Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Make Debut at Canoecopia 2025The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks (FWSP) marked a significant milestone by participating in Canoecopia for the first time. Held from March 7-9, 2025, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, Canoecopia is renowned as the world's largest paddle sports consumer event. FWSP board members Cindy, Seth, Bill, Jackie, and Cliff manned the organization's booth, engaging with numerous convention attendees throughout the weekend. They shared stories about the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks and its mission to preserve, protect, promote, and enhance Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas. The timing of FWSP's debut at Canoecopia couldn't have been more fitting, as 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. The organization's presence at the expo provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about its crucial role in supporting the state's natural treasures. Visitors to the FWSP booth learned about the organization's various initiatives, including: Organizing park clean-ups and trail work days Planning special events such as candlelight nights and educational programs Fundraising for park enhancements and equipment Assisting with habitat conservation efforts
The FWSP representatives also highlighted the importance of volunteer work and community engagement in maintaining and improving Wisconsin's outdoor recreational spaces. They encouraged attendees to join local Friends groups or consider supporting FWSP's efforts to preserve these natural areas for future generations. As park visitation continues to soar and funding challenges persist, the presence of FWSP at Canoecopia reminded visitors of the vital role that Friends groups play in maintaining the high-quality recreational experiences they have come to expect from Wisconsin's state parks. The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks' participation in Canoecopia 2025 not only showcased their dedication to the state's natural resources but also helped forge new connections with outdoor enthusiasts, potentially inspiring more people to get involved in preserving Wisconsin's beautiful parks and trails. | 
