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In Recognition of Our Supporters

The Cookeville Food Forest is a living gift—built by many hands, many hearts, and the generosity of a community that believes in planting hope for the next generation. This page honors the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose support makes this work possible. From sponsoring a guild, stand, or special installation to giving annually as a Friend of the Forest at the $100, $250, $1,000, or $5,000 levels, every contribution strengthens our roots and expands what we can offer to Cookeville.

 

We are deeply grateful for our volunteers and partners whose time, expertise, and energy have shaped this project from the very beginning. Their dedication is recognized below with our heartfelt thanks.

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(Under construction.)

Guilds and Stands

Guild Sponsors

(Combined gifts over $25,000)

(Guilds may be named by the donor with some restriction)

Stand Sponsors

(Combined gifts over $10,000)

("in honor of" or "in memory of" recognition, corporate name)

Guild name

Contact Info

sponsor spot

names

Guild 2

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Guild 3

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Guild 4

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Guild 5

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Guild 6

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Guild 7

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Guild 8

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Guild 9

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Guild 10

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Stand 1

Pecan

Stand 2

Burr Oak

Stand 3

Hickory

Stand 4

Persimmon

Stand 5

Chestnut

Stand 6

Paw-Paw Patch

Stand 7

Plum

Stand 8

Pear

Stand 9

Apple

Stand 10

Cherry

Special Installation Benefactors
 

Corporations and Estates have the option of sponsoring large projects within the forest property that may otherwise be out of reach. Some of these are long-term goals made possible only by future grants or legacy giving. Cherry Grove Venue , Lavender Path, Grape Arbor Path, Meadow/Glade, Blueberry Maze - Children's Woods, Stump-Jump - Children's Woods, Hobbit Hole - Children's Woods, Sugar Shack, Cider House, Orangerie, Sculpture/Art Installations, Apiary Project, Solar/Wind Energy Project, American Chestnut Project

(Contact us for Project Details)

Annual Gift Recognition

2025

Oak Tree

($5,000 +)

TN Urban & Community Forest Program

Fruit Tree

($1,000)

x

Hedge

($500)

Justin Hunger

Mike & Sid Leply

Forest Friend

($100)

x

Fundraising Sponsors

2026 

Race Sponsors:

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Forest-to-Table Sponsors:

This project is made possible by....

  • Rick Woods - Cookeville Department of Leisure Services

  • Ashley Kite-Rowland - TN Urban and Community Forest Program

  • Sid Bundy Lepley - Executive Director of the Friends of the Cookeville Food Forest

​With special thanks to...

  • Cookeville Leisure Services - Chad McDonald, Zach Sommers, & Michael Clark

  • Cookeville Tree Board - Guy Zimmerman & Jamie Nunan

  • Friends of the Tennessee Central Trail - Mike Lepley

  • IMPACT Cookeville - Jasen Knight & Dr. Lisa Zagumny

  • GFWC Cookeville Jr. Woman's Club

  • Putnam County Master Gardeners - Kellie Garrett & Ellen Casey

  • Putnam County Schools - Coordinated School Health - Oscar Upchurch

  • TN Tech University Archives - Megan Atkinson

  • TN Tech University Center for Rural Innovation

  • TN Tech University College of Business

  • TN Tech University School of Agriculture 

  • Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Chase Coakley

  • UT Extension - Wayne Key

  • West Side Grocery - Luke Yoder

 
We are deeply grateful for the generous funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program. This grant, in partnership with the GFWC Cookeville Jr. Woman's Club, is instrumental in making the Cookeville Food Forest and Foraging Path a reality. With your support, we are creating the largest public food forest in the United States, which will serve as a sustainable source of fresh, free food, workforce development, and community education, while addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity.
This project is a collaborative effort with the City of Cookeville, its Leisure Services Department, the City Arborist, and the Tree Board, and represents a shared vision for a healthier, more resilient community. Thank you for believing in our mission and enabling this transformative initiative.
 

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