Friends of Delaware State Parks

Friends groups are independent non-profit organizations of community members dedicated to assisting a particular park. Friends groups help with special events and programs, park maintenance, planning, fundraising, staffing the nature centers and advocating for the park.

There are currently 14 friends groups that actively support Delaware State Parks:

The Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation

Supports Delaware Seashore State Park and the Indian River Life-Saving Station.

The Delaware Zoological Society

Non-profit partner organization that supports the Brandywine Zoo’s education and conservation mission through business operations, fundraising, membership, and events.

The Fort Miles Historical Association

Committed to the preservation of the WWII Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park. Opened the new Fort Miles Museum in 2017 and provided tours to thousands of visitors. Active funding and grant writing supports new infrastructure in the Fort Miles Historical area including a new entrance road and parking lot, a new event venue and ocean overlook and other improvements.

The Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve

Maintains a unique steam car collection and miniature railway and supports garden and trails initiatives at the preserve in Yorklyn, Delaware. Volunteer opportunities range from assisting with events to collection maintenance and giving tours in the mansion and museum.

The Friends of Bellevue State Park

Active group that supports the summer concert series, provides camp and school scholarships, funds summer interns and champions historic preservation of the Mt Pleasant Parsonage, Meeting House and Cemetery.

The Friends of Brandywine Creek State Park

Sponsors clean-up projects, supports park events and provides environmental education scholarships at Brandywine Creek State Park.

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park

Coordinates monthly trail maintenance, purchased the live Osprey Camera, supports park projects and events, host special events and sponsors the Bike Barn - Park Pedalers Program.

The Friends of Holts Landing State Park

Helps with park maintenance and coordinates the Summer Concert Series. Dedicated to the preservation and constant improvement of a natural resource treasure.... Advocate, Maintain, Fulfill, Protect.

The Friends of Killens Pond State Park

Active group that volunteer trail and gardening, supports the summer concert series, sponsor Children’s Nature Programs, helps with park projects and events and hosts special events.

The Friends of Lums Pond State Park

Helps with park maintenance and fundraising at Lums Pond State Park.

The Friends of Lums Pond, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization formed in 2002 to protect and preserve Lums Pond State Park through enhancement projects, public relations, and the education of users.

The organization is independent of Delaware State Parks and relies instead on the work of active volunteers.

The group's aim is to unite with others of like interest in order to make positive changes to Lums Pond State Park and to encourage greater utilization of the park.

They do this by:

  • increasing public awareness
  • maintaining plantings around the Park Office and campground
  • assisting in the maintenance of multi-use trails
  • raising funds to enhance park facilities

There are no dues or fees to join. The only requirement is an interest in Lums Pond State Park. The Friends of Lums Pond meet on the second Saturday of each month. Please email The Friends of Lums Pond or contact one of the officers listed below at (302) 368-6989 for more information.

Clara Robbs (President): Email

Rich Miller (Treasurer): Email

The Friends of Old Dover

Founded in 1950, the Friends of Old Dover is our newest friends group and sponsors the iconic Dover Days each spring and supports the First State Heritage Park at Dover.

The Friends of White Clay Creek State Park

Engaged membership that staff the Nature Center, monitors bluebird boxes, conducts trail maintenance and provides active fundraising and grant support in White Clay Creek State Park.

The Friends of Wilmington Parks

Sponsors and coordinates Summer Concerts, conducts fundraising and grant writing, host special events, sponsors and maintains the Jasper Crane Rose Garden and provides maintenance for Wilmington State Parks.

The Port Penn Area Historical Society

Helps to attain funding and provides assistance with the Port Penn Interpretive Center.

Trap Pond Partners

Active membership that sponsors annual bike rally, conduct fundraising and grant writing, provide scholarships for environmental education, added new playground, host special events and support park projects and events.