High Cliff State Park

In partnership with local Friends groups and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, FWSP has made significant contributions to preserving and enhancing Wisconsin’s natural resources. Here are just a few examples:

• Financial Support: In just five years, The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks turned $367,769 in incentive grants into over $800,000 of vital support for our cherished state parks. By partnering with local friend groups who matched the initial amount, we’ve more than doubled our impact. Imagine the trails maintained, habitats restored, and experiences enhanced. Your financial support today doesn’t just support parks—it catalyzes a movement, ensuring these natural treasures thrive for generations to come.
  • Providing Park Naturalists and Programs: $377,198
  • Interpretive Displays: $169,740
  • Trail Signage: $75,440
  • Equipment, Fire Rings, bike repair stations, and Picnic Tables: $113,160
• Support of Local Friends Groups: As the statewide Friends group, FWSP provides support to over 50 local Friends groups that goes beyond financial contributions. From its inception, FWSP has played a role in nurturing the development of new Friends groups. As these groups have matured, FWSP has begun to play an important role in gathering information on common operational issues at individual parks and bringing these to the attention of the DNR. To this end, FWSP periodically hosts workshops where local Friends groups can share ideas and solutions. Finally, in order to recognize the outstanding efforts of local Friends groups and individual volunteers that have made significant contributions to their local park, FWSP sponsors the annual Hero Awards
• Advocacy and Education:  FWSP has been active in informing lawmakers and citizens about critical issues facing state parks. Recently, FWSP supported the successful passage of two bills that, combined, released over $6 million for critical improvements to water infrastructure and upgrades to campsites, bathroom facilities, and signage. Given the significant backlog of projects confronting Wisconsin state parks, FWSP will continue to encourage the reinstatement of GPR funding to support this resource that everybody loves.
• Public Engagement: FWSP organizes or sponsors several programs to highlight Wisconsin’s state parks,engage visitors and promote volunteerism. Historically, FWSP has helped to coordinate WorkPlayEarth Day events across the park system. These events draw hundreds of volunteers who remove invasive species, clean up campgrounds, plant trees, build benches and help with other essential projects. FWSP also supports “Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library”, a program aimed at expanding access to Wisconsin’s natural resources. Another program, the “Adventure Challenge” encourages exploration and outdoor activities for participants of all ages. And, in 2025, FWSP will launch the “Adventure Awaits: Celebrate 125 Years of Wisconsin State Parks” photo contest to commemorate the park system’s anniversary. With these initiatives, FWSP aims to increase accessibility, enhance community participation, and create lasting memories for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, with the hopes of inspiring people to get involved in preserving the parks that they cherish.