This award is presented to Merrell for outstanding support of the 2021 Wisconsin Friends Challenge. Merrell's support extended to visiting many of the Wisconsin State Parks this summer with Challenge information and a huge display tent.

• 2021 Incentive Grant Friends groups were invited to apply for up to $1,000 for the 2021 Incentive Grant, with an equal amount in Friends match. This grant could be used for things such as Naturalist programs, exhibits, interpretive signage, or naturalist time at the park system property during the spring, summer, and fall of 2021. 

Click this link, to make a donation.

Click the map to enlarge. (Courtesy of WI DNR)

• 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 volunteers, 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 Natural Resources Foundation.

DNR has opened an additional application period for Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grants

Greetings, happy fall.

I’m writing to share an announcement with nonprofit grant applicants about an upcoming application deadline.

For the current 2021-22 fiscal year, DNR has opened an additional application period for Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grants to eligible nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs).

The next NCO application deadline is Friday, November 19, 2021. This application cycle is for fiscal year 2021-2022 funds from the following subprograms:

• Natural area grants 
• Habitat area grants
• Stream bank protection grants
• State trail grants

DNR will consider all complete applications received or post marked by that date. Any organization considering a fall application should contact the regional project manager before applying.  Acquisitions that will require multiple appraisals or extraordinary review may be deferred until the 2023 funding cycle, which will open early next spring. 

Application material is on DNR’s website - https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Stewardship/ApplyNCO

Best regards,

Pam Foster Felt

Stewardship Nonprofit Grant Manager

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The David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks

The David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks was established to support projects on Wisconsin State Park properties that facilitate accessibility for senior citizens, especially trail development, maintenance and restoration, and the development and maintenance of rest stops, including benches, overlooks, and interpretive signage. Grants range from $500 to $5,000.

Photo:  David and Joyce Weizenicker pictured at Kinnickinnic State Park at the unveiling of a new trail funded in part by the David and Joyce Weizenicker Fund for State Parks. Photo by Caitlin Williamson

Eligibility:
Applicant must be a Friends group of a Wisconsin State Park property, with a formal agreement in place with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
A 1:1 match is required. Match may include cash or in-kind support such as volunteer hours or donated materials.
Project expenses may not have been incurred prior to submitting the application.  More information....