Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms

Founded in 2008, Friends of Shelby is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, and promotion of Shelby Park and Bottoms for everyone to appreciate and protect. Friends of Shelby works to protect the natural and historical integrity of the park by supporting recreational activities, maintaining and enhancing park features, promoting programs that inspire appreciation and conservation, and advocating for a level playing field for all user groups.

Friends of Shelby works to maintain the natural and historical beauty of Shelby Park and Bottoms through volunteer projects, such as trail maintenance or invasive plant removals. The organization also provides a variety of free and open to the public classes and clubs to engage the community in a shared love of the urban park. There are also many fundraising events held throughout the year such as beer gardens, concerts, and a fall race series. Lastly, we provide free nature programming to local 2nd grade classrooms whose students are most likely to experience a gap in environmental education and exposure.