Friends of Delaware State Parks

Friends groups are independent non-profit organizations of community members dedicated to assisting a particular park. Friends groups help with special events and programs, park maintenance, planning, fundraising, staffing the nature centers and advocating for the park.

There are currently 16 friends groups that actively support Delaware State Parks:

The Friends of Auburn Heights

Maintains a unique steam car collection and miniature railway and supports garden and trails initiatives at the preserve in Yorklyn, Delaware. Volunteer opportunities range from assisting with events to collection maintenance and giving tours in the mansion and museum.

The Friends of Bellevue State Park

Active group that supports the summer concert series, provides camp and school scholarships, funds summer interns and champions historic preservation of the Mt Pleasant Parsonage, Meeting House and Cemetery.

The Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park

Sponsors clean-up projects, supports park events and provides environmental education scholarships at Brandywine Creek State Park.

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park

Coordinates monthly trail maintenance, purchased the live Osprey Camera, supports park projects and events, host special events and sponsors the Bike Barn - Park Pedalers Program.

The Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation

Supports Delaware Seashore State Park and the Indian River Life-Saving Station.

The Delaware Zoological Society

Non-profit partner organization that supports the Brandywine Zoo’s education and conservation mission through business operations, fundraising, membership, and events.

The Fort Miles Historical Association

Committed to the preservation of the WWII Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park. Opened the new Fort Miles Museum in 2017 and provided tours to thousands of visitors. Active funding and grant writing supports new infrastructure in the Fort Miles Historical area including a new entrance road and parking lot, a new event venue and ocean overlook and other improvements.

Friends of Garrisons Lake Golf Course

Promotes social interaction and outdoor sports by supporting and making recommendations regarding the maintenance, operation, and planning for Garrisons Lake Golf Course. Support efforts to provide availability of a top of the line golf facility for the residents of Delaware and the region and provide the community with ability to enjoy golf and outdoor recreation thru programs for players of all abilities and youth programs. Garrison’s Lake Golf Course is a public golf course operated by Forewinds Hospitality as part of Delaware State Parks.

The Friends of Holts Landing State Park

Helps with park maintenance and coordinates the Summer Concert Series. Dedicated to the preservation and constant improvement of a natural resource treasure.... Advocate, Maintain, Fulfill, Protect.

The Friends of Killens Pond State Park

Active group that volunteer trail and gardening, supports the summer concert series, sponsor Children’s Nature Programs, helps with park projects and events and hosts special events.

Thanks to the these Friends, who have sponsored CIMA Volunteer Accident and Liability Insurance for all Delaware State Park Volunteers.

You can also visit our FaceBook page.

The Friends of Lums Pond State Park

Formed in 2002 to protect and preserve Lums Pond State Park through enhancement projects, public relations, and the education of users.

The group's aim is to unite others of like interest in order to make positive changes to Lums Pond State Park. Helps with Nature Center Programming, Special events, Trail Maintenance, Environmental Stewardship, Kayak and Boating, Biking, Recreational Activities, Cross Country trail running , park maintenance and fundraising at Lums Pond State Park.

You can also visit our FaceBook page.

The Friends of Old Dover

Founded in 1950, the Friends of Old Dover is our newest friends group and sponsors the iconic Dover Days each spring and supports the First State Heritage Park at Dover.

The Port Penn Area Historical Society

Helps to attain funding and provides assistance with the Port Penn Interpretive Center.

Trap Pond Partners

Established in 2000 with an active membership that hosts annual fundraising events, including: Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival, Family Bike Rally, Jeep Party at the Pond, Nature Festival, and concessions at the Summer Concert Series. The Partners fundraising endeavors and grant writing provides childrens scholarships for environmental education & day camps, funding for a new playground, and many other projects and events that support the needs of the Park.

The Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

Engaged membership that staff the Nature Center, monitors bluebird boxes, conducts trail maintenance and provides active fundraising and grant support in White Clay Creek State Park.

The Friends of Wilmington Parks

Sponsors and coordinates Summer Concerts, conducts fundraising and grant writing, host special events, sponsors and maintains the Jasper Crane Rose Garden and provides maintenance for Wilmington State Parks.