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Friends of Potawatomi State Park are people from many locations and vocations who love the park, want to help preserve its unique features, and make it an ever-improving place to visit. Members volunteer their time and talents to maintain the park facilities, provide funding for purchase of needed equipment, and support programs that encourage visitors to fully enjoy the many things Potawatomi Park has to offer.
Organized in 1995, the newly-formed group was instrumental in reinstating the popular Run Wild event held in Potawatomi Park. Cuts in funding and DNR staff had caused the cancellation of what would have been the 8th annual “Run Wild.” For more information, please check out the Potawatomi Park Pals Newsletter from Fall 2008.
The non-profit Friends group contributes hundreds of volunteer labor hours each year and has provided over $100,000 in funding for equipment and other improvements to the park. Over the years, the Friends group has:
- provided funding and labor for construction of a stage backdrop in the new amphitheater and purchased a sound system for the amphitheater.
- provided funding and labor for construction of more Leopold benches. Members clean up campsites each spring using blower equipment purchased by the Friends group.
- organized and provided volunteers for a candlelight ski. In November, the group made 850 candles with plastic cups and a dollop of fresh cement to provide light for the February event when skiers come out to enjoy the evening. At the end of the trail, a blazing fire, hot cider, cookies and pretzels were provided.
- revived the Park Pals newsletter. This was accomplished when a member donated his publishing experience and board members contributed news articles.
- provided funding and support for naturalist programs. With coordinated efforts by park staff, DNR naturalists, and members of the Friends group, a variety of programs were organized for the summer camping season.
- provided assistance to park staff in maintaining ski trails and funded the purchase of additional grooming equipment including a Bachler renovator, track setter, and compaction drag.
If you would like to join the Friends of Potawatomi State Park, send your name, address and membership fee (Regular 18 & older-$12; Family-$20; Associate-$10; Student-$5; Organization-$25) to Friends Group, 3740 County PD, Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 or fill out an application at the park office. We can never have enough Friends!
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