The 2011 Matching Grants Program is underway and deserving chapters are awarded funding for various projects needed to preserve, protect, and support Georgia state parks. Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic sites is offering two grant opportunities, a matching grant and a competitive grant, to Friends chapters across the state. This allows for chapters to directly collaborate with their parks and sites to fund projects that would not be completed otherwise or would be very difficult to complete. These projects not only directly benefit the parks, but they are projects that are designed to create a more quality experience for park guests. Last year, the Matching Grants Program awarded Little Ocmulgee State Park $5000 to repave the upper loop road of the campground. The road was in great disrepair with deteriorating asphalt and multiple potholes. The condition of the road was not only aesthetically unpleasant, but it made driving and biking difficult for visitors. With the help of their awarded grant, the Friends of Little Ocmulgee State Park was able to purchase the asphalt that they needed to make the repairs. Along with the generosity of Burke Paving Company in Broxton, Georgia who donated the labor and machinery needed for the project, the campground road was restored. It is through the generosity of donations made to the Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites as well as the active involvement of our volunteers that these grants are made available to chapters and, thereby, improving, restoring, and supporting Georgia’s state parks and historic sites. Thank you for your generous support as we strive to do our part to protect our state’s precious treasures. 
