Friend Groups

Established in 1987, the friends group supports six state parks in the Florida Keys.

We are a volunteer-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose role is to advocate for the historical, educational and ecological enhancement of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Our mission is to assist park management in meeting the natural and cultural resource management objectives established for the park.

The Friends of Kissimmee Prairie Inc. works for the preservation, protection, interpretation and promotion of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

The Friends Group established in 1987, the fundraising supports the park through work projects, programs, events, restoration of historic buildings and landscapes, community outreach programs, history exhibits, guided tours and interpretive programs.

Founded in 2011, we are a dedicated group of citizen support organization volunteers who sponsor events and fundraisers.

The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park is a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) organized to provide support for the preservation, protection, interpretation and promotion of Lake Louisa State Park through events and activities.

Typical projects include maintenance of the Park’s native plant nursery, shorebird nesting protection, and purchase of equipment. A portion of the FOLKS membership fees also go to the capital campaign or building the Lovers Key Welcome and Discovery Center.

Founded in 1990, the friends generate and employ additional resources and support for and in the best interest of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.

Friends of Maclay Gardens is a volunteer community group dedicated to the protection and preservation of the historic Maclay House and Gardens and the surrounding park lands.

Established in 2002, the friends group supports Manatee Springs, Fanning Springs and the Nature Coast Trail state parks.

Become a Friends of the Myakka River member today to help preserve and protect the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Share in the gratification of helping preserve a significant part of the Real Florida for all time.

We are a dedicated group of volunteers, passionate about Florida’s natural spaces, and proud to offer our time and talents to support and promote two beautiful state parks – O’Leno and River Rise Preserve.

We actively lead events and initiatives to bolster community involvement - individual and corporate - through volunteering and the investment of time and money, in order to assure the best protection and conservation of the park's natural resources. 

Raises funds from events and appropriate grants that can be used by Oscar Scherer State Park for projects and equipment purchases.

The Friends has been active in many projects, including the La Chua Trail interpretive booth, extensive visitor center improvements and numerous park events and offsite community events.