Friends of Bell Smith Springs has over 150 members in 40+ states and at least six countries who are dedicated to preserving the Bell Smith Springs National Natural Landmark and other public land; educating the public about these lands; and promoting low impact recreation on these lands where appropriate.

Friends of Bell Smith Springs was formed over 25 years ago when the U. S. Forest Service announced their plans to clear cut and log over 4,000 acres in and around the Bell Smith Springs canyon. Since then this organization has led the movement to protect this rare jewel of the Shawnee National Forest. Despite the best efforts of the Forest Service and the timber industry they serve, those trees at Bell Smith Springs are still standing.

For more information about Bell Smith Springs, the threats it endures, and how you can help protect the place, please use “Bell Smith Springs” in your subject line and email bellsmithsprings@hotmail.com

During the past three+ decades whenever donations were offered to Friends of Bell Smith Springs, we generally declined that generosity. We operated strictly out of our own pockets (except for a couple of supporters who refused to take “No thank you” for an answer). Now, however, we have reached that point in life where we no longer have pockets. In order to support our work for the Shawnee National Park & Climate Preserve, please donate generously to us at our snail mail address. Contact via email for specifics. Thank you.