This Sunday, March 22nd starting at 1 PM, the Friends invite everyone to help with a special volunteer activity. The January ice storm caused major damage to trees throughout the park and actually caused the park to be closed for a time following the storm due to the damage and an extended power outage. Park staff have been working hard to clean up and the mess and we are asking for volunteers to help with this effort. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Nature Center at 1 PM to lend a hand and help clear debris on park trails and roadways. Weather forecasts call for sunny weather and temperatures in the mid-60's, so this is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the first early days of spring. So, please plan to join us and help the park to recover from storm!

The annual membership meeting of the Friends of Lincoln State Park was held on March 3rd at Buffalo Run. Dan Wilkinson was re-elected and Tim McCutcheon was elected as a new member to the board of directors. Following the vote for directors, officers of the board were elected. Dan Wilkinson was elected president, Bonnie Hohl vice-president, Shirley Begle secretary, and Linda Wilkinson treasurer. Following the elections, the annual meeting was adjourned and the regular monthly business meeting was called to order. During the meeting, dates were finalized for 2009 activities and events. The complete calendar can be found on our website.

The Gobbler's Run Primitive Camping area is about to receive an upgrade. Construction recently began on a new restroom and shower facility that will be located within the primitive camping area. Until now, only campers in the Class A electric campground had access to full restrooms and showers. Once completed, the Gobbler's Run camping area will be elevated from a Class C level sites to Class B level sites. According to park staff, it is hoped the construction should be completed by Memorial Day.

Mark your calendar for the Friends of Lincoln State Park's annual Kite Day & Egg Hunt set for Saturday, April 18th from 1-3 PM. Watch for more information on our website and in next month's newsletter.

Public Can View New Set Design

The new theatrical experience, "Lincoln", that will premiere at the Lincoln Amphitheatre on June 12 continues to make strides as opening night grows ever closer. Auditions have been completed and now the general public can get a sneak peek at the new set design for "Lincoln" through a YouTube video posted at the Lincoln Amphitheatre website. The 2-minute video features Artistic Director Scott Lank describing and explaining features of the new set using a working model with movable parts. The new production is being designed as a new theatrical experience and the production team consists of several individuals with Broadway experience. The set featured in the online video is to be professionally constructed by a New York set construction company that services Broadway theatre companies.

Tickets are available online or by calling the box office. For more information visit http://www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com or call 1-800-264-4223.

Watch For Renewal Notices

Spring is here and that means it's membership renewal time! Be watching your mailbox as 2009 renewal notices will be sent out very soon. Your support is very imporant and very appreciated and we sincerely hope you will choose to renew your support again this year. For 2009 we have created a new $50 membership level called Friends & Family. While we certainly hope you will be able to maintain or increase your past level of support, you are always free to choose any support level that works for you! If you were a new member last year and qualify for a free gift, you will be receiving that gift later this spring. Annual Entrance Permits and Camping Gift Cards have already been sent, but if you qualified for a Lincoln State Park hat, you will receive it soon.

If you don't want to wait to receive your notice, you can mail your donation any time or donate with a credit card through our website. You may notice a slight change on the renewal notice this year. You will now need to check a box if you DO NOT want us to contact you about volunteer opportunities. State budget cuts will very likely reduce seasonal park staffing significantly which means that 2009 will be the Year of the Volunteer. There will be many opportunities and we want you! Volunteers will specifically be needed at the nature center and the Col. Jones Home. Contact park naturalist Michael Crews or watch our newsletter for more information.

Thanks again to all of our Friends of Lincoln State Park!