ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF SCHAFER AND LAKE SYLVIA
ABOUT US
Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (F.O.S.L.S.) is an organization whose main goal is to benefit, support, promote, protect and ensure the perpetual operation of Schafer and Lake Sylvia state parks. We are a Non-Profit, 501(C)3 community-based organization focused on helping preserve Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks.
We have worked to present the state park story to our legislature and have supported the state park agency as they have worked to preserve our state park system.
We have improved our local state parks by raising the funds to build the Lake Sylvia Legacy Pavilion, a new storage shed at Lake Sylvia; and the new large group camp shelter at Schafer. We worked with the state on the planning of a new redevelopment of Schafer State Park, of which Phase One is now complete and open as of May 1, 2024. This rennovation doubled the size of the park by adding 30 new campsites and 2 cabins to the park.
We also organize and support many public events such as the First Day Hike, Spring Trillium Trek, Spring Cleanups, Membership Salmon Bake, and the Yule Log Celebration. We have worked with State Parks in creating monthly Interpretive Events at both parks as well. Our goal is to encourage public use of our parks and we are successful because of the dedication and commitment from our many volunteers, board members, and donors.
LEGACY PAVILION
FOSLS biggest project to date, is the Legacy Pavilion at Lake Sylvia State Park, shown at the right, and was beautifully designed by local architect Will Foster as a community gathering place. FOSLS raised $200,000 for the project, whichi took eight years of work, three years of concentrated fund raising, Fall Festivals, home shows, talks with civic groups, letter writing, talking with legislators, foundation folks, gifts from at least 125 individuals, and the Brownie scout troop, local businesses, churches, civic organizations, plus many hours of extra work by our state parks staff to work on legislative grants. The project then began in 2018 and was completed in 2020 for a total cost of $1.1 million. The building can be rented for events and is open on a first come first served basis when not reserved.
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Group Shelter At Schafer State Park
One of our earliest projects was financing the construction of the Group Camp Shelter at Schafer State Park. The construction was provided by the local S.N.A.P. group. This building enhances the camping experience for large groups by providing a wood stove, countertops with electricity and tables for group events.
FOSLS Storage Shed at Lake Sylvia
FOSLS is nearly finished with the building of a small storage shed at Lake Sylvia. This shed was needed for the central storage of our tools and supplies. State Parks will also be able to use the building for covered parking for their equipment.
About Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (FOSLS)
Our Mission
At Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks (FOSLS), our mission is to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. We work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable living practices.
Our Story
FOSLS was born in 2009 out of a crisis at WA State Parks due to state budget shortfalls. As a result, 13 parks in the WA State Parks System were slated to be permanently closed and sold including Lake Sylvia and Schafer State Parks. Members of the Montesano community quickly organized and friends of the Schafer State Park community joined them. Together, they sent a petition to the Legislature with over 10,000 signatures demanding that the parks stay open. We succeeded in that effort and the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS) was born.
Since then, FOSLS has created a legacy to our communities that we hope will continue to foster stewardship, environmental preservation, and student education for generations to come.
Our Leadership
FOSLS OFFICERS for 2025
President: Trina Young
Vice President: Stet Palmer
Secretary: Carl Edem
Treasurer: Louise Baxter
Directors At Large: Linda Ronholt, Nan Clute, Geoff Arnold,
and missing from this photo are Josh Shin and Patrick Wadsworth.
Emeritus Board Member: Helen Hepp
Our Team
Committees
Legislative/Parks Commission Committee and Student Education
Tree Memorial Program
Newsletter
Social Media and Web Updates
Membership and Publicity
Web Master, Compliance Officer
Trails Committee, Shed Committee
Invasive Species Control/Weekly Horticulture Team
Our Volunteers
Our volunteer members are our greatest asset! Without them, we could not achieve the many accomplishments we have made over the years for Lake Sylvia and Schafer State Parks. Our volunteers are the Foundation of the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia (FOSLS)! We all enjoy this work because we love the outdoors, appreciate our local state parks, and care about the environment and the legacy of these beautiful places. Our organization was established out of concern for the preservation of these parks, and our roots have grown deep thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. Our volunteer members are our most valuable asset! Without their dedication and hard work, we would not have achieved the impressive accomplishments we have made over the years for Lake Sylvia and Schafer State Parks. Our volunteers are the Foundation of Supporters of Lake Sylvia (FOSLS), and their commitment shapes our success! We are passionate about our work because we cherish the outdoors, value our local state parks, and are deeply committed to protecting the environment and preserving the legacy of these beautiful places. Our organization was founded on a strong desire to safeguard these parks, and our roots continue to grow deeper, thanks to the unwavering efforts of our volunteers.
