Friends of Oscar Scherer Park
When you participate in the Scrub-Jay Races, you're doing more than enjoying a great day of running—you are helping support the conservation, education, and enhancement efforts of the Friends of Oscar Scherer Park (FOSP)
The Friends of Oscar Scherer Park is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Oscar Scherer State Park for future generations. As the park's officially designated Citizen Support Organization (CSO), FOSP works closely with park staff and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide resources and funding that go beyond what state budgets can support.
Through fundraising events, grants, memberships, and donations, FOSP helps fund park improvements, educational programs, equipment purchases, trail maintenance, interpretive displays, maps, newsletters, and visitor resources. One of the organization's recent accomplishments was the completion of a $200,000 ADA-accessible boardwalk and fishing pier on Lake Osprey, creating new opportunities for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the park.
FOSP's mission is to support the preservation and protection of Oscar Scherer State Park's natural and cultural resources, promote public awareness of its ecological importance through educational programs and special events, and provide volunteer services that help ensure the park remains a treasured community asset.
Become a Friend of the Park
FOSP invites you to become a member and help protect one of Florida's most important natural treasures. Your membership directly supports efforts to maintain and improve habitat for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay, preserve native plant and animal species, and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and environmental stewardship for visitors of all ages.
Membership support helps fund:
- Maps, trail guides, fact sheets, and newsletters that enhance the visitor experience
- Educational outreach, nature programs, and guided bird walks
- Community events and environmental programming
- Trail maintenance and habitat improvement projects
- Park amenities and enhancements beyond the scope of state funding
Members also enjoy exclusive discounts and early access to events and programs, regular electronic updates about park activities and projects, and family memberships include twelve free park entries annually.
Annual membership rates are:
- Family: $25
- Individual: $20
- Student: $15
- Corporate/Organization: $200
Join today and help make Oscar Scherer State Park "your park." Every membership, donation, race entry, and volunteer hour contributes to protecting this unique ecosystem and ensuring future generations can enjoy its beauty and wildlife.
