Friends of Riding Mountain National Park is a non-profit organization, committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of Riding Mountain National Park. Through innovative programming in partnership with Parks Canada and other like-minded organizations, Friends of Riding Mountain National Park provide valuable educational opportunities that inspire environmental stewardship.
What do we do?
Over the years Friends has contributed to the well being of Riding Mountain National Park in countless ways!
• As a non-profit organization, to generate revenue, we own and operate the Nature Shop in the Park’s Visitor Centre. A second retail outlet is located in the Solstice Spa at the Elkhorn Resort and Conference Centre.
• We operate a Junior Naturalist Program for children ages 5 to 12 during the summer months. This programs offers hands-on learning while in the great outdoors.
• We raise money for research. Our current projects include the South Gate rehabilitation project and the Park’s Grey wolf research.
• Our Adopt-an-Animal program raises money for research and public education programs.
• Friends hosts special events within Riding Mountain National Park such as Canada Day, Parks Day and Music in the Park weekends.
• We also operate the Volunteer Campground Host Program at Lake Audy and Moon Lake.
• Friends has developed a fall Eco-Science Camp program for students living in the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve.
• NEW - Caching Riding Mountain is a GPS based learning experience and entertaining adventure activity highlighting the people, places and heritage of Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve and its core area, Riding Mountain National Park.
• Friends has partnered with the Parkland Habitat Partnership to promote habitat conservation and protection within the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve and the surrounding communities.
• Recently, Friends has taken over operation of the Park’s recycling depot and is creating a variety of recycling programs to make the Park a “greener” community.
HOURS:
9:00am - 5:00pm (and special events)
SEASON:
All year