The FWSP online sticker store is open for the purchase of 2024 Wisconsin state park stickers and trail passes! We also offer special items for all.

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Photo Contest

/ February 20, 2024


2024 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Photo Contest & 2025 State Parks Calendar

The 2024 FWSP Photo Contest ends on Labor Day – Sept. 2, 2024 at midnight

Click for the entry form

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) invites all interested individuals to enter their favorite state park, forest, trail, or recreation area photo in our annual photography competition. Winners will be featured in the 2025 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Calendar, released December 2024.
There are so many opportunities to enjoy the Wisconsin state parks during all four seasons. We are looking for photo entries that include beautiful scenery along with people recreating and enjoying activities like hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, kayaking/canoeing, horseback riding, biking, and exploring.

WHO MAY ENTER:
Submissions are accepted from amateur photographers ages 14 and over. Professional photographers who earn more than half of their income taking pictures are not eligible. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks board members will determine winners’ eligibility. Employees of the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources and board members of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.

WHAT TO ENTER:
  • Photos must be submitted in high resolution (at least 300 DPI). 
  • Photographs must have been shot within the past three years.
  • Photographs must portray a specific Wisconsin State Park, Forest, or Trail and cannot include illegal activities (i.e. camping in an unauthorized area). We are looking for photos that show scenes from the parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. Wildlife photos will not score as high as people enjoying activity submissions.
  • Cropped photos are eligible, horizontal images are preferred. Photos that appear unnatural will not be considered.
  • An entrant must hold all rights to a photograph. For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject and include this with the submission.
  • Photographs previously published or pending publication, or photos that violate or infringe upon another person’s copyright, are not eligible.
  • You may submit one photograph per season and up to 4 total entries. We do not accept more than one contestant per email address.
BY ENTERING A PHOTO YOU ARE VERIFYING:
• The image is your own;
• The photo has not been altered beyond standard optimization;
• The photo is not subject to any third-party agreements;
• And no laws were violated in obtaining the photo.

Photos should accurately reflect the original image. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (cropping, color, contrast, etc.) will be disqualified. This includes the digital addition or deletion of objects in the photos. Photo eligibility is the sole discretion of the contest judges. Photos may originate in any form but must be submitted electronically. A high-resolution image must be submitted. If a high-resolution photo cannot be provided, the entry will be disqualified. Photos may also be watermarked if desired when uploaded to the contest page, however: the watermark should be inconspicuous enough not to interfere with the judging of the photo, and a clean, watermark-free
 a version of the photo must be available at FWSP’s request. If a watermark-free version cannot be provided, the entry will be disqualified. Please do not include photographs that display identifiable people.

HOW TO ENTER:
Internet access is required to participate in the contest. Participants must review the full rules
before entering any photos. Photos must be submitted electronically via the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks website FWSP.org. There is no entry fee to participate. No more than four(4) photos may be entered by any one person. See the website FWSP.org for instructions.
To submit your photos go to FWSP.org
  1. Visit FWSP.org and click on the photo contest page.
  2. Follow the instructions on the contest page.
All photos uploaded to the FWSP contest page should have:
  1. The season. (Spring, Summer, Fall, and winter)
  2. The state park, forest, or trail name where the photo was taken.
  3. Name of Photographer. (first and last)
  4. Photographer’s Address. (Street, City, ZIP)
  5. Phone #.
  6. Email Address.
  7. Friends group affiliation, if any.
This information will be required to submit the photos at the FWSP.org Contest Page. This information is needed so that FWSP can, 
  1. properly credit contest photos when utilized in promotional media, and
  2. notify winners.



JUDGING:
FWSP will review each photograph received and will accept only those entries that meet the official requirements outlined in these rules. A panel of FWSP board members and staff will review accepted entries and select the winning photos. Selected photos are not official winners until high-resolution, watermark-free versions are provided to FWSP. If such a version cannot be provided, an alternate winner will be selected. The decisions of FWSP and the contest judges are final.
WINNERS:
Winners will be notified in September 2024. Winning photos will appear in the 2025 FWSP calendar,
tentatively set to be released in December 2024.
YOUR RIGHTS:
By participating in the contest, you hereby grant FWSP unlimited, non-exclusive, irrevocable
permission to publish and reproduce your image in media including but not limited to the website,
and promotional materials into perpetuity. You retain all other applicable ownership rights to the
photo. FWSP agrees to properly credit photographers whenever their photos are used. FWSP reserves
the right to exclude any photo from the contest.

Patricia Loosen
Executive Director Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
patricia.loosen@fwsp.org
608-294-0810





2024 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Photo Contest & 2025 State Parks Calendar

The 2024 FWSP Photo Contest ends on Labor Day – Sept. 2, 2024 at midnight

Click for the entry form

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) invites all interested individuals to enter their favorite state park, forest, trail, or recreation area photo in our annual photography competition. Winners will be featured in the 2025 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Calendar, released December 2024.
There are so many opportunities to enjoy the Wisconsin state parks during all four seasons. We are looking for photo entries that include beautiful scenery along with people recreating and enjoying activities like hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, kayaking/canoeing, horseback riding, biking, and exploring.

WHO MAY ENTER:
Submissions are accepted from amateur photographers ages 14 and over. Professional photographers who earn more than half of their income taking pictures are not eligible. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks board members will determine winners’ eligibility. Employees of the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources and board members of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.

WHAT TO ENTER:
  • Photos must be submitted in high resolution (at least 300 DPI). 
  • Photographs must have been shot within the past three years.
  • Photographs must portray a specific Wisconsin State Park, Forest, or Trail and cannot include illegal activities (i.e. camping in an unauthorized area). We are looking for photos that show scenes from the parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. Wildlife photos will not score as high as people enjoying activity submissions.
  • Cropped photos are eligible, horizontal images are preferred. Photos that appear unnatural will not be considered.
  • An entrant must hold all rights to a photograph. For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject and include this with the submission.
  • Photographs previously published or pending publication, or photos that violate or infringe upon another person’s copyright, are not eligible.
  • You may submit one photograph per season and up to 4 total entries. We do not accept more than one contestant per email address.
BY ENTERING A PHOTO YOU ARE VERIFYING:
• The image is your own;
• The photo has not been altered beyond standard optimization;
• The photo is not subject to any third-party agreements;
• And no laws were violated in obtaining the photo.

Photos should accurately reflect the original image. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (cropping, color, contrast, etc.) will be disqualified. This includes the digital addition or deletion of objects in the photos. Photo eligibility is the sole discretion of the contest judges. Photos may originate in any form but must be submitted electronically. A high-resolution image must be submitted. If a high-resolution photo cannot be provided, the entry will be disqualified. Photos may also be watermarked if desired when uploaded to the contest page, however: the watermark should be inconspicuous enough not to interfere with the judging of the photo, and a clean, watermark-free
 a version of the photo must be available at FWSP’s request. If a watermark-free version cannot be provided, the entry will be disqualified. Please do not include photographs that display identifiable people.

HOW TO ENTER:
Internet access is required to participate in the contest. Participants must review the full rules
before entering any photos. Photos must be submitted electronically via the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks website FWSP.org. There is no entry fee to participate. No more than four(4) photos may be entered by any one person. See the website FWSP.org for instructions.
To submit your photos go to FWSP.org
  1. Visit FWSP.org and click on the photo contest page.
  2. Follow the instructions on the contest page.
All photos uploaded to the FWSP contest page should have:
  1. The season. (Spring, Summer, Fall, and winter)
  2. The state park, forest, or trail name where the photo was taken.
  3. Name of Photographer. (first and last)
  4. Photographer’s Address. (Street, City, ZIP)
  5. Phone #.
  6. Email Address.
  7. Friends group affiliation, if any.
This information will be required to submit the photos at the FWSP.org Contest Page. This information is needed so that FWSP can, 
  1. properly credit contest photos when utilized in promotional media, and
  2. notify winners.



JUDGING:
FWSP will review each photograph received and will accept only those entries that meet the official requirements outlined in these rules. A panel of FWSP board members and staff will review accepted entries and select the winning photos. Selected photos are not official winners until high-resolution, watermark-free versions are provided to FWSP. If such a version cannot be provided, an alternate winner will be selected. The decisions of FWSP and the contest judges are final.
WINNERS:
Winners will be notified in September 2024. Winning photos will appear in the 2025 FWSP calendar,
tentatively set to be released in December 2024.
YOUR RIGHTS:
By participating in the contest, you hereby grant FWSP unlimited, non-exclusive, irrevocable
permission to publish and reproduce your image in media including but not limited to the website,
and promotional materials into perpetuity. You retain all other applicable ownership rights to the
photo. FWSP agrees to properly credit photographers whenever their photos are used. FWSP reserves
the right to exclude any photo from the contest.

Patricia Loosen
Executive Director Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
patricia.loosen@fwsp.org
608-294-0810



Continue Reading
All applications must be completed online using the online form and received on or before April 7, 2024.
Grant awards will be announced in early May 2024


General Information:
2024 Incentive Grants: Wisconsin State Park system Friends groups are invited to apply for up to $3,500 for 2024 Incentive Grant funding with an equal amount or more in Friends match. 

 The 2024 Incentive Grant application materials must be received on or before April 7, 2024.  


There is $80,000 available in grant funds for 2024 projects. Depending on the number of applicants, there may be competition for available funds and an application ranking system will be used. See the 2024 Incentive Grant Guidelines for application details and ranking information.

Examples of 2024 Priority projects could include seasonal naturalist wages, funding of naturalist and outdoor education programs and supplies, interpretive exhibits, or displays or signage.

Please make sure that you discuss your project with your property manager/superintendent and their signature is required on the application.

Projects that receive grant funding will be required to provide recognition and signage as appropriate for the funding provided by FWSP. A complete project close-out report is due by Nov. 1, 2024 - with no exceptions.

For any questions, please email: Patricia.Loosen@fwsp.org or call FWSP: at 608-294-0810

2024 Incentive Grant applications must be received by: April 7, 2024

Incentive Grant 2024

by on February 20, 2024
Guidelines Online Application All applications must be completed online using the online form and  received on or before April 7, 2024. Gran...



2024
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 2024 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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Individual Membership (Calendar Year) $25.00

Family Membership (Calendar Year)  $35.00 

Friend's Group Membership/Renewal

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.
  • the FWSP establishes a central information base for local member Friends groups to exchange, share, and improve activities and provide training 
  • the FWSP establishes 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 increases 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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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 2023 FWSP funded $83,000 in project requests and the local Friends groups added over $141,000 for a total of $224,000 in state park system improvements and Naturalist program funding.
In addition,  in 2022, 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)
  • Memorial Donation
  • 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

    by on January 04, 2024
    FWSP depends on the generosity of donors for the funds required to carry out its mission of preserving, protecting, promoting, and enhancing...

    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

    by on January 03, 2024
    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 (FWSP) has shown their commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and access to state parks with a recent donation o
    f $10,000 to a new program that allows residents to check out a state park at their local Wisconsin library.

    Starting this spring, over 75 libraries across the state will participate in the program, offering visitors the chance to experience Wisconsin's natural beauty and state parks. The program works by allowing library patrons to check out a day-use pass for a state park, just like they would a book.

    According to FWSP Executive Director, Patricia Loosen, "We are thrilled to support this innovative program that makes it easier for families and individuals to enjoy our beautiful state parks. By bringing the parks to local libraries, we hope to inspire more people to get outside, connect with nature, and explore the beauty of Wisconsin."

    The new program is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Library Association, and local libraries. The FWSP's generous donation will go toward purchasing the necessary equipment and materials, such as park passes and informational brochures, to make the program a success.

    This is just the latest effort by the FWSP to support and enhance the Wisconsin state park system. The organization's mission is to promote and preserve state parks and to ensure they remain accessible and affordable for future generations.

    So mark your calendars, Wisconsin residents! Get ready to check out a state park at your local library and experience all that Wisconsin has to offer.


    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) is a nonprofit organization that acts as an umbrella group for 44 local Friends chapters around the state. These chapters, with over 4,258 individual members, work tirelessly to preserve, protect, promote, and enhance Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.

    Members of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks:

    • Volunteer their time and skills: In 2021 alone, they contributed over 21,348 hours to various projects and events.
    • Raise funds: They organize events, sell merchandise, and accept donations to support the parks and trails they love. In 2023 The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks provided $82,839 to Friends groups through Matching Incentive Grants.  Incentive Grants Friends groups provided $141,764 in matching funds for a total of $224,603.
    • Advocate for conservation: They speak up for the importance of protecting Wisconsin's natural heritage.
    • Educate the public: They host workshops, through incentive grants to support park naturalists who provide guided hikes and nature activities to teach people about the value of our parks and forests.

    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks does indeed seek donations to support their vital work. These donations help fund a variety of projects, such as:

    • Trail maintenance and restoration
    • Habitat improvement projects
    • Educational programs
    • Purchasing essential equipment

    The goals of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks are:

    • To ensure that Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas are well-maintained and accessible to everyone.
    • To educate the public about the importance of conservation and responsible recreation.
    • To inspire future generations to care for our natural heritage.

    The future of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is bright! As the need for conservation grows, so does the importance of our work. With the dedication of our members and supporters, we will continue to play a vital role in protecting Wisconsin's natural treasures for generations to come.




    About FWSP

    by on January 03, 2024
    The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) is a nonprofit organization that acts as an umbrella group for 44 local Friends chapters arou...
    Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
    Patricia Loosen
    Executive Director
    23 S. Main Street Suite O
    Hartford, WI 53027
    Patricia.Loosen@fwsp.org
    608-294-0810