Who We Are
Photo courtesy of (c) Greg Burns
The Niagara Escarpment has provided a unique environment for the flora, fauna, and visitors to High Cliff State Park in Wisconsin.
Established in 1997, the Friends of High Cliff State Park Inc. was organized for the charitable and educational purpose of supporting, assisting, and promoting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with interpretive, scientific, historical, educational, and related visitor services. In order to accomplish these goals the Friends of High Cliff State Park have the following objectives:
Promote the park through publications, special events, and interpretive programs.
Provide and coordinate volunteer services that support the programs of the park.
Provide financial support to High Cliff State Park for the furtherance of its programs, facilities, and resources; raising revenues through such methods as membership fees, donations, sales, grants , and special events.
The Friends of High Cliff State Park is a non-profit corporation formed under chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes. It has been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Vision Statement: The Friends of High Cliff State Park endeavor to support the park, which is an oasis of the original natural diversity managed to enhance encounters with nature.
Leadership
The Friends of High Cliff are led by a Board of Directors who are all volunteers. Meet the board members and see what they say is their favorite part of High Cliff:
Deb Lee
Treasurer
"I love watching the seasonal changes - hikes through the park are so different with each season so beautiful in its own way."
Janet Deprez
President
"I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of visitors as they enjoy the park."
Larry Buck
Board Member
"I like the view of Lake Winnebago and fall drive into the campgrounds."
Linda Buck
Board Member
"I love the natural beauty of High Cliff, the panoramic views from the tower, and the many hiking trails. It’s the perfect place to relax."
Jon McElhaney
Board Member
Char Barribeau
Past President
"High Cliff State Park offers the ultimate beauty of Nature from the Niagara Escarpment, the sunsets over Lake Winnebago to the serenity of walking the Butterfly Pond Trail. "
Greg Burns
Secretary
"The Niagara Escarpment is a spectacular and incredibly unique feature of High Cliff State Park. Hiking and experiencing the wonder of the Escarpment and its plant and animal communities in every season is my favorite activity."
Frank Kirschling
Board Member
“With it’s variety of habitats, High Cliff State Park is a great place to hike and observe nature throughout the year.”
Cindy Mueller
Board Member
"Aside from wildlife watching at High Cliff, my favorite part of the park is its rich cultural history. I am proud to be a part of that history, as my Great-Grandparents settled at High Cliff in the 1800s and raised their family there. It’s truly home!"
Pat McMullen
Board Member
"The history of High Cliff State Park and the industrial community it once supported has always fascinated me. It is a beautiful park today and I'm glad I can help keep it that way. "
Lorrie Formella
Board Member
Beth Braun
Vice-President
"I have been walking my dog at High Cliff State Park nearly daily for the past 5 years. She enjoys the different smells, exercise and meeting people. I enjoy the sights, the sounds and the serenity. I especially enjoy foraging mushrooms, hickory nuts and acorns, spotting deer and other critters and taking pictures of all of the beauty that High Cliff provides."
Donna Franczek
Board Member
"High Cliff State Park is a rare gem in our area. With the stunning Niagra Escarpment and the gorgeous sunset views over Lake Winnebago, it has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Mostly I enjoy the dog friendly trails."