FRIENDS OF LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK

Who Are We?

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park, Inc. relies on members, volunteers, and donations to fulfill its mission to enhance the park and actively engage community support. We use community based activities, fundraising events and outreach efforts to raise funds and to increase awareness in the community about our precious Florida Native Habitat and our Park amenities available to the community. In 2019 94.3% of all funds went directly to park enhancements and support.

Tax Identification Number: 58-8012691871C-8

DATE OF INCORPORATION: July 15, 2001 (as the Friends of Lake Louisa State Parks, Inc.)

All unrestricted charitable gifts are used strategically to support top park priorities. If you have a more specific purpose in mind, please contact us to ensure that we can meet your wishes. Whether you choose to restrict a gift or not, your support will help preserve our natural and cultural environment for future generations to enjoy.

Vision Statement

Inspire, Engage, Preserve

Promote public awareness of the environment, restore native habitats, and to bring people of all ages outside to increase mental and physical health.

Mission Statement

The Friends of Lake Louisa State Park, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Citizen Support Organization whose mission is to provide support for the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of Lake Louisa State Park through events activities, fundraising, and outreach.



Core Values

Passion

for preserving Florida's natural ecosystem through supporting Lake Louisa State Park

Inclusiveness 

all members of our community should have the ability to enjoy the outdoors and all that Lake Louisa State Park offers

Leadership

show by example how to respect our native environment and encourage our community to join us in preserving Lake Louisa State Park for future generations


Our Story

In 2000, Lake Louisa State Park Manager Chuck McIntyre invited the local Clermont community to form a Citizen Support Organization. That meeting resulted in a plucky group of volunteers forming the first Board of Directors of the Follsp. Reagan Stanley became the first President of the Follsp. Chuck McIntyre had plans for a new front entrance to the Park on SR 27. The back entrance on Lake Nellie Road then became a popular dedicated Equestrian entrance. The inaugural fundraising event was an Equestrian Endurance Race. Endurance Races have a Veterinary Check Point to monitor the horses health (horses are required to stay in the checkpoint until the horses' vital signs reach a certain resting standard before continuing the race). That first event netted the fledgling CSO about $2000.  

The next 19 years saw an expansion of fundraising events that involve and educate the community. Our events calendar boasts five major events and many smaller events. The Equestrian Obstacle Trail Challenge continues the horse centric event offerings. Nature Fest educates and entertains kids of all ages. Volunteer Day brings in volunteers from groups like Disney's Volunteers. These generous volunteers provide manpower for big restoration projects in the park. TramTours of the Park and evening Lectures on varied ecological topics round out the Follsp activities.

Our fundraising efforts and savvy financial investments have resulted an ADA Compliant Butterfly Garden and a ADA Compliant Children's Playground. Coming in 2020! Follsp will fund a new Multipurpose Bridge on the Equestrian trail that Park Rangers and Volunteers will build.

What will the next 20 years bring? We are in the process of raising the funds for an Event Pavilion. Exciting! This Pavilion will provide a venue for  a Family Reunions, Weddings and other community events. We can hardly wait.

We are inviting All People to become Donors for this exciting project. Won't you help? Click Here to Donate


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software