The Friends of the Center Alliance, LTD (FOCAL) is a grass roots, volunteer organization formed to support and further the goals of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. This 501(c), non-profit organization is dedicated to advancing the Center's Mission.

Mission Statement

The Friends of the Center provide financial and organizational support to the Center and represent the community's perspective and the interests in the Center's management and organization.

Vision Statement

The Friends seek to maximize the value of the Center to all visitors and to regional communities by supporting the operation and maintenance of the Center and by advocating the sustainability of the region's natural, cultural, and historic resources.

From its start this local group has joined hands, heads and hearts to establish a living resource advocating the uniqueness and sustaining the heritage of the Northern Great Lakes Region. Over the years the Friends have accomplished many achievements for the Center. Learn how you can help!

Friends Highlights

• Two-time Honor Awards recipient of the USDA Forest Service Eastern Region Honor Awards for excellence in partnerships in 2002 and 2004.
• Purchased the Center’s Book Store and Gift Shop in 2002, and since have fully managed its operations, showing increasing annual profits!
• Employ three staff members to operate store and assist with visitor services.
• Increased store inventory and profits.
• Store profits contribute to Center’s 2nd floor exhibits, Center operation expenses and marketing ads for Center’s programs and facilities.
• Sponsor Friends Members 10% discount in Center Store.
• Sponsor the Center’s Connections Newsletter and e-mail announcements.
• Sponsor the Center’s Volunteer program and manage volunteer housing at the Stephenson farmhouse.
• Sponsored dedication of Martin Hanson Theater.
• Host Center events, programs, and workshops.
• Sponsored the Center's Raptor migration study.
• Awarded a grant to help fund coastal wetland exhibit.
• Launched 8 kayaks for coastal wetlands exploration and “Voyageurs Paddle Chequamegon Bay” living-history programs.
• Donated youth and adult snowshoes for community and groups use.
• Employ full-time Center janitor to help clean and maintain the facility.

 Become a Friend of the Center!

As a 501(c)(3)organization, the Friends of the Center Alliance Limited (FOCAL) is able to accept tax deductable donations. Join now!

In addition to cash donations, tax-deductable donations of items needed by the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC) are greatly appreciated.
A partial listing of needed items include:

Zero-Radius 48" Garden Mower
Utility 4-Wheeler
Commercial Dish Washer
Energy Efficient Refrigerator

Educational Equipment:
Binoculars (25)
Bird Books (25)
Yard Sticks (12)
Soil Probes (5)
Soil Temperature Probes (5)

You may donate services or capital improvements at the Center, too.
For a list of needed services or proposed projects contact:

Jason L. Maloney, Center Director
715-685-2642
Director@nglvc.org