Milwaukee Brewers Tailgate and Fundraiser Game

Join the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and Team Knowles Nelson for an afternoon of celebrating and supporting our public lands! The Milwaukee Brewers have graciously designated certain sections at American Family Field where portions of sales from tickets in sections benefit the Wisconsin State Park System. Tickets available here.

Join us at Pavilion #1 in Uecker Parking Lot from 10:30am to 12:30pm for tailgate eats, games, and hearty conversation among great company. Check out our Facebook Event!

Advocacy 101 Webinar September 14th at 6pm

As we get closer to the November elections, it is important to work on advocating for the parks and trails we have endless benefits to Wisconsin. Join us on September 4^th at 6pm for a webinar hosted by former lobbyist Susan McMurray. She will educate us on what is the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and get you equipped to have conversations with your legislators and district candidates. Signup is Here.

Great State Trails Adventure

Sarah Widder, a Team Knowles Nelson Support and all-around adventurer, is going to be riding her bike across all 44 of Wisconsin’s State Trails this October. Sarah is doing this to advocate for the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program, bike infrastructure in Wisconsin, and celebrate the trails that connect people and communities.

There will be a special Q&A with Sarah on September 2^nd at 6pm. This will be a great way to learn more about her journey and how you as a Friends group can support her efforts. RSVP Here.

Annual Meeting Registration.
Prices Go Up September 7th!

We are now past the halfway mark of August, which means we are inching closer to our November annual meeting. Please join us for the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks’ 30^th Celebration and Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 6^th and 7^th in Wausau.

November 6^th will be a celebration at Granite Peak Ski Resort where there will be music and beverage, along with many activities. This is presented by our esteemed partners, Visit Wausau. November 7^th will be a day of information, workshop sessions, and important updates to strengthen our relationships as a cohesive group dedicated to the properties that make the Wisconsin State Park System. Registration is $35 and will go up on September 7^th!

New Facebook Page

Due to issues on Facebook, we now have a brand new Facebook business page. Please be sure to follow this new page for updates, celebrations, and other information.

Follow, Like, and Share Our New Facebook Page.

Friends Groups Provide Nearly $500,000 in Donations

The Natural Resources Board met on August 13th in River Falls, Wisconsin. During the meeting, the board acknowledged donations from various entities. The following Friends groups were acknowledged for their contributions:

• Friends of Peninsula State Park: Donation of Highland lot storage building valued at $150,000
• Friends of Peninsula State Park: $32,100 funding seasonal natural resources staff
• Friends of Lakeshore State Park: $22,000 supporting natural resources programming and staff wages
• Newport Wilderness Society: $54,000 supporting staffing costs for natural resources educators
• Friends of Horicon Marsh: $39,000 supporting Horicon Marsh LTE expenses
• Friends of MacKenzie Environmental Center: $21,270 for a track chair and create more accessibility opportunities on property
• Friends of High Cliff State Park: $92,000 to fund reroute of Indian Mound Trail
• Friends of Wisconsin State Parks: $75,000 to the Wisconsin State Park System

The Natural Resources Board acknowledged the importance of Friends groups. Robin Schmidt, chair of the board, stated, “This is so critical for us to have.”