Friends of Blanco State Park is a non-profit organization committed to the preservation, protection and improvement of the park, which is located at 101 Park Road 23.
“Our mission is to work in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife to maintain and protect the park’s natural beauty, for current enjoyment and that of future generations.”
The organization puts the donations and funds directly back into Blanco State Park. Projects vary from year to year. One of the major projects in 2019 was rebuilding the Wildlife Viewing Station, which was lost in the 2015 Memorial Day flood.
Marcy Wescott, Friends of BSP president, explained that after the flood, 75 percent of the park was gone. Friends of BSP helped plan, build and landscape the new station. The water feature and landscaping hasn’t been completely finished, but the viewing station itself is complete.
Another big project in 2019 was creating the storm shelters around the picnic tables, which had also been eliminated from the 2015 flooding. Funding was low, so Friends of BSP was unable to replace all of the storm shelters. However, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) awarded the non-profit a community grant, which provided funds to help construct more. More storm shelters will be constructed in the future. A tree grant was awarded to the organization and around 25 trees were planted around the park this year.
The organization does not have a structured membership, and Wescott said they are grateful for all the support. There are currently between 175-180 members and 11 board members. One does not need to live in Blanco to become a member of Friends of BSP; in fact, there are a lot of members who live out of state but who have visited the park in the past. Many Texas Master Naturalists are a part of this organization.
To become a member, a person can donate or volunteer time. The “donated funds are used directly for Blanco State Park improvements and educational programs.” Members meet at the end of the year to discuss; this year the meeting was held in January. In early 2020, several Friends of State Parks from around the Hill Country area meet up for a roundup event. Members got to know each other and discussed and shared ideas.
Friends of BSP members love the park and are dedicated to helping it in any way possible. In 2011, there were major budget cuts for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Blanco State Park landed on the closure list. Citizens of Blanco and members of Friends of BSP testified to the Texas Senate in order to keep the park open, explaining how the park helps the economy of the community. The organization is grateful for the support to keep the park open!
Interested citizens should contact Wescott about joining the non-profit organization. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 493 Blanco, TX 78606.
Editor’s note: The Blanco County News features a local non-profit group or organization once a month to let members of the community how they can get involved and help each other.
