JACK LYLE'S RIVER KIDS

In 2019, Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association partnered with Sierra Club ICO Nashville to launch “Jack Lyle’s River Kids,” a new multi-year program made possible by the Jack Lyle Memorial Fund. Our mission is to introduce disadvantaged inner-city youth to the wonders of nature via paddle sport.  2019 was a delightful success, and we hope to expand the program to more young people for years to come.  Here are two ways you can help:

Our partnership with Sierra Club is through “Inspiring Connections Outdoors,” a well established program offering a variety of summer youth activities.  Our volunteers will join them for water events on a local lake and two Class I streams.  We provide safe, fun experiences on the water to a diverse group of young people aged 12 to 18.   

This partnership with Sierra will be an excellent opportunity for us to learn from a fellow nonprofit group with a track record of conducting safe, successful outdoor events for youth. From this strong foundation, we hope to expand and grow in the future, and we believe our friend Jack Lyle would be very pleased. Here are two ways you can help:

Volunteer.  To participate, you must be a competent Class I paddler who’s available weekdays in the Nashville area for five events between late May and late July (see calendar for specific dates). In return for your service, you’ll receive free Sierra Club membership and training, along with the immense satisfaction of showing kids the joys of boating. Interested?  For more details, email Mary Buckner.

Donate.  The Jack Lyle Fund began with a legacy to TSRA bequeathed by Jack Lyle himself, and thanks to friends, it’s continuing to grow. But we need more. The fund must cover ongoing multi-year costs of volunteer training, equipment rentals, snacks, and other fees for getting kids on the water. We welcome any amount to support this new program. Donate online or mail. Please make your checks payable to TSRA Jack Lyle Fund, and mail them to TSRA, P.O. Box 159041, Nashville, Tennessee 37215-9041. Thank you for your generosity!