warner Park, including relocation of picnic shelters and streambank restoration completed in 2023.
• Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary public-private partnership where Metro Parks maintains ownership and operational jurisdiction of Warner Parks while Friends of Warner Parks funds trail maintenance, invasive plant control, supports Nature Center staff and programs, and fundraises for park needs.
• Invasive Plant Control Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted for comprehensive invasive plant removal across Warner Parks as part of a seven-year eradication plan targeting 683+ acres of bush honeysuckle, privet, ailanthus, and euonymus.
• Institute for Bird PopulationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) banding station, the oldest in Tennessee, focusing on understanding breeding bird populations and climate impacts since 1991.
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources AgencyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative wildlife research and habitat management at local and regional levels.
• Nashville Urban Bird TreatyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership for creating bird-friendly urban environments in Nashville through advocacy and education initiatives.
• Bird Safe NashvilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to reduce bird collisions and promote bird-safe practices in Nashville's built environment.
• Tennessee Bluebird SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupport for Eastern Bluebird conservation and monitoring efforts.
• Purple Martin Conservation AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration for Purple Martin nesting and migration studies, including radio-tagging nestlings.
• The Nature Conservancy of TennesseeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional conservation collaboration for habitat protection and biodiversity.
• Tennessee Ornithological SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeasonal citizen science bird counts and population trend assessment.
• Cumberland-Harpeth Audubon SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBird conservation and education collaboration.
• Motus Collaborative Research NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationCutting-edge radio telemetry network launched 2020 using two automated receiver stations in Warner Parks to track radio-tagged animals including five thrush species and Purple Martins.
• Cornell Lab of OrnithologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Project FeederWatch citizen science program and eBird data submission.
• Piedmont Natural GasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Nature Discovery Program supporting youth outdoor education.
• SwiftwickminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Nature Discovery Program supporting youth outdoor education.
• Enterprise SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Nature Discovery Program supporting youth outdoor education.
• Advance FinancialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Nature Discovery Program supporting youth outdoor education.
• Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages and maintains 8 miles of mountain biking trails built with Metro Parks funding at both Percy Warner Golf Course and Deep Well trailheads.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner at Park Supporter level providing general park support.
• Pinnacle Financial PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.
• NissanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.
• HCA HealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.
• BridgestoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.
• Predators (NHL Hockey Team)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing general park support.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Friends of the High Line: Nonprofit that maintains and programs the High Line elevated park in New York City in partnership with NYC Parks. Highly comparable urban park conservancy model combining public-private partnership, donor funding, volunteer programs, and educational programming.
• Appalachian Mountain Club: Northeast-based nonprofit that maintains trails, preserves backcountry lands, and runs outdoor education programs. Comparable conservation nonprofit with trail stewardship, volunteer-driven maintenance, citizen science, and youth outdoor education programming.
• Central Park Conservancy: Nonprofit conservancy that manages New York City's 843-acre Central Park through a public-private partnership with NYC Parks. Directly comparable to Friends of Warner Parks as an urban park conservancy that funds maintenance, restoration, and education programs for a major municipal park.
• The Trustees of Reservations: Massachusetts-based nonprofit that preserves and operates over 100 historic properties, natural areas, and working landscapes. Directly comparable as a nonprofit land trust and conservation operator that runs public-facing nature preserves with educational programming and donor-supported stewardship.

Regional players

• Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Nashville-based nonprofit cultural institution featuring botanical gardens, art exhibitions, and nature programming on a 55-acre estate. Operates in the same Nashville market with overlapping donor base, education programming, and conservation mission, making it a strong regional peer.
• Nashville Zoo: Nashville-based nonprofit zoological park that operates as a 501(c)(3) conservation organization with education programs and wildlife research. Comparable in regional market overlap, nonprofit structure, education mission, and reliance on memberships and corporate partnerships.
• Radnor Lake State Park (Friends of Radnor Lake): Tennessee-based nonprofit supporting Radnor Lake State Park near Nashville through fundraising and volunteer programs. Direct regional comparable as a Tennessee park-support nonprofit with volunteer-driven conservation, wildlife research, and education programming.

Broad incumbents

• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that creates parks and protects land for people, working across hundreds of U.S. communities. Comparable mission around urban park preservation and conservation land acquisition, though it operates more broadly as a national organization rather than managing a single park.
• Sierra Club: National grassroots environmental organization with active Tennessee chapters focused on conservation advocacy, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. Comparable as a large conservation nonprofit, though operates primarily through advocacy rather than direct park management.
• The Nature Conservancy: Largest global environmental nonprofit focused on land and water conservation. Operates at a much larger scale than Friends of Warner Parks but shares the conservation, biodiversity protection, and donor-supported land stewardship model, including a Tennessee chapter partnership.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WarnerParksTN
• Facebookfacebook.com/FriendsofWP
• Instagraminstagram.com/friendsofwarnerparks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Friends of Warner Parks