Friends Enhance State Properties

Over sixty-five Friends groups operate throughout Wisconsin providing vital support to state parks and other state properties. Groups sponsor many different types of projects with Stewardship grants from restoration of the Rock Island Lighthouse to development of a wildlife garden display at Kohler-Andrae State Park.

Since 1994, more than $1.6 million has been disbursed to Friends groups through over 235 grants. These groups matched Stewardship funds with over $1.2 million in private donations plus many hours of volunteer labor - a total investment in excess of $2.5 million.

The following projects were accomplished by combining private funding with Stewardship grants:

Astronomical Observatory Complex - Wyalusing State Park
Project cost: $128,000

The Friends of Wyalusing and the Starsplitters of Wyalusing have successfully completed an astronomical observatory at Wyalusing State Park. Four new handicap accessible buildings were constructed, housing two large telescopes, space for public programs, a library, and computers. The observatory complex is unique to the Wisconsin State Park System and provides a rare educational gift to Wyalusings' visitors.

Tamarack Trail Signage - Kettle Moraine State Forest
Project cost: $1,750

Friends of the Kettle Moraine is leveraging grant funds with private contributions for interpretive signs along the two-mile Tamarack Trail, which encircles Mauthe Lake. The trail is one of the most heavily used in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, and the signs will provide trail users with information on plant communities, endangered fish species, and historical events.

Amphitheater - Whitefish Dunes State Park
Project cost: $5,000.00

The Friends of Whitefish Dunes completely funded a new park amphitheater at Whitefish Dunes State Park, and contributed approximately 40% of the labor. The stone structure will house outdoor events.

Wood Shed - High Cliff State Park
Project cost: $8,400

The Friends of High Cliff have built a new woodshed to support their firewood sales. All profits from the sales go to a general fund, which is used to subsidize the park's Naturalist program. The Friends contributed more than 700 hours to the project, and received generous donations from area businesses and individuals.

Solarium addition - Bong State Recreation Area
Project cost: $57,0000

Friends of Bong State Recreation Area used a stewardship grant to construct a new solarium addition. The addition houses rotating exhibits featuring seasonal themes, such as outdoor skills, butterflies, reptiles, plant propagation, and hunter safety.

Nature Center Addition - Rib Mountain State Park
Project Cost: $100,000

Friends of Rib Mountain State Park has embarked on its largest project in the 10-year history of the group, a 800 square foot nature/education center addition to the new public entrance and visitor center. The area will contain educational and interpretive displays, and serve as a classroom/meeting room.

Maple Syrup Sugar Shack and Education Exhibit - MacKenzie Environmental Education Center
Project Cost: $38,000

Friends of Mackenzie Environmental Education Center constructed a permanent "sugar shack" that also serves as a stand-alone, year-round maple syrup educational exhibit. Now the group is planning a new building that will serve as a facility to "finish" the maple syrup and also support their educational and cultural events.

Bicycle Trail - Mead/McMillan Wildlife Area
Project Cost: $34,700

The Friends of Mead/McMillan matched Stewardship dollars with private funds to develop a 4.5 mile bicycle trail that makes the marsh more accessible to the public. This a cooperative project involving the Friends, DNR, and Marathon County.