About FWSP

(Image - FWSP Facebook)


If you've ever hiked Devil's Lake, camped at Interstate Park, or wandered the trails of any Wisconsin state park, you might have seen signs or heard volunteers mention "The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks."

But who exactly is The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

## The Short Answer

The **Friends of Wisconsin State Parks** is a nonprofit umbrella organization formed in **1996**. It connects **more than 60 local Friends groups** across the state—each one made up of volunteers dedicated to supporting specific parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.

Think of them as the essential backup crew for Wisconsin's outdoor spaces. They're not government employees. They don't draw salaries. But they do work that the state simply can't afford to do on its own.

## What Exactly Do They Do?

Here's the reality: Wisconsin's state park system protects **790,000+ acres**, offers **6,500+ campsites**, and maintains **2,000+ miles of trails**. Yet funding comes primarily from user fees—park passes and camping reservations—not robust state budgets.

The Friends fill those gaps. Their members volunteer thousands of hours each year to:

- Lead guided nature hikes and educational programs
- Remove invasive species and restore ecosystems
- Maintain trails, picnic areas, and campsite facilities
- Support nature centers where budgets can't cover full-time naturalists
- Raise money for equipment, accessibility improvements, and stewardship projects

Through the umbrella organization, **over $100,000 in grants** flows annually to help local groups fund these efforts.

One board member put it bluntly: *"We really couldn't run the state parks without them."*

## Why Should You Care?

More than **20 million visitors** come to Wisconsin public lands every year. That means our state parks are under real pressure. Budgets stay tight. Infrastructure ages. Visitor numbers keep climbing.

The Friends ensure that beloved places don't fade away. They're the reason you can still explore the Pothole Trail at Interstate Park, stand beneath Devil's Lake's granite cliffs, or camp on remote Rock Island in Door County.

Simply put: they help keep Wisconsin wild for everyone.

## How Can You Get Involved?

Anyone can join. There are no prerequisites—just caring enough to act.

You can:
- **Join a local Friends group** near you
- **Volunteer** for workdays, trail maintenance, or event staffing
- **Donate** to support grants and special projects
- **Participate in events** 

## The Bottom Line

The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks aren't a mysterious charity or distant bureaucracy. They're your neighbors—people who love Wisconsin's outdoors and take action to protect them.

Conservation happens one person at a time. These are the people doing the work.

Next time you visit a Wisconsin state park, look for them. You might just find someone leading a hike, cleaning a trail, or explaining local history to eager visitors.

Say thanks. And if you can, join a friends group.