Completed Projects
Gained Incorporation Status with State of Illinois
Gained 501c3 Not For Profit status
Gained Sales Tax Exception
Assisted two other Friends Groups gain 501c3 status
Established water line to Captain Barn area and Denmark all purpose building area---$15,000 cost
Assisted with four Earth day youth projects in the Park and have now become sponsor of the program
Establishment of four butterfly habitats
Assisted the Brittany Field Trialers in the additions to the Captain Field Trial Area
Captain Trial barn area. This was a $50,000 expansion consisting of toilet facilities, headquarters building, and parking area improvements. This was financed with a bequest from the Jim and Janet Chase Estate
Created friendsofpyramidstatepark.com website
Installed water hydrant to north campground in old Pyramid to provide water to north campground. Made possible by donation from board member Glen Seeber
Established electrical service to Captain field trial building and area of new Denmark building
Created online map of entire park with GPS directional and descriptions of all attractions including all lakes, hunting stakes, campgrounds and more
Worked in cooperation with IDNR to plan and build a 40'x60' all purpose building complete with bathroom, shower, kitchen and seating capacity for 80 people at a cost of $110,000. The facility is available for public use with reservations taken at the main park office
Supported INDR improvements to all 28 miles of park roads. The $1.2 million project was financed through hunting and fishing license fees
Financed placement of 20 water hookups and electrical pods in Denmark Parking Area ($15,000 cast)
Assisted with planning and production of Civil War re-enactment. 1400 school age children attended. Current plans are to return next year
Participated in Pyramid State Recreation Area Strategic Planning Project initiated by Se. Paul Schimph and directed by SIU
Procured a $27,00 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for the eradication of the invasive species of Autumn Olive. Enlisted the involvement of 4 other INDR divisions to participate making the total figure $103,000.00. 500 acres will be treated
Supported Rhonda Schubert’s 4H group with a 50 Tree Identification Trail Project. Trees were identified and then marked with a bar coded plaque for phone app to identify and give information concerning the tree.
Secured a $64,000 Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for further eradication efforts within the Park An additional $64,000 is pledged for this effort which is to be completed in 2020.
Hosted Perry SIU Alumni Asso. Meeting at new Denmark Building
Current Projects
Plan and complete a multimedia presence for the Park. Comprised of e-mail, Facebook, YouTube and brochure. Purpose is to gain more exposure of the Park assets and opportunities to the community
Provide 8’x8’ mobile shelters (2) for use during events in the Park ---est. $500 each
Established electrical hook-ups in Pyramid area campgrounds
Continues to promote public use and improvements of Pyramid State Park