About Us

Our Mission: ​The purpose of the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park is to collaborate closely with Fort Harrison State Park staff in order to: Support property staff in projects and events that preserve, manage and interpret both the natural and cultural heritage and recreational opportunities of Fort Harrison State Park.

Our Board of Directors:
Board members are unpaid volunteers elected by active members at the Annual meeting.  

Officers
John Crawford, President
​Karen Coleman, Vice President
​Lee Ann Kee, Treasurer
Tom Crouch, Treasurer Emeritus
Jennifer McQuade, Secretary

Directors

Joy Fulk
Don McQuade
​Rachel Walker
Dexter Lee
Kyle Nelson
Recent Projects and Accomplishments include:
  • "New" Camp Creek Trail widening and bridge project
  • Joint project with REI volunteers to rehabilitate the large playground across from the sledding hill- National Public Lands Day, September 2017
  • Often-muddy section of Fall Creek Trail armored near Fall Creek- September 2017
  • Duck Pond Connector trail "armored" with limestone to alleviate muddy conditions- June 2017
  • Financial and volunteer support for the annual Halloween Bash 
  • Sponsorship of the 2017 Summer Intensive and year-long IMN classes
  • Milkweed Grant from Monarch Watch:  approximately 100 swamp, whorled, and common milkweed varieties planted - June 2017
  • Donation and installation of replacement blue bird nesting boxes- Spring 2017
  • Annual Meeting with Cook Out and entertainment
  • Planting, mulching, and maintaining park gardens at the Gate House, Sledding Hill restrooms, and Visitor Center
  • Invasive species removal- approximately 1000-2000 pounds of garlic mustard removed- Spring 2017.  Blue Ribbon Transport partnered with us for an event
  • Monitoring of park streams – Hoosier Riverwatch Program
  • Providing financial assistance for Certified Interpretive Guide training for volunteers and seasonal staff
  • Volunteer educators for the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) classes and school programs.
  • Trail maintenance - Harrison Trace vegetation overgrowth removal- Summer 2016 and 2017
  • Facilities improvements - 59th Street track/ bleacher area clean up and bleacher painting
  • Facilities improvements - sign painting
  • Story Walk sponsorship with the Indianapolis Public Library
  • Purchase of two additional park benches- Fall 2016
  • Visitor Center "Spruce-Up" with sign painting, spring bulbs planted, garden clean-up
  • Financial and volunteer support for the annual Halloween Bash​


For a list of current projects and events, see the "Events" tab.