Fall with Friends: Autumn News From Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

Dear Friends,

Fall brings fresh opportunities to explore Wisconsin, celebrate the places we love, and come together for their future. Whether you join a trailside gathering, connect with a candidate, or celebrate with us in Wausau, your involvement makes our Friends community stronger.

Great State Trails Adventure

Sarah Widder is taking on Wisconsin’s state trails this October—more than 1,700 miles—to highlight the communities they connect and the importance of renewing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

Join the adventure at an upcoming gathering:

October 15 — Grafton: Group Ride & Meet Up at Bratt Woods.
October 15, 4–6 p.m. — Milwaukee: Happy Hour Fiesta at Wheel & Sprocket–Bay View.
October 20, 11 a.m. — Madison: Rally & Ride at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Gather on the Capitol steps to show your support for Knowles-Nelson, with an opportunity to ride with Sarah afterward.
October 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m. — Menomonie: Finish Line Celebration at Lucette Brewing Company.

Read Sarah's daily blog and other information here: https://knowlesnelson.org/great-state-trails-adventure/

Celebrating Our Photo Contest Winners

The results are in! Join us in congratulating our photo contest winners and celebrating the beauty of Wisconsin’s treasured outdoor spaces.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a photograph and shared a piece of what makes these places special. Your images remind us why caring for Wisconsin’s parks, trails, forests, and recreation areas matters.

Below is featured winner: Sunset with Best Friend at Devil's Lake State Park by Elizabeth Benn. It will be the cover for the 2027 FWSP Calendar!

You're Invited: An Evening with Friends at Granite Peak presented by Visit Wausau

Friday, November 6 | 6–9 p.m.
Granite Peak Ski Hill, Wausau

You’re invited to an evening celebrating community, connection, and the people who care for Wisconsin’s outdoor places!

Enjoy live music, food and beverages, a silent auction featuring items from Friends groups and Visit Wausau, and a chance to meet and take a photo with Smokey Bear.

This gathering is open to the public and free. Bring a friend, meet the people behind our statewide Friends network, and help us celebrate the spirit of stewardship.

Event Registration is here: RSVP Link

November Election: Make Conservation Part of the Conversation

The November 3 election will help shape the future of Wisconsin’s public lands. Now is the time to connect with your district legislators and candidates and help them understand why our state park system and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program deserve strong, lasting support.

Our Friends Advocacy Toolkit offers resources to help you share local needs, explain the impact of conservation funding, and start meaningful conversations.

Tell them what your favorite property means to your community. Share what volunteers contribute—and what stronger public investment could make possible. Ask how they will support sustainable funding and Knowles-Nelson renewal.

Explore FWSP Advocacy Toolkit

Thank you for being part of this community and supporting the 65-plus Friends groups dedicated to Wisconsin’s state parks, trails, forests, and recreation areas.

Please share these opportunities with your boards, members, and local communities. Every invitation helps our circle of Friends grow.

See you on the trails—and among Friends!

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Seth Taft, Executive Director
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks
E: execdir@fwsp.org
www.fwsp.org

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