The Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park received Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant to help build a new amphitheater at the popular Sheboygan County park, as reported by WHBL. The Friends group will use the funding toward Phase I of their amphitheater enclosure project, which will enhance programming and events at the park. The organization will also donations for benches and major equipment components to complement the grant funding.
The Kohler-Andrae grant was among 32 grants awarded to friends groups statewide, totaling over $430,000. The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program provides these grants to help friends groups improve state parks, trails, and forests. With matching contributions from local organizations, this round will support $3.4 million in improvements across Wisconsin.
“The DNR’s relationships with Friends Groups are vital to the success of our state properties and we are proud to partner with them,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Karen Hyun in the announcement.
The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, named after two former Wisconsin governors – Warren Knowles and Gaylord Nelson – allocates $500,000 annually to provide grants to friends groups for these types state park improvements. The program, established in 1989, works to preserve valuable natural areas and wildlife habitat, protect water quality and fisheries, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout Wisconsin.
Featured image by Nancy Ketchman, 2024
