An earlier version of this story misstated the amount of money that supporters of the new ale hope to raise. It is $7,000.

On a Tennessee Brew Works beer label, a cheerful, bearded park ranger is depicted, advertising the fast-growing brewery's latest beer: State Park Blonde Ale.

The new beer is the result of a partnership that includes one local brewery, several statewide distributors, a grocery giant and a new nonprofit, each with a common interest of supporting the state's 56 parks.

Tennessee Brew Works will dedicate 50 cents to the Tennessee State Park Conservancy for every case of State Park Blonde Ale sold. The wholesalers will donate a minimum amount each year, or 50 cents a case, whichever is higher, and Kroger has contributed shelf space and signage. The conservancy will dedicate funding to preserving and protecting the parks.

“We are trying to bring awareness to the conservancy,” Tennessee Brew Works founder Christian Spears said. “Craft beer has gotten a lot of attention in the last few years. Here is moment in time and we have a little bit of clout and we want to use it for something we believe in. The beer is what we have. That’s our clout. That’s our ability to move the needle.”

The Tennessee State Park Conservancy was created in 2016 to help businesses and individuals contribute to causes within the park system they cared about, said Brock Hill, deputy commissioner for Tennessee State Parks and Recreation. While there are groups that raise funds for specific parks, there was not a system-wide organization for donors.

The park generates revenue through campground and cabin reservations, but those sales fall short of park costs. Fifty-five percent of costs are covered through the state's budget. Tennessee is one of seven park systems that does not charge admission fees so that the parks are open for everyone to enjoy, Hill said.

"We see this conservancy as an opportunity for us to generate revenue to offset some of that cost and be less dependent on the tax-paying public," Hill said. "There is clearly a lot of love for park systems and we want to to put together a situation where people who choose to do so can make contributions to our park system to make it better and sustain what we do in the long term."

The conservancy focuses on wellness and health, education and supporting natural and cultural resources, and the beer contributions will go towards the natural and cultural resources.

The board could decide to spend the proceeds on protecting endangered species, improving trails, protecting against invasive species or planting native trees, flowers and grasses, Hill said. It may focus on specific project.

The conservancy had been discussing developing a product, such as coffee or beer, to help market the nonprofit, Hill said. A group of conservancy leaders met Tennessee Brew Works staff when they were selling beer at the Nashville Farmers Market. Many of the brewery staff members are regular park users, Spears said, and they began discussing a partnership.

"It seemed like a perfect marriage, or the words I've used are, the perfect pairing because we have the same enthusiasm and messaging," Hill said.

Participating distributors include DET Distributing in Nashville, L&H Distributing of Tullahoma, Carter Distributing in Chattanooga, Eagle Distributing in Knoxville, A.S. Barboro of Memphis and Ajax Distributing in Clarksville.

When Kroger learned of the effort, the grocery chained joined, selling the beer line in 15 local stores, as of August. Together they hope to raise $7,000 in the first year, Spears said.

“We had this local partnership turn into something much bigger,” Spears said. “Now all of a sudden it went from bringing a little bit of awareness and money to the conservancy to having a lot more potential.”

Randy Hedgepath is the state naturalist featured on the State Park Blonde Ale label, He has served the state parks for 34 years as a ranger and naturalist, giving guided walks focused on plants and animals. He said it was "awkward" at times when he has been recognized in public for his label presence, but he is happy to take on the marketing role.

"I'm really happy a private business wants to support our parks," said Hedgepath. "I'm glad to represent state parks, and I don't mind being recognized to support our parks."

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGee_.