The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is recognizing outstanding volunteers and support groups in the Wisconsin State Park System.
The 2025 Friends Group of the Year Award goes to the Friends of Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks. The group played a major role in the success of Interstate Park’s 125th anniversary celebration last September, helping organize programs, transportation, and special events for visitors. The group also keeps the park’s Ice Age Center open year-round and raises funds to support park projects.
The Volunteer Award goes to John Davies of the Bong Naturalist Association at Richard Bong State Recreation Area. Davies logged more than 550 volunteer hours in 2025 and helped lead conservation efforts, including bat monitoring and habitat projects. He also serves as president of the park’s Friends group.
The DNR says volunteers and Friends groups contribute thousands of hours each year to help protect Wisconsin’s natural resources and improve visitor experiences at state parks.