Healthy Lifestyle
Maryland State parks offer opportunities and programs that enhance the health and wellness of its users.
About Us
The Friends of Maryland State Parks (FMSP) is a statewide non-profit, all volunteer, citizen's 501©(3) organization (FED ID# 52-2049562) formed in 1997 to preserve, protect, enhance and advocate for our state parks — one of Maryland's most precious treasures.
We believe state parks are public lands that belong to "all citizens" and future generations.
The FMSP Foundation focuses on investments in our state parks that provide: economic value to local economies, nature programs for children, critical maintenance and capital improvements for our parks, and healthy lifestyles for park visitors.
Value of Your Maryland State Parks
Environmental Education & Appreciation
Your State parks offer hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for youth through programs such as the Junior Ranger, Conservation Jobs Corps and interpretive programs.
Cultural and Historical Preservation & Restoration
Maryland State Parks include many historical and cultural sites such as Fort Frederick, Harriet Tubman, and the Casselman River Bridge. Facilities like these will continue to degrade without your help!
Board of Directors
Chuck Hecker
President, Park Ranger Major (Ret)
Mel Poole
Vice President, Superintendent Catoctin National Park (Ret)
Tim Casey
Secretary, Corporate Executive (Ret)
Kevin Farley
Treasurer, Corporal Natural Resources Police (Ret)
Stacy Schaefer
Executive Director, Charles Co. Resilience Authority
Rick Decker
Executive, Department of the Army (Ret)
Sarah Witcher
Natural Resource Biologist
Fran Gower
Lieutenant, Natural Resources Police (Ret)
Rusty Ruszin
Park Ranger Colonel, Superintendent, MPS (Ret)
Wendell Jones
Park Ranger Lieutenant (Ret)
Our Vision
To raise the awareness and appreciation of the "quality of life" benefits associated with the preservation, protection, improvement, and expansion of our Maryland State Parks for current and future generations.
Our Mission
To develop a constituency of citizens and elected representatives and officials who believe in the advocacy and support of our Maryland State Parks.
