Look, we get it—$10 on 10/10 isn’t exactly a centuries-old tradition. We’re the first to admit that this “holiday” is totally new, totally playful, and, yes, totally invented by us. But here’s the thing: sometimes you need a little fun, a little creativity, and a little nudge to do something amazing. And giving $10 on October 10 is an easy, simple way to make a real impact on the park you know and love.

A little adds up.
Shelby Farms Park  is fueled by generosity. When park goers are givers they keep the park thriving. Shelby Farms Park is truly what you make it! When thousands of park lovers like you pitch in with just $10, it adds up fast! Suddenly, what started as a small donation becomes a BIG win for Shelby Farms Park—and for everyone who visits.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor, a dog park regular, or just someone who loves knowing there’s a beautiful green space in the heart of your community, $10 on 10/10 is your chance to be part of something bigger. Give today!

As you stroll through the Outback Dog Park at Shelby Farms Park, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite spot for dog lovers, families, and photographers alike. With wide-open fields and picturesque landscapes, the park offers the perfect backdrop for playful afternoons and memorable snapshots. However, if you've visited during the simmering heat of this summer, you might have noticed a crucial missing element—shade.

Our team at Shelby Farms Park has recognized the need to enhance the comfort of our two- and four-legged visitors alike during the steamy summer months. That’s why we're excited to introduce our latest enhancement project: Paws for Shade. Our goal is to line the trail with leafy trees, providing much-needed shelter without compromising the area's scenic beauty.

While the water areas, splash baths, and lakes—generously sponsored by our partners at Jim Keras Subaru—offer some relief from the heat, the need for more shelter from the sun is undeniable. Visitors have shared that the lack of shade limits the time they can comfortably spend enjoying the park, especially during peak sun hours. By planting trees, we aim to make the park a cooler, more enjoyable space for everyone throughout the summer.

 

How You Can Help
We’re calling on our community of dog park lovers to support this green initiative. By donating to Paws for Shade, you can help support the planting of new trees that will grow to offer shelter and beauty in the years to come. Your support will ensure that the Outback remains a delightful retreat for everyone, no matter the weather.

Your donation supports the planting of Red Maple trees in the dog park and within the trail loop. Red Maple is one of the best named of all trees, featuring something red in each of the seasons—buds in winter, flowers in spring, leafstalks in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn. This pageant of color, along with the red maple's relatively fast growth makes it a true favorite. 

DETAILS TBD

Join us in making Shelby Farms Park Outback Off-Leash Dog Park even better—donate today and be part of a legacy that provides shade, comfort, and enhanced beauty to one of our favorite spots. Together, we can make every step cool and enjoyable for everyone who sets foot (or paws) in the Outback!

The Outback Off-Leash Dog Park is generously sponsored by our partners at Jim Keras Subaru. 

 

Our 2024 Buffalo Run, presented by First Horizon Foundation, was a fantastic success, and we are bursting with gratitude for the incredible support from our community. This year’s Buffalo Run wasn’t just a race—it was a celebration of community, fitness, and the natural beauty of Shelby Farms Park.

 

Racing for a Cause

The Buffalo Run is more than just a day of running; it’s an essential event that helps us care for the expansive and vibrant Shelby Farms Park. This year, we had 310 enthusiastic participants who laced up their shoes and took to the trails. With a 5K, a 1-mile dash, and the Spirit of the Park option, there was a race for everyone, from seasoned runners to families looking for a fun day out.

Results + Highlights 

5K Overall Winners: Males

• 1st Place: Nichols Kuoni - 19:31

• 2nd Place: Thomas Tilleros - 19:52

• 3rd Place: Gavin Bolden - 20:13

5K Overall Winners: Females

• 1st Place: Marcie Cohen - 24:53

• 2nd Place: Addison Lee - 25:15

• 3rd Place: Stephanie Demill - 24:50

1 Mile Overall Winners: Males

• 1st Place: David Jones - 8:26

• 2nd Place: Oscar Cambron - 8:27

• 3rd Place: Hendrix Jackson - 9:13

1 Mile Overall Winners: Females

• 1st Place: Kaitlin Higginbotham - 8:40

• 2nd Place: Amy Ndikumana - 9:16

• 3rd Place: Graci Workman - 10:14

A special shout out to Hendrix and Graci, our youngest participants who placed

Sponsors:

• First Horizon Foundation (Presenting Sponsor)

• Campbell Clinic

• McCartney Produce

Volunteers:

• Over 50 dedicated volunteers assisted with everything from packet pickup to post-race cleanup.

Entertainment:

• Emcee: Dustin Starr

• DJ: Sherry Oke

• Performers: Grizz Girls & Claw Crew

• Activities: Giant slide obstacle course combo, Y on the Fly

• Mascot: Julien McGhee
  

Community Spirit and Support

This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers and community partners. Thanks to McCartney Produce for keeping everyone refreshed! 

Our 50+ volunteers were the backbone of this event, assisting with everything from packet pickup to post-race cleanup. Their dedication and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this event run smoothly!

Entertainment and Fun

The race day was packed with entertainment and activities for everyone. Our emcee, Dustin Starr, and DJ Sherry Oke kept the energy high, while the Grizz Girls & Claw Crew, along with the giant slide obstacle course combo and Y on the Fly, provided fun for all ages. Special thanks to Julien McGhee, our lively mascot, for adding to the fun.

Fundraising Success

Thanks to the support of our community, this year’s Buffalo Run raised close to 10K in registration revenue and over 4,000 in donations. These funds are vital for maintaining the trails, lakes, green spaces, and our iconic buffalo herd.

Looking Forward

We’re excited about the future and the many more connections and improvements we have planned for Shelby Farms Park. This event has once again proven that together, we can achieve great things and keep our park thriving for everyone to enjoy.

Thank You, Sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor, First Horizon Foundation and all our sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions help us maintain and enhance the beauty and accessibility of Shelby Farms Park. Also, a special mention to Campbell Clinic for their steadfast support, ensuring the Shelby Farms Greenline remains a beloved community asset. All of you helped make this day a success! 

Keep Running, Keep Supporting

We extend our deepest appreciation to each participant and partner who contributed to the success of the 2024 Buffalo Run. Your involvement ensures that Shelby Farms Park continues to be a vibrant and welcoming space for all.

Thank you for making this year’s Buffalo Run unforgettable. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s race!

 

Saturday, June 1 is National Trails Day! Here are five awesome ways to celebrate:

Make the Pledge! Take the pledge to be a responsible trail user by following Leave No Trace principles–minimizing your impact, respecting wildlife, and leaving the trail better than you found it. You can find the pledge at the American Hiking Society website.

Walk with Your Family. Check out Chickasaw Trail, a fantastic trail appropriate for all ages, and embark on an adventure together. Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy the scenery, and create lasting memories.

Clean Up a Trail. Show your love for the trails by giving back! It's a great way to get some exercise, meet new people, and make a positive impact on your community. You can find volunteer opportunities by keeping an eye on our volunteer page here or head to the Visitor Center to pick up supplies to clean up your favorite trail.

Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt! Turn your hike into a fun challenge! Create your own scavenger hunt or Click here download ours and see how many items you can find along the trails. It's a fun way to explore and learn more about the natural environment.

Support Your Trails with a $5 Donation! National Trails Day is a fantastic opportunity to show your appreciation for the trails we all love. This year, consider making a $5 donation to Shelby Farms Park. Every dollar counts in maintaining our 40+ miles of scenic trails and ensuring they're safe and enjoyable for everyone. Click here to contribute and celebrate National Trails Day!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. National Trails Day is a day to celebrate the outdoors, so get creative and have fun!

 

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and be part of a favorite Shelby Farms Park tradition! The Buffalo Run presented by First Horizon Foundation is back and better than ever, bringing together runners, families, and park enthusiasts for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1, 2024, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

New Date, New Adventures

This year, we’re springing into action with a new date and exciting additions to our race lineup. The Buffalo Run will feature a picturesque course through the Chickasaw Trail and Hyde Lake Trail, offering participants breathtaking views and a refreshing challenge.

Races for Everyone

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, there’s a place for you at the Buffalo Run. Choose from our 5K race, a 1-mile fun run, or let the little ones show their speed in the 100-yard dash designed especially for kids. It’s more than a race; it’s a day to celebrate health, community, and the beauty of Shelby Farms Park.

Day Full of Fun

But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! After the race, we invite you to make a day of it at the park. Enjoy live music from our DJ and bands, indulge in delicious treats from food trucks, and explore the various recreational outlets. Don’t forget the dragon boat races that are taking place shortly after the race, adding an extra splash of excitement to your day.

T-Shirt and Medal Reveal

Check out this year’s exclusive Buffalo Run T-shirts and medals—a must-have for any race memorabilia collector. These designs capture the spirit of the event and are a perfect way to remember the day you ran for the Shelby Farms Park.

The Buffalo Run presented by First Horizon Foundation is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, nature, and the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re racing, volunteering, or cheering on the runners, your participation supports Shelby Farms Park and ensures it remains a treasured space for all to enjoy. Register now, save the date, and join us in making the 2024 Buffalo Run the best one yet!

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor First Horizon Foundation for making this race possible. 

Ready to join the stampede? Register today!

For more information, email [email protected]. Let’s run, celebrate, and support the park we all love!

 

 

Shelby Farms Park welcomes a new resident! A brown pelican has been spotted enjoying the offerings of Hyde Lake. This is quite an unusual sight, considering that these birds typically migrate north along the Atlantic or Pacific coastlines during the summer and return via the same route when the seasons change. They usually nest in colonies on cliffs or islands near the sea, so spotting one near a freshwater lake inland, especially in Memphis, is a rare treat. It's the first time this species has been seen in Shelby County since 2008. There are only a handful of records of sightings in Tennessee over the past century.

Perhaps our park's pelican took a detour from the Gulf, but we're delighted that it has chosen Shelby Farms Park as its temporary abode.

What sets this particular bird apart is it's feeding behavior. The brown pelican searches for food from heights of up to 60 feet above the water, then swiftly dives, plunging into the water and resurfacing with a fish in its mouth. It then tilts its bill to drain the water, tosses its head back, and swallows its meal whole. Observing this spectacle promises to be an exciting experience for all who catch a glimpse of our feathered friend.

 

The spirit of Earth Day isn't confined to a single day; it's a daily commitment, a part of who we are at Shelby Farms Park and Greenline. From sustainable operations to community engagement, every aspect of our park reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship.

On Saturday, April 20, the park came alive with excitement as we celebrated our Annual Earth Day Festival presented by International Paper. Despite the blustery and chilly start, the enthusiasm of participants warmed the atmosphere, creating a fantastic experience for all.

 

The day kicked off with a bustling Earth Day Fun Run around Hyde Lake, presented by First Horizon Foundation, drawing a large number of runners, including many first-timers. The energy was high as participants dashed around the 2.3-mile trail, with one contestant remarking on her dedicated practice and a group of sisters joining in on the fun.

 

Blue Oval showcased their commitment to sustainability with their Lightning pickup truck on display, demonstrating that going green can be both eco-conscious and stylish.

 

As the day progressed, attendees indulged in delicious fare from food trucks, while kids bounced and played with joy on the inflatable bounce house and slide. There were tons of laughs as participants stretched it out during the popular goat yoga sessions, hosted by 901 Goats. Fitness enthusiasts found their groove in the Get Outside! Fitness classes, presented by Baptist Memorial Healthcare, offering a sneak peek into the 2024 fitness program.

Throughout the festival, more than 25 organizations engaged visitors in "booth chats," sharing their sustainability efforts and inspiring conversations about protecting our planet. Attendees were encouraged to dive deep into these interactive opportunities, discovering how small actions can make a big difference.

The day was a testament to the power of community and collaboration in fostering a greener, more sustainable Memphis. Thanks to the support of partners like International Paper, our Earth Day Festival was a resounding success, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to cherish and protect our planet.

As the sun set on another memorable Earth Day celebration, we extend our gratitude to all who participated, volunteered, and supported the event. Together, we continue to make strides towards a more sustainable future, not just on April 22, but every day.

Want more? Check out our calendar to get in on the fun at Shelby Farms Park!

At Shelby Farms Park, Earth Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's an everyday practice that shapes everything we do. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our operations, from the LEED Silver Certified design of our Visitor and Event Centers to our innovative environmental practices. We're proud to offer electric vehicle charging stations powered by solar panels, maintain our landscapes with native plants while removing invasive species, and ensure our indoor spaces are heated and cooled with a highly efficient geothermal system. In addition, our use of electric carts emphasizes our dedication to minimizing our carbon footprint.

 

This Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. join us in celebrating this amazing planet at our Earth Day Festival presented by International Paper. The festival is an invitation to explore, experience, and learn about sustainable living in Memphis with our mascot Bob the Buffalo leading the festivities.

 

Explore the Fun

The festival kicks off with a family-friendly Earth Day Fun Run presented by First Horizon Foundation around Hyde Lake at 10 a.m. — an excellent opportunity to get moving and enjoy the park's natural beauty. Kids can delight in the fun zone, featuring inflatables and a variety of yard games, while everyone can get a sneak peek at the 2024 Get Outside! Fitness program, presented by Baptist Memorial Healthcare, with free classes on the Visitor Center lawn. And what's a festival without music and food? Enjoy live DJ sets in the morning followed by live music in the afternoon, and there will be a selection of food trucks to satisfy your cravings throughout the event.

 

Connect and Learn

More than 25 organizations will be on hand for "booth chats" to discuss their sustainability efforts and missions. These interactive sessions are designed to inspire and inform, offering fun, engaging ways to learn how we can all contribute to a healthier planet. 

 

Check the schedule to ensure you don't miss these enlightening talks at the Event Stage.

 

Experience Outdoor Adventures

Don't just learn — live! With recreation activities aplenty, rent a bike, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the park's trails and lakes. It's a perfect way to connect with nature and celebrate the essence of Earth Day.

 

Highlights

Earth Day Fun Run: Lace-up for a scenic run with Bob the Buffalo. The 2.3-mile trail run is a friendly race that starts your day with energy and enthusiasm.

Goat Yoga: Stretch and relax with 901 Goats at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., blending fitness, fun, and furry friends.

Kid’s Zone: A haven of fun with inflatables, yard games, and the YMCA “Y on the Fly” activities.

Learning Stations & Booths: Dive deep into sustainability with interactive opportunities, activities, and talks.

 

Earth Day reminds us to be mindful in our daily choices and actions in preserving our planet. Thanks to the support of partners like International Paper, we're able to continue our commitment to sustainability and education. Join Shelby Farms Park for an Earth Day Festival that promises fun, learning, and community spirit. Let's cherish and protect our planet together, not just on April 22, but every day.

 

We invite you to join us, April 20th, at the Earth Day Festival at Shelby Farms Park, presented by International Paper. Our annual festival is a testament to the power of community and corporate partnership in fostering sustainability and environmental awareness. This year, as we gear up for a day of celebration, learning, and outdoor fun, we want to take a moment to highlight and thank our sponsors, whose support is pivotal in bringing this event to life.

International Paper: 

Leading the charge as our presenting sponsor, International Paper exemplifies commitment to sustainability through their extensive recycling initiatives and conservation efforts. Their dedication to reducing environmental impact while supporting communities aligns perfectly with the ethos of Earth Day.

 

First Horizon Foundation: 

As our Fun Run sponsor, First Horizon's involvement showcases their dedication to community engagement. Their active role in the Earth Day Festival amplifies a joint commitment to fostering a more sustainable, greener Memphis, emphasizing their role in championing eco-friendly progress.

 

Ducks Unlimited: 

Known for their unwavering commitment to wetland conservation, Ducks Unlimited plays a crucial role in waterfowl and wildlife habitat preservation. Their efforts ensure that natural spaces remain for future generations to enjoy.

 

Kele, Inc.: 

Kele is jumping into the Earth Day fun with us, showing off their passion for our planet and the community. It's all about making a difference, together!

 

Sylvamo: 

As a champion of sustainable forestry, Sylvamo's practices and policies reflect a deep respect for natural resources and a dedication to responsible paper production.

 

Coyote Logistics: 

With innovative solutions to streamline the supply chain, Coyote Logistics is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of logistics and transportation, making them a valuable ally in the fight against climate change.

 

Through interactive booths, engaging talks, and the shared vision of a sustainable future, our sponsors are not just financial supporters but active participants in the Earth Day narrative. We encourage everyone to learn more about their incredible work and join us in expressing gratitude for their contributions.  

 

As we come together for the Earth Day Festival, let us remember that it is through collective action and support that we can make the biggest impact. A heartfelt thank you to International Paper, Ducks Unlimited, Kele, Inc., Sylvamo, Coyote Logistics, and all our sponsors for helping make this event a reality. Your support not only enhances the festival but also propels forward our shared mission of investing in our planet.

 

So please join us on Saturday, April 20th at Shelby Farms Park to celebrate Earth Day — a day to appreciate, learn, and engage with the community and nature, powered by the spirit of our sponsors and every individual committed to a sustainable future.