Friends of the Kettle Moraine

Mission: To promote conservation, recreation, and education within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit.

The Friends of the Kettle Moraine (FOTKM) began in the mid-1980’s, when the DNR’s Bureau of Parks and Recreation, initiated a “Friends Group” program for Wisconsin State Parks and Recreational Forests.  The general goal was to develop a greater appreciation and environmental awareness of Wisconsin’s natural resources and glacial history.  Specific goals were to enlist public involvement in the activities and future direction of the Forest and to provide financial assistance directly to the Kettle Moraine State Forest –Northern Unit for programs and activities. The area is recognized as one of the best area on the planet to study the effect of glaciers on the landscape.

• Provide financial and volunteer support of the Northern Unit’s educational programs and events offered throughout the year and attended by visitors from the local area and from around the country and world. Events include the Candlelight Ski/Hike and Winter Solstice Night Hike
• Offer financial support through fundraising, grants, and co-sponsorship of recreational and conservation projects.
• Recruit volunteers for litter cleanups, invasive species eradication and special events.
• Assist forest staff with special projects to improve the recreation and education facilities, and ecological communities. Past projects include purchasing playground equipment, planting prairie restorations, controlling non-native species, and constructing the Zillmer Trail Shelter.
• Work with the staff at the Ice Age Visitor Center to greet/orientate visitors and sell Friends’ merchandise (a major fund raiser).