Funding Stream
More than $5,000 each year from the Friends of Wolf Lake is used to support the Visitor Center plus money for one-time projects. The funding from the Friends of Wolf Lake makes it possible for the Visitor Center to provide high caliber programs at no cost to visitors.
The three main sources of funding for the Friends of Wolf Lake are from the Fish Market Gift Shop in the Visitor Center, Fish Food sales, and Donations from people like you.
50% of funding comes from the Fish Market Gift Shop
30% of funding comes from Fish Food sales
20% of funding comes from Donations
Support You Can See
You don’t have to look too far to see many of the ways that the Friends of Wolf Lake has made a difference.
Updates to exhibits in the Visitor Center, like “Where the Fish Go” and the kiosk for invasive species.
Prairie Planting
New roof on the water wheel house
New building for the Hook, Line, and Sinker Program (coming in April 2022)
New informational kiosk at trailhead (coming summer 2022)
Behind the Scenes Support
Some of the things that the funding from the Friends of Wolf Lake helps to make possible are harder to see.
Hosting and supporting the Visitor Center Facebook page
Purchasing printed materials, such as signs and flyers
Provide stipend for summer interns
Sponsor events like Nature Lover’s Date Night, Caught on Camera, Volunteer Appreciation, and Wolf Lake Photo Contest to name just a few!
Power of Partnerships
Working with local businesses, outdoor groups, and others makes our money go further. It could be donations of items or a donation of time to provide a special expertise.
D&R Sports Center
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
Audubon Society of Kalamazoo
Master Gardeners, Michigan State University Extension
Van Buren Conservation District
Brooks Archery
Michigan Muskie Alliance