FOLFAN, or Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008. We are the Cooperating Association for the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
With the support of our members, donors, sponsors and volunteers, we coordinate several park programs, initiatives and events:
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Adopt the Parkway (ATP) Program: Did you know that our park has over 100 miles of trails? Our ATP program utilizes volunteer stewards and financial sponsors to help keep our park clean and safe. We also sponsor 2-3 large-scale park cleanup events annually and assist self-directed volunteers, families and groups with their cleanup efforts throughout the year.
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Bald Eagle Interpretive Program: Because our park has 100 miles of shoreline and more than 11,000 surface acres of water, it is popular with Bald Eagles. One nesting pair, known affectionately as Mama and Papa, has made Lake Natoma their home for the past ten years. Our Interpretive Program, including a team of docents, help eagle observers to better understand our wild eagles and how to enjoy and protect them.
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Guided Interpretive Program: This program sponsors a variety of guided nature walks, workshops and speaker programs in which subject matter experts help us better understand our natural world and its human impacts.
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Lake Natoma Native Plant Nursery and Gardens: This initiative serves two purposes: to grow healthy native plants needed for state park eco restoration projects, and public gardens that park guests can enjoy while learning about native plants and the important habitats they provide.
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Outreach and Education: Each year FOLFAN engages with thousands of people at park and community events to tell them about our state park and about FOLFAN. It’s a fun way for us to meet new FOLFAN members and volunteers! We also provide popular handouts, including maps, brochures and Wild Cards. Wild Cards are like trading cards, but with each one focused on a species found in our state park.
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Water Safety: FOLFAN is a long-time supporter of the park’s free loaner life jacket program, now called Life Jackets Save Lives. We have a few tragic drownings each year at our state park, and virtually all could have been prevented by using life jackets. We believe in this program because it saves lives.
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Izzy’s Animal Rescue Festival: This event is for animal lovers! Here we celebrate the people and groups involved in wildlife and domestic animal rescue, rehabilitation, support and advocacy.
FOLFAN's Mission
"Enhancing education and recreation opportunities for the public and protecting the wonders and resources of Lakes Folsom and Natoma."