4 minute read
There For You | Friends Groups Enhance The Park Visitor Experience
Andrea Zani
Andrea Zani is managing editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
Access to on-site firewood, shelters and playgrounds, naturalist adventures or even a well-maintained trail might be taken for granted by visitors to the Wisconsin State Park System, but these things don’t just happen. Often, it is a park Friends Group that makes them possible.
After all, that’s what Friends are for.
More than 60 official Friends Groups are currently on the side of Wisconsin’s state parks, trails, forests and recreation areas. Members of these nonprofit organizations volunteer their time and skills in direct support of individual properties — to the tune of thousands of service hours every year.
In addition, Friends are vital in raising money for the properties they support and also obtain funding through means such as the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin grants.
“Friends Groups have provided the Wisconsin State Park System with over 36 years of support from their members and millions of dollars from their nonprofit fundraising efforts,” said Janet Hutchens, the DNR’s Friends Group and volunteer services coordinator.
Putting ‘Fun’ In Fundraising
Friends bring the fun, too! As part of fundraising efforts, Friends sponsor special events like music in the park, fish fry evenings and trail runs, or offer ice sales, food options and watercraft rentals.
This year, several Friends Groups will be selling limited edition T-shirts marking the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System.
“The great thing is the money they raise stays at the property and goes towards improvements like upgrades that provide universal access, new fire rings and grills, trail enhancements and education programs,” Hutchens said.
Friends Groups also offer state trail pass sales as part of a vendor agreement with the DNR, Hutchens noted, with a percentage of revenue going back to the group. In fact, Friends Groups sold more trail passes in 2024 than any other contracted vendor.
“We couldn’t provide as many high-quality experiences as we do without these extremely dedicated individuals that make up our Friends Group family,” Hutchens said.
Official Partners
Recognized Friends Groups form with the support of the DNR and are permitted by a Wisconsin state statute enacted in 1989 (Wis. Adm. Code NR 1.71). The legislation standardized the Friends partnership program and specified the role of these groups as more sought to aid state properties.
Official Friends Groups begin by talking with individual property managers, then proceed with steps such as establishing nonprofit tax-exempt status and following guidance from the state Department of Financial Institutions. Finally, groups sign an agreement with the DNR to formalize the partnership.
Friends are authorized to use designated facilities, offer activities, conduct sales and otherwise support a property.
From a start of some two dozen loosely formed organizations back in 1989, the number of Friends Groups has grown nearly three-fold. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers are working at properties statewide to enhance the visitor experience.
Rest assured that when you’re visiting the Wisconsin State Park System, you’ve got Friends in all places.
FWSP Finds Strength In Numbers
Beyond individual groups that boost specific properties, the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks also is found on the Friends front, raising money and awareness. Established in 1996, this nonprofit umbrella organization brings Friends together by providing resources, support and a common forum for its member groups along with grants that fund a variety of projects.
In addition, FWSP sponsors activities and works with the DNR in other ways to improve the park experience. And it serves as a public voice in support of the Wisconsin State Park System, including in legislative matters.
Randall Paske, FWSP president, attributes the organization’s success to the spirit of countless volunteers.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of these parks,” Paske said. “They’re constantly working to make each visit memorable, whether it’s through maintaining trails, organizing events or educating visitors about our state’s natural wonders.”
FWSP also has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars for state properties over the years, with money for projects like pollinator gardens, new signage, invasive species control and beach wheelchairs. And the funding is only growing in 2025.
In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System, FWSP is working this year to raise $125,000. Funds will be used to purchase universal recreation equipment, expand trails, improve campgrounds, add picnic tables and more at properties around the state.
