New FWSP

Photo Contest Winners

Admin / October 16, 2020

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Photo 2020 Photo Contest
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) congratulates the winners for the 2021 Calendar photo contest. The winners have been notified. Winners will receive certificates in the mail. You can view all of the submitted photos by clicking here.

Cover: Big Bay State Park– taken by Jason Smith

January: Whitefish Dunes State Park – taken by Kathy Healy
February: KMSF – Lapham Peak – taken by Kristine Hinrichs
March: KMSF – Northern Unit – taken by Evelyn Regan
April: Peninsula State Park – taken by Jennifer Hagen
May: Copper Falls Fall State Park – Jennifer Rasmussen
June: Interstate State Park – taken by Lara Mertens
July: Whitefish Dunes State Park – taken by Laura Fitzgerald
August: Northern Highland - American Legion SF – taken by Jill Maertz
September: Wyalusing State Park – taken by Micah Ricke
October: Brunet Island State Park– taken by Brian Rohland
November: Potawatomi State Park – taken by Kelly Meyer
December: High Cliff State Park – taken by Debra Cook

Cover: Big Bay State Park– taken by Jason Smith

January: Whitefish Dunes State Park – taken by Kathy Healy
February: KMSF – Lapham Peak – taken by Kristine Hinrichs
March: KMSF – Northern Unit – taken by Evelyn Regan
April: Peninsula State Park – taken by Jennifer Hagen
May: Copper Falls Fall State Park – Jennifer Rasmussen
June: Interstate State Park – taken by Lara Mertens
July: Whitefish Dunes State Park – taken by Laura Fitzgerald
August: Northern Highland - American Legion SF – taken by Jill Maertz
September: Wyalusing State Park – taken by Micah Ricke
October: Brunet Island State Park– taken by Brian Rohland
November: Potawatomi State Park – taken by Kelly Meyer
December: High Cliff State Park – taken by Debra Cook

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks 2020 Gold Seal Awards

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks members have cast their online vote for the following Hero Award recipients.

This year, all awards and certificates will be mailed to the park office.

Best state park system property for fishing – Mirror Lake State Park
Best state park system trail along a creek or waterfall – Copper Falls State Park
Best state park system property to see spring wildflowers – KMSF – Lapham Peak
Best state park system property to take a selfie – Devil’s Lake State Park
Best state park system property to see fall foliage – KMSF – Pike Lake
Best state park system property to snow shoe – Newport State Park
Best state park system property for bird watching- Wyalusing State Park
Best state park system property for sledding – Peninsula State Park
Best paved state trail for bike riding – Hank Aaron State Trail
Best state park system property for hunting – Gov. Thompson State Park

Gold Seal Awards 2020

by Admin on October 16, 2020

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks 2020 Gold Seal Awards The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks members have cast their online vote for t...

Jan Primus, FWSP and Donna Smith

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks would like to thank the Middleton Orvis and all of their customers who donated to FWSP during the month of September! Jan Primus - FWSP Treasurer, received a check for $1,000 from Donna Smith - store manager, from this very successful fundraiser. These funds will be used to support the beautiful Wisconsin State Park system properties by carrying out the work of Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and the 70+ local Friends groups around the state in order to preserve, protect, promote and enhance the Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.

Please consider a donation to The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

Orivs Supports FWSP

by Admin on October 03, 2020

Jan Primus, FWSP and Donna Smith Friends of Wisconsin State Parks would like to thank the Middleton Orvis and all of their customers wh...

FWSP has just been made aware of funding opportunities available to our friends' groups. Due dates are coming up quickly.

Click here to view PDF announcement.

Funding Opportunities Announced

by Admin on September 21, 2020

FWSP has just been made aware of funding opportunities available to our friends' groups. Due dates are coming up quickly. Click here t...

Wisconsin State Park System Friends Group Update, September 17, 2020

Groups interested in this grant opportunity are encouraged to contact the Property Manager early in the process to discuss eligible recreation, habitat, and education projects.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants for Friends Groups

This year, $250,000 from the Stewardship program has been set aside for friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations (NCOs) to improve facilities, build new recreation projects, and restore habitat on state properties. The program recognizes the important role friends groups play in meeting the development and restoration needs of state properties.

*Friends Groups may apply for multiple projects with a maximum total limit of $20,000 per property.

*Funding for large projects may be applied in three phases with a limit of $20,000 per year or a maximum of $60,000 per project. There must be a usable component of the project at the end of each phase.

Grants are awarded for up to 50% of project costs. The other 50% of project costs shall be provided by the project sponsor. Up to 50% of the sponsor's share of project costs may be non-cash donations such as materials, equipment use, services and labor. See eligibility requirements on the new Knowles-Nelson Friends Stewardship Grant web page.

Friends Groups are requested to submit applications to the Property Manager by Oct. 15, 2020, for review and approvals in advance of the official submission deadline of Nov. 15, 2020. See eligibility requirements and access the application on the new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Friends Grants web page. Contact Janet Hutchens or Noah Balgooyen, grant administrator, with questions.

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program Grants for Friends Groups

by Admin on September 17, 2020

Wisconsin State Park System Friends Group Update, September 17, 2020 Groups interested in this grant opportunity are encouraged to contact...

The 2020 Close-out report is due Nov 1, 2020.

In March 2020, The Friends of Wisconsin State Park offered matching grants to our Friends Groups.

2020 Incentive Grant Friends groups were invited to apply for up to $1,000 for the 2020 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 2020.

Click here to view and print The Close-out Report

Grant Closeout Report

by Admin on September 17, 2020

The 2020 Close-out report is due Nov 1, 2020 . In March 2020, The Friends of Wisconsin State Park offered matching grants to our F...

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is proud to present a new feature - WI Go Camping. WI Go Camping, or Wisconsin Goes Camping, was formed in mid March of 2020. Beth Goeppinger was the park naturalist for Bong Recreation Area and the driving force for WI GO Camping. Beth contacted members of the FWSP Board and the Outreach Committee. Together, through many online meetings, WI GO Camping came about.

The mission of WI Go Camping is to present the natural wonders of Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and natural areas through short videos mostly created by Wisconsin Master Naturalists. Jonathan Ringdahl, a member of the FWSP outreach committee, is the emcee for the show. The show is written, planned and directed by the Wi Go planning committee.

The WI Go Camping planning committee continues to plan and strive to present information bout Wisconsin State Parks in an interesting and lively manner.

"WI Go Camping, is in its first year and we still have a few more programs to go before the end of the season." Randy Paske, outreach committee chair, says. "We constantly strive to reach our audience in new ways."

Watch this space, and join our FaceBook page for the most recent updates.

WI Go Camping

by Admin on August 24, 2020

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is proud to present a new feature - WI Go Camping. WI Go Camping, or Wisconsin Goes Camping, was formed...

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks works closely with The Natural Resources Foundation. Specifically, we introduce our Friends Groups to grant opportunities offered by The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin funds projects that have a significant and positive impact on Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural wonders.

The Natural Resources Foundation have invested nearly $7 million in public and private conservation efforts—from funding statewide wildlife monitoring programs to creating butterfly gardens at local schools, and from building trails at state parks to helping recover the federally endangered whooping crane.

Please click the following link for information:

https://www.wisconservation.org/grant-programs/

Grants Available

by Admin on February 14, 2020

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks works closely with The Natural Resources Foundation. Specifically, we introduce our Friends Groups t...

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.
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.
Each year, FWSP sponsors Work*Play*Earth Day events across the park system that draw hundreds of volunteers who remove invasive species, clean up campgrounds, plant trees, build benches and help with other essential projects.
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.

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is pleased to offer the following options to make a contribution:

Option 1:
Mail cash or check directly to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks kindly requests that donations are sent to the following address. Send to:
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
P.O. Box 2271
Madison, WI 53701

Option2:
Print a Form, complete it, and mail along with check.
Click on this (Link) to download and print a PDF.

Option 3:
I would like to make a donation for projects that will enhance the Wisconsin state park and trail experience for visitors and campers to enjoy, like, campground fire rings, playgrounds, and building improvements)
A one-time donation using Your Credit Card via Paypal

Option 4: Automatic Monthly Donation for one year.

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks(FWSP) fundraising campaign will seek to increase the support that FWSP can provide in order to preserve, promote, protect and enhance Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks have been providing project grants to local park property Friends groups for 10 years, in order to provide a better experience for state park and trail visitors around the state.
FWSP is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization and we have set out to broaden what we do and increase our impact around the state.
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks fund educational programs throughout the park season, provide funding for workshops, the planting of trees and flowers at parks and trails, and projects that will enhance the Wisconsin state park and trail experience for visitors and campers to enjoy: campground fire rings, playgrounds, and building improvements. FWSP is looking forward to expanding programs that bring children to state parks and trails to learn and experience nature.
The organization’s mission and values have defined FWSP for two decades, and the tax-deductible donations of the public and state park visitors and supporters of this fundraising effort will help ensure that FWSP will continue to meet its challenges and commitments in order to keep state parks vibrant and to allow for park and trail users enjoyment. The FWSP fundraising campaign will sustain our commitment to outdoor education and nature program excellence and will advance our position as a steward of funds to enhance, educate and promote the beautiful Wisconsin state park properties. This campaign is about supporting the Wisconsin state parks that we love and for the people who come to the Wisconsin state parks, the experiences that they have here and the memories that they leave with.

FWSP Fundraising Campaign

by Admin on September 07, 2019

FWSP depends on the generosity of donors for the funds required to carry out its mission of preserving, protecting, promoting and enhanc...

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks mission is:
Preserving, Promoting, Protecting, and Enhancing Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. (Click to view video)

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks supports the work of 87 local Friends chapters around the state and the work that they do at the park, forest, trail or recreation area that they are associated with. 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

by Admin on August 26, 2019

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks mission is: Preserving, Promoting, Protecting, and Enhancing Wisconsin state parks, forests, t...

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, photography contest, and Gold Seal and HERO awards. It also provides grant opportunities for the state parks.

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.

Other Links:

Read our Strategic Plan