The Friends of the Dunes is a non-profit citizen's support group for Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. In cooperation with the National Park Service, the Friends provide a forum for citizen involvement in planning decisions, focus public interest on issues and need, and provide volunteer and financial aid for projects beyond the scope of the park's budget.
The Friends of the Dunes has provided much benefit to the park and its visitors. Because we are an all-volunteer group, there are very few operational costs - donations genuinely have a direct impact on the park. Here are some of the things we have accomplished:
The Friends of the Dunes has provided much benefit to the park and its visitors. Because we are an all-volunteer group, there are very few operational costs - donations genuinely have a direct impact on the park. Here are some of the things we have accomplished:
- Dunes Wheelchair. Provided balloon-tired wheel chairs specifically designed for sand to give handicapped visitors an opportunity to get out in the sand
- Dark Night Skies Telescope. Provided a large telescope and other support for the dark night skies program, which has become one of the most popular programs in the park
- Cultural/Scientific Research Grants. Secured and managed substantial grants for major archeological and scientific research projects within the park. When a large water development near the park posed a potential threat to the dunes, it was the need for research to understand the role of water within the park system that lead to the formation of the Friends of the Dunes.
- Junior Ranger Program. Provide ongoing support in the form of materials, supplies, and volunteers for both the Junior Ranger Program and Junior Ranger Day (the former typically impacts thousands of students a season and over a hundred in a one-day special event)
- Ambassadors for Wilderness. We have provided support for this unique, award-winning program in which three rangers and an intern take groups of ten middle school or high school students (one group at a time) into the wilderness areas of the park for an extended backpacking trip focusing on wilderness experiences and education)
- Cultural Activities. Sponsored various cultural activities and programs at the amphitheater during the summer season.
- Student Research Grant. Provide funding for supplies, materials, or equipment for high school students interested in doing research projects related to the park. Last year's grant recipient studied the impact of the Medano fire on aquatic insect abundance and diversity in the park. Her project advanced through the science fair process all the way to the International Science and Engineering Fair where she won numerous substantial awards competing against students from around the world. Her project was displayed in the Visitors Center this summer (it was recently taken down but may have been there at your visit). Apply or learn more.
