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2023 FWSP Online Store - Buy Stickers here!

2023 Gift Packages:

Welcome to The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks online store for 2023. Ordering online makes shopping very easy. Orders are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days via USPS.
The 2023 state park vehicle admission stickers and trail passes make great gifts. They are gifts that can be used every day, all year long, all around the state at our beautiful Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks online store uses PayPal. You can shop with or without a PayPal account. 
It's easy:  CLICK HERE TO SHOP


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2023 Gift Packages:

Welcome to The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks online store for 2023. Ordering online makes shopping very easy. Orders are processed and shipped within 1-2 business days via USPS.
The 2023 state park vehicle admission stickers and trail passes make great gifts. They are gifts that can be used every day, all year long, all around the state at our beautiful Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks online store uses PayPal. You can shop with or without a PayPal account. 
It's easy:  CLICK HERE TO SHOP


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Explore your Wisconsin State Parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas in a new way. Each season will highlight activities you can participate in and opportunities to win prizes. Share the adventure with a selfie OR snapshot of having fun in Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, or recreation areas! With many activities to choose from, this year-round activity will be fun for the entire family!
There are a total of five WIngo cards—one for each season - Over 100 new fun ways to explore Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.



The WIngo Challenge!

Explore your Wisconsin State Parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas in a new way. Each season will highlight activities you can partic...
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FWSP depends on the generosity of donors for the funds required to carry out its mission of preserving, protecting, promoting, and enhancing Wisconsin State Parks, Trails, Forests, and Recreation Areas. 
In 2022,  through donations and the online sticker store, the Friends of Wisconsin state parks funded over $77,400 for Incentive Grants to Friends Groups. Friends' groups matched that amount and over $104,00 was provided for projects in state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
In addition, The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks purchased two accessible kayaks for over $6600 and ten bike repair stations for $20,000.  YOUR DONATIONS COUNT!
  • Monetary Donation - Download PDF (Print, fill out, and mail form)
  • Support an FWSP program
  • Stock Donations
  • Corporate Sponsor
    • ln collaboration with over 80 local Friend's chapters, we seek to enrich the park experience for the millions of people who visit each year and to ensure that millions more will be able to enjoy Wisconsin's natural treasures in the future.

    Join a local friend's group

    We also educate lawmakers and citizens on issues that impact their parks. And each year, we support local Friends groups by providing funds for education-related activities such as hiring park naturalists, developing interpretive exhibits, hosting wildlife demonstrations and outdoor skill training sessions, and improving key infrastructure in our parks. 
    We are continually seeking to grow our capacity to positively impact Wisconsin parks. If you or your business would be interested in partnering with FWSP, please contact us. 

    Patricia Loosen
    Executive Director Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    23 S. Main St.  Suite O
    Hartford, WI  53027
    patricia.loosen@fwsp.org
    608-264-8994

    Support Your Parks

    FWSP depends on the generosity of donors for the funds required to carry out its mission of preserving, protecting, promoting, and enhancing...
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    Since its inception in 1996, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has worked with state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas Friends Groups to improve state lands experience for the millions of people who visit each year and to ensure that millions more will be able to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural beauty in the future.

    Your Individual or Family membership continues to help:
    • the FWSP work to protect and enhance the natural qualities, biodiversity, and ecological integrity of our state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas (the state park system) for future generations 
    • the FWSP serves as an umbrella organization, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and local member Friends groups, and provide cost-effective service including insurance and local support for Friends groups.
    • the FWSP establish a central information base for local member Friends groups to exchange, share, and improve activities and provide training 
    • the FWSP establish endowments and/or other funds, utilizing individual, nonprofit, and corporate memberships/donations, with separate control from state park budgets to support and provide grants for local member Friends groups and state park enhancement projects 
    • the FWSP improve existing public education/interpretive programs and coordinate their distribution to all state parks.
    • the FWSP increase public awareness of the variety of Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas and support provided by local member Friends groups 
    • the FWSP actively encourages public participation/membership in state and local member Friends groups, emphasizing the accomplishments and support provided by these groups and the advantages/benefits of a state friends group and supporting, and coordinating local efforts to ensure the future of our state park.

    Corporate Sponsor/Memberships

    Contact Information
    Patricia Loosen
    Executive Director of Wisconsin State Parks
    Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    23 S. Main St. Suite O
    Hartford, WI 53027
    patricia.loosen@fwsp.org
    (608) 264-8994


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    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks are passionate about Wisconsin’s State Parks, Trails, Forests, and Recreation Areas. It's not only about today but to have the vision to be effective stewards of our public lands so future generations will be able to enjoy these outdoor resources. The mission of the FWSP is to preserve, promote, protect and enhance the Wisconsin State Park System. The board members, all volunteers, serve on various committees such as policy, outreach, membership, fundraising, and finance. At times, the responsibilities seem overwhelming, however, the benefits of being able to “make a difference” on statewide issues are extremely rewarding. The FWSP supports the work of 87 local Friends Groups around the state and the work they do at their respective recreation properties. 
    Just by being involved, you’re sure to learn more about Wisconsin state parks, all of the friends' groups that are represented by the FWSP, interact with DNR officials and community members, and much more.
    You can make a difference by being a part of a greater mission and enjoy these benefits:
    • The personal satisfaction that comes with giving of time and talent to further the mission of The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    • Community Enrichment
    • Volunteer expertise and experience
    • Personal growth and satisfaction
    • Opportunities to meet new people
    • Resumé potential
    Board members bring a vast array of skills and experiences to the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. Having board members with diverse backgrounds professionally and geographically is the strength of the organization.. Key qualities of board members are: Possessing a Passion - deep interest in the mission of the FWSP; Vision and Leadership - the ability to see the big picture and the courage to set direction to achieve the organization’s mission; Stewardship - the integrity to serve the interests of the organization as well as the citizens of the State of Wisconsin. A successful board is where the team acts and works as one.
    “Test Drive” a board position by attending a couple of quarterly meetings. Currently, these meetings are conducted via teleconferencing. This will allow you to become familiar with current board members and the organization’s operating procedures along with current projects and challenges. The FWSP would like you to consider becoming part of the team, an opportunity awaits you.

    WE WANT YOU

    Click here to express your interest

    Join the FWSP Team

    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks are passionate about Wisconsin’s State Parks, Trails, Forests, and Recreation Areas. It's not only ...
    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks mission is:
    Preserving, Promoting, Protecting, and Enhancing Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. 

    FWSP is the official umbrella organization of the Friends groups for state parks, trails, forests, and recreation areas in Wisconsin. Friends of Wisconsin State Parks supports the work of 89 local Friends chapters around the state representing over 3750 individual members and the work that they do at the park, forest, trail, or recreation areas that they are associated with.

    Our organization is made up of volunteers and people like you who have a love of our state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas and a desire to support their recreational, environmental, and economic value. Members of our organization promote the mission of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to preserve and protect our parks’ natural resources and to provide recreational opportunities for all. 

    The FWSP and the local groups work on projects and events at the state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas around the state that enhance the property and provide enjoyment for the many visitors each year. Our friends work to protect our natural resources and preserve Wisconsin's unique natural treasures for future generations.
     
     In addition, FWSP carries out its mission through these examples:

    Preserve
    FWSP sponsors the annual Work*Play*Earth Day projects around the state in April each year — volunteers and Friends members complete projects and clean up at state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.

    Protect
    FWSP advocates on state park system issues in an effort to protect Wisconsin’s beautiful state park, forest, trail, and recreation area properties. FWSP also hosts Friends Summit meetings around the state so that local Friends chapters are informed and supported in their local area.

    Promote
    FWSP funds projects and issues grants to local Friends chapters for educational programs and interpretive projects around the state at parks, forests, trails and recreation areas for visitors to enjoy. FWSP hosts an annual Photo contest to promote recreation at state park system properties.

    Enhance
    FWSP funds Tree and Flower projects at park offices and high visibility areas for the enjoyment of park visitors around the state. Friends chapters also use grant funding for projects that enhance parks, forests, and trails.

    About FWSP

    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks mission is: Preserving, Promoting, Protecting, and Enhancing Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, a...
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    Since its inception in 1996, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has worked with state park, forest, trail, and recreation area Friends Groups to improve state lands experience for the millions of people who visit each year and to ensure that millions more will be able to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural beauty in the future.
    Click the map to enlarge. (Courtesy of WI DNR)
    Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of conservation, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks was created to preserve, protect, promote and enhance Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
    Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is a non-profit umbrella organization supporting over 80+ friends groups around the state. FWSP provides technical support, sponsors events such as Work*Play*Earth Day, an annual Volunteer Jamboree, a photography contest, and Gold Seal and HERO awards. It also provides grant opportunities for state parks.

    Are you a member of a Friend's Group? The FWSP newsletter - Friend to Friend - is all about our friends. Click here to sign up for the newsletter for Friends.
    • Every year friends groups provide thousands of volunteer hours to help support the mission and activities of more than 70 Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. Friends members: serve as campground hosts, visitor center hosts, naturalists, and nature center hosts, adopt a trail volunteer, and assist with other special projects at the property; 
    • raise money to purchase playground equipment, interpretive displays, signs, shelters, kiosks, educational materials, and more; 
    • organize annual park cleanups and regular trail work days;
    • plan and help with special events including Candlelight nights, Community campfires, festivals/concerts, educational programs, and other special events; 
    • provide and assist with concessions; and assist with the construction of trails, shelters and accessible cabins, birdhouses, and more.

    The Friends of FWSP

    Since its inception in 1996, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has worked with state park, forest, trail, and recreation area Friends Gr...
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    The cooperation between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) is a partnership that aims to preserve and enhance the natural resources of the state's parks and forests.

    The DNR is responsible for managing and protecting Wisconsin's natural resources, including state parks and forests. The FWSP is a non-profit organization that works to support the DNR's efforts to protect and maintain these resources.

    Together, the DNR and FWSP work to improve the quality and accessibility of state parks and forests, as well as to educate the public about the importance of these natural areas.

    However, there are certain limitations to this cooperation. The DNR is a government agency, and as such, must follow certain rules and regulations when it comes to managing natural resources. This can sometimes conflict with the goals and priorities of the FWSP, which may have different ideas about how to best protect and preserve these resources.

    Additionally, the DNR is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to the use of state parks and forests, which may sometimes conflict with the FWSP's desire to promote recreational activities in these areas.

    Overall, the cooperation between the DNR and FWSP is an important partnership that helps to preserve and enhance the natural resources of Wisconsin's state parks and forests. However, there are certain limitations to this cooperation that must be taken into consideration in order to ensure that both organizations are able to effectively fulfill their respective roles and responsibilities. 

    FWSP and WDNR Work Together

    The cooperation between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) is a partnership...
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    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is a non-profit organization that works to support and promote Wisconsin's state parks. The FWSP engages in advocacy and fundraising efforts and also works on volunteer projects and educational programs related to the state parks.
    There are a variety of issues that may face Wisconsin state parks. Some of these issues could include funding challenges, maintenance and infrastructure needs, overcrowding and resource degradation, and environmental concerns. Potential solutions to these issues could include increasing funding for state parks through public or private sources, implementing management strategies to address overcrowding and resource degradation, and working with partners to address environmental concerns and protect natural resources.
    It is important for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, the Wisconsin Legislature, and other stakeholders to work together to address these issues and find solutions that will help to preserve and enhance the state's parks for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
    Find your legislator here https://legis.wisconsin.gov/. Consider contacting members of the powerful Joint Finance Committee. Read More about our positions.

    Legislative Issues

    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is a non-profit organization that works to support and promote Wisconsin's state parks. The F...
    Contact Information
    Patricia Loossen
    Executive Director of Wisconsin State Parks
    Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    23 S. Main St. Suite O
    Hartford, WI 53027
    patricia.loosen@fwsp.org
    (608) 264-8994