THE ISSUE
Wisconsin’s system of 99 state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas provide visitors with opportunities to experience nature and learn about conservation efforts. These areas also provide beautiful, scenic, and natural places for outdoor recreation. The state parks and forests are located throughout Wisconsin, and continue to be very accessible to anyone wishing to visit and enjoy.

STATE TRAILS
Wisconsin has state trails within state forests accessible for many different activities. These activities include all-terrain vehicles, backpacking, mountain biking, bicycle touring, cross-country skiing, hiking, horse-back riding, off-road motorcycling, nature trails, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and wheelchair use. Many of Wisconsin’s state trails are handicap-accessible.

THE ICE AGE TRAIL
With one thousand miles of footpath, the Ice Age Trail is located entirely within Wisconsin and celebrates the national legacy of the Ice Age. The trail provides hikers with examples of continental glaciation, phenomenon not found in many other locations.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation (IAPTF) is a volunteer- and member-based organization that works to maintain and preserve the continental glaciation examples along the Ice Age Trail. The foundation works with the National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, local business and local communities in its efforts to preserve and promote the Ice Age Trail. Sponsors and members are always welcome and necessary to continue the traditions of conservation and education.

STATE FORESTS
Many of Wisconsin’s State Forests encompass both tremendous woodland, but also lakes and rivers. Activities within these state forests include hiking, camping, boating, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, biking and many more. Membership to the Wisconsin State Park System provides access to these numerous State Forests.

The state forests were originally created to preserve important watersheds and unique ecosystems. They are managed today with the intent to continue this preservation and to innovate new ways of sustainable forestry. In this light, the state forests can provide entertainment, beauty, economic vale, and ecological benefits for years and generations to come.

Wisconsin's State Forests are maintained and managed by the Department of Natural Resources, which remains committed to the future of these beautiful areas.





HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Membership fees allow for both access to the tremendous system of parks, forests, and trails, but also provides the Wisconsin State Park System with funds to continue their conservation and preservation efforts. Outside of these membership fees, the State Park System relies on private donations as an important part of their funding.

Outside of monetary aid, the State Park system relies on "friends" of the parks and volunteers willing to make a different. The friends of the Wisconsin parks take on an active role in assisting with the conservation and preservation efforts of the Wisconsin State Park System.

Volunteer Opportunities:
People wishing to volunteer with the Wisconsin State Park system have numerous opportunities in various fields. These include becoming a campground host, conservationist, naturalist, nature center host, special project volunteer, visitor services staff member, or participating in the volunteer jamboree. All of these opportunities provide nature enthusiasts a means to use their talents and interests to further the mission of the State Park System.