GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) -- The Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will give more than $1 million to the park for programs this year.
The group said in a news release that the projects it helps support include Parks as Classrooms, which provides hands-on learning opportunities for more than 18,000 area children.
Friends also is working to meet a $2 million challenge grant for improved trail maintenance.
The organization said it received $444,000 last year in proceeds from the sale of Friends of the Smokies specialty license plates.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nation's most visited national park. It does not charge an entrance fee.
