Making a Difference
As far back as we can remember, people and preservation have gone hand in hand. People have the power to preserve natural wildlands like Highlands Hammock State Park for generations to come. This park was acquired and opened to the public in 1931 through the effort of local citizens and a generous benefactor, Margaret Shippen Roebling. When the Florida State Park Service was created in 1935, Highlands Hammock became one of the first parks. The park today continues to be supported by caring individuals through the Friends of Highlands Hammock Citizens Support Organization.
CSO members operating a sales table at a recent special event.
The Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park is a non-profit corporation which functions as a citizen support organization (CSO) regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Our purpose is to generate and employ additional resources and support for and in the best interests of Highlands Hammock State Park. We accomplish this through special events, outreach programs, educational activities and communications, special exhibits, interpretive programs, fund raising activities and events, and guided tours and other activities and events designed to meet the additional areas of park needs. The members are volunteers who have an interest in preserving our natural resources and wildlife as well as improving Highlands Hammock State Park.

The CSO has many fund raising efforts currently underway including six outdoor concerts per year, T shirt and gift shop sales, firewood sales, tram tours, and memorial boardwalk plaque sales. We also participate in Earth Day, the Civilian Conservation Corps Festival, and the Turkey Trot which is a 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. All of the money we raise is used for improvements to the park.

The CSO board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 at the park to discuss up-coming events and ideas for fund-raising. We also receive a park report from the park manager Peter Anderson at that time. Members or those interested in becoming a member of the Friends organization are welcome to attend the meetings. Anyone interested in joining the CSO can support the park by being a working volunteer or simply a silent member. In return for your membership you will receive our newsletter and free admission to the park on the first Saturday of each month.

Please consider becoming a member and supporting our beautiful Highlands Hammock State Park.
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