Friends of Wisconsin State Parks

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Nonprofit promotional products help build support for Wisconsin’s public lands

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is a nonprofit that supports more than 65 local Friends groups dedicated to Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Through advocacy, education and volunteer engagement, the organization works to strengthen the network of people who care for and promote public lands across the state.

“We’re here to connect, enhance, promote, advocate and educate about these beautiful state properties,” said Seth Taft, executive director. Established in 1996, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks serves as a partner and resource for local Friends groups, while helping connect volunteers, community members and decision-makers around a shared goal of keeping Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces welcoming and well-supported for future generations.

Connecting people and parks

While the 65 local Friends groups and their more than 10,000 members and volunteers focus on individual properties, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks works at the statewide level. This includes building relationships with community members, businesses, legislators and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to support public lands and the volunteers who steward them.

That work is especially important at a time when Wisconsin ranks last in the nation in per-visitor spending on its state park system. As public funding challenges grow, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks is working to raise awareness, recruit supporters and identify new sources of funding for the places millions of visitors enjoy each year.

Promotional tote bags bolster outreach efforts

A one by one grant provided promotional tote bags opens in new window that quickly became one of Friends of Wisconsin State Parks’ most versatile outreach tools. The promotional items are offered during fundraising campaigns and at conferences and other events throughout the state, helping introduce new audiences to the organization and its mission.

At Canoecopia, the country’s largest paddlesports expo, the reusable bags were offered to incentivize people to donate, volunteer and take part in educational activities. They’ve also been featured as raffle prizes and participant rewards at a range of events, including a park-themed trivia night at a Milwaukee brewery. “The tote bags are a great way to really build our brand and get people connected with who we are as an organization,” Taft said.

A note from Cheryl

Friends of Wisconsin State Parks helps connect supporters and residents with Wisconsin’s treasured public lands. We were pleased to provide nonprofit promotional products that support the team’s outreach efforts. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window