The Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail
About the Organization
Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (Friends of Stower) was established in 2009. It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is comprised of a board of directors, members, and volunteers. It is a diverse group of over 200 energetic and engaged individuals, families, and businesses committed to its vision, “the creation, promotion, and preservation of the best-loved state trail in Wisconsin.”
Members pay a nominal fee which supports the development, maintenance, and promotion of the trail and receive semi-annual trail updates that include volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and highlights of trail users and their experiences. Board members are elected annually and Board meetings held every month.
Polk County Parks Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, along with the friends group, constitute the tri-party entity that manages the trail.
Activities of the Organization
Here are a few examples of what we do for the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail:
Organize annual clean-ups and regular trail work days
Assist our partners with removal of storm debris, invasives and general trail maintenance
Plan, promote and sponsor special events
Raise money to purchase trail head fixtures such as interpretive displays, kiosks, bike racks, educational markers and shelter
Secure grants and do good in our communities
Mission of the Organization
The mission of 'Friends of Stower' is to promote, maintain and enhance the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail for people powered activities.
The volunteer organization serves the public by:
Improving the quality of life for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities
Offering a safe means of outdoor activity away from motorized activity
Providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities and events
Promoting local businesses and healthy tourism industry
Trails and open spaces need people to protect and promote them. We rely on people like you to become a member. Membership helps us achieve a safe and engaging experience for all who use the Stower Seven Lakes Trail for people powered activities.
If you hike, bicycle, live adjacent to or frequent the trail… If you enjoy the nature programs with bird, plant and wildlife experts… If you enjoy the trail’s scenic value and rural communities… If you want to support the health benefits that hundreds of school children and people of all ages enjoy… Please support The Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail!
Annual Reports
Click here to see what the Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail were up to in 2022. <Link is not active at this time>
Click here to see what the Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail achieved in 2021. <Link is not active at this time>
Click here to see what the Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail did in 2020. <Link is not active at this time>
Contact Us
We are always looking for people who are willing to help 'Friends of Stower' in various ways; from helping organize or run a specific event to helping staff a specific role on the Board.
If you are interested in helping the organization in some way or would like more information, send a message to FriendsOfStower@stowersevenlakestrail.org