You Can Help | Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

1. Volunteer Your Time
The best way to find out about volunteering at the Preserve is to subscribe to the Friends of Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve mailing list at the bottom of this page. The Friends will email when there is a need for help at an event, or with grounds maintenance, etc. We post this on Facebook too.

We have recently initiated an “Adopt a Trail” sponsorship program and are seeking participants. Send us an email message at friendswgp@gmail.com to join us.

We also are working to establish a program for dogs at WGP, and we are seeking a volunteer BARK Ranger Program Coordinator (or Co-Coordinator). Might you be interested? For information, link to view our Annual Members’ Meeting Minutes from January, 2026. If you think you could be a good fit, complete this APPLICATION for the coordinator position, and then send us an email message at friendswgp@gmail.com to alert us.

2. Join and Renew an Annual Membership (Renewals each January)
The simplest way to support the Preserve is to become a member of the Friends. Your annual membership is tax deductible. To become a member of the Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve via PayPal or by credit card. Click on the Pay Now button and choose a membership category: Single = $25.00, Family = $40.00, Five-year = $150, Lifetime = $500.

Or if you prefer, please fill out this form and mail it with a check to

Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
P.O. Box 482, Yankeetown, FL 34498

3. Make a Donation
Donations support ongoing conservation, maintenance, and educational outreach efforts at WGP.

If you have an interest in making the WGP part of your legacy please contact us. (friendswgp@gmail.com) Donations can be earmarked for the FWGP Endowment or designated for a specific purpose such as a Preserve infrastructure project or an Education Center exhibit.

4. Sponsor Ducks at the Annual Rubber Duck Race (Fall Fundraising, November Race)
Each November the Friends of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve host a Rubber Duck Race during the Yankeetown Seafood Festival. Sponsor the fastest duck and you win $200. The last place duck sponsor will receive $50. To learn more visit this post.

Use Duck Race Sponsorship link for Credit Card or PayPal payments. Checks can be sent to: FWGP, Box 482, Yankeetown, FL 34498

5. Serve as a Board Member (Spring elections)

Current Officers, Friends of Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

President: Sally Douglas (2022-present)
Treasurer: Ellen Klee
Secretary: Cynthia Schuemann
Directors: Jeffery Hall, Ann Sayward, Debra Weiss, Peter Weiss
Associate Directors: Henry Quandt, Jeff Bernstein, Kent Gardner
Yankeetown Town Council Liaison: TBA; Town Mayor: Laurence Vorisek

Past Presidents, Friends of Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve

2020-2022: Kent Gardner
2018-2020: Debra Weiss
2016-2018: Ellen Klee
2012-2016: Jack Schofield
2008-2012: Ellen Klee
2005-2008: Tom Hoffer

Listed by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization
Listed by the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations,
under Document Number N05000008957

FRIENDS OF THE WITHLACOOCHEE GULF PRESERVE, INC DTN3020073 CH40505 – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLIING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.