Projects
Since its founding in 1994, Antelope Island Friends has been instrumental in raising more than $500,000 for projects at Antelope Island State Park to improve and enhance the visitor experience on the island. Through generous donors and matching funds, usually from State Parks and Davis County, Friends has funded hundreds of projects, big and small.
Future Visitor and Learning Center
UNDER DEVELOPMENT - An expanded and remodeled visitor center into a state-of-the-art Visitor and Learning Center to enhance the history, science, and experience of the island for the more then one-million visitors who come to the state park each year including hundreds of school children. The State Legislature had already appropriated $1 Million for design and engineering, and Friends of Davis County are working on obtaining funding for the estimated $12 Million for construction and exhibits.
Telescopes
Three telescopes for visitors to use during star parties.
Bridger Bay
Beach shower decks and bulletin boards at Bridger Bay.
Visitors Center
Several redesigned and rebuilt visitor center exhibits, and the purchase of antique tractors and trucks for the Fielding Garr Ranch.
Boat Exhibits
A refurbished brine shrimp boat and sailboat as walk-on exhibits.
Trail Access Chair
Friends purchased a “trail chair" to accommodate visitors who are unable to walk the trails and enjoy the beautiful vistas offered on the Island. This chair was the first of its kind in Utah and the western United States. This trail equipment is used frequently and at no cost to the user.
Improvements
Polygon picnic shades, day use shelters, campsite pavilion covers and trailhead vault toilets.
Observation Deck
An observation deck near the corrals for watching the annual bison roundup.
530 AM Radio Station
A low-power AM radio station (530 AM) with the transmitter in the middle of the causeway broadcasting historic and current information about the island and lake. With the ground antenna buried in the salty Great Salt Lake lakebed we have received letters of reception from as far away as Canada and Finland!
Video
A video, “Into a World of Wonder”, and large screen televisions and video equipment.
Thank You!
These projects are made possible thanks to the generous support and donations of many local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors!
List of Accomplistments
| Year | Event | Year Total |
| 1996 | Year Total | |
| Friends supported Legislation for paved road to ranch house | ||
| 1997 | Year Total | $73,000 |
| Newsletter published, VC Amphitheater sponsored by Bill Child | ||
| Annual Buffalo Barbeque | ||
| 1998 | Year Total | $554 |
| Bison Bash to honor Mitch Larsson | ||
| Annual Buffalo Barbeque | ||
| 1999 | Year Total | $60,110 |
| Antelope Island Video-Pinnacle Mkg.-“Into a World of Wonder”, Projection and video system at VC | ||
| Rug at Ranch | ||
| AI Brochure/newspaper “Ranching on Antelope Island” | ||
| Antelope by Moonlight | ||
| Oppose hunting on AI (Position paper 3/1/00) | ||
| Continuing cabana project completed 5-2001 | ||
| Kennecott Utah Copper Corp donation (1997) | ||
| 2000 | Year Total | $480 |
| Cement for Bridger Bay restroom sidewalk and cabana | ||
| Place a donation box at Ranch | ||
| 2001 | Year Total | $21,622 |
| Fund educational training packets | ||
| Haven Barlow donation, interpretive sign- History of the causeway | ||
| Friends purchase 2 buffalo art projects | ||
| Assist Syracuse with Buffalo Days festival- 2 bison for meat | ||
| Antelope by Moonlight bike ride | ||
| Purchased heater for Ranch | ||
| 2002 | Year Total | $16,500 |
| 2002 Olympic Torch at Antelope Island | ||
| Purchase low power radio station, located on causeway later donated to Davis County government | ||
| Summer Speakers: Every Saturday, 1 pm, Talk Series | ||
| Purchase vacuum cleaner for Ranch | ||
| 3 Fiberglass full-size bison art statues – at Visitor Center, Offices, and near marina | ||
| Haven Barlow “Road to No Where” sign & pullout | ||
| 2003 | Year Total | $16,500 |
| Artist Day in the Park | ||
| Volunteer Appreciation Dinner/Day at Ranch | ||
| Volunteer Christmas Dinner | ||
| Purchase of an antique tractor (1929 Case) and restoration to new running condition | ||
| Radio Station sign for causeway | ||
| Bronze Bison Statue for the Visitor Center | ||
| Materials to replace outdoor showers decking – 2 decks with Trex material | ||
| Free standing bulletin board for Bridger bay campground construction/installation by Eagle Scout | ||
| Sign for Buffalo Corrals | ||
| 2 bulletin boards for Beach Facilities | ||
| Match for printing of Junior Ranger booklets for Visitor Center | ||
| Signs for Roundup traffic control | ||
| 2004 | Year Total | $18,750 |
| Telescopes (3) and equipment for park Star Parties & Educational Programs | ||
| Match for printing of Junior Ranger booklets for Visitor Center. (funded by Friends of Antelope Island and matching grant from Division) | ||
| T-Shirts to be given to volunteers helping eradicate noxious weeds. Funded by Firends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Signs for trail system & to implement access plan. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, installed by park staff and Eagle Scout Projects) | ||
| Volunteer Appreciation Dinner/Day at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Volunteer Christmas Dinner – 2004. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Printing of the bird list brochure for the Island. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Big screen television and video equipment for the Visitor Center . (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Radios for Trail Patrol. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Junior Ranger Program at Ranch – printing of booklets, purchase of badges. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| 2 Diaper changing stations for Ranch Restroom.(Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Purchase old Dodge Farm Truck for Ranch display. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Match for Trail Patrol shirts and uniform items. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island and matching money from park budget) | ||
| Model 8N Ford Tractor for display at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Surplus Laptop Computer & Projector (transfer arranged by Friends of Antelope Island, purchased by park) | ||
| 2005 | Year Total | $39,100 |
| Volunteer Appreciation Dinner/Day at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Volunteer Christmas Dinner. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Arrowheads for Educational Programs at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Materials to build a bird nesting structure for swallows – displaced from Visitor Center. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, constructed by Eagles Scout and park staff.) | ||
| Materials for an enclosure for the dumpster at the visitor center. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, contructed by park staff) | ||
| Materials to build an observation deck for the annual Bison Roundup. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, constructed by Clearfield Job Corp.) | ||
| 12’ x 12’ Campsite pavilion – cabana. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, concrete pad, table, and construction costs from park budget, construction by Eagle Scout) | ||
| 30’ x 34’ picnic pavilion for the day-use beach area. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island, construction by park staff) | ||
| Polaris Ranger Utility Vehicle for work on the trail system. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| 1 Reprinting of the Ranch brochure. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| 2006 | Year Total | $59,800 |
| Volunteer Appreciation Dinner/Day at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Volunteer Christmas Dinner. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| 2 Reprintings of the Ranch brochure. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Electronic Message Board at gatehouse | ||
| New Trail Maps printed | ||
| Trail Tools for new Trails Project/Maintenance Trailer | ||
| Scott Sneddon Memorial display for Visitor Center | ||
| Extended Golf Cart – People Mover | ||
| Ranch water line replacement – 1 mile of pipeline $7,500 in pipe from Division, $2,500 in valves from Park Budget, Tranching work donated by Mr. Skinner valued at $10,000. | ||
| 2007 | Year Total | $1,000 |
| Volunteer Appreciation Dinner/Day at Ranch. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| 2008 | Year Total | $16,614 |
| Volunteer Christmas Dinner. (Funded by Friends of Antelope Island) | ||
| Rock base and plaque for electronic sign | ||
| ADA ramp to deck | ||
| Jr. Ranger booklets and badges | ||
| Ranch brochures | ||
| Tractor rebuild- on display at Ranch | ||
| Volunteer appreciation | ||
| Water bottles | ||
| 2009 | Year Total | $48,877 |
| Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| Refurbish camp site #1 at Bridger Bay- Friends, Chevron | ||
| Sign for electronic entry sign | ||
| Into a World of Wonder DVD reprint | ||
| Volunteer appreciation dinners and calendars | ||
| Ranger Program Booklets | ||
| Island bird brochure | ||
| Bottled water for visitors | ||
| Bio Blitz volunteer appreciation | ||
| Friends’ booth at GSL Bird Festival | ||
| Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| Roundup Dinner | ||
| 2010 | Year Total | $30,739 |
| Printed Jr. Ranger Booklets, 350 books 7×8 20 pgs | ||
| Time-period Washing machines for Ranch | ||
| Trail Patrol radio battery | ||
| Volunteer Appreciation dinner | ||
| Reprint Ranch brochure | ||
| Into a World of Wonder DVD reprint | ||
| Acquired Shrimp boat for Marina display | ||
| Acquired sail boat for Marina display | ||
| Purchased large deck at Buffalo Point and gave it to Island, paid for repairs | ||
| Purchased interpretive signs for deck at Buffalo Point | ||
| Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| Roundup Dinner | ||
| 2011 | Year Total | $22,218 |
| Provide bottled water at Ranch | ||
| Completed Sail boat and Brine Shrimp boat display/deck at the Marina | ||
| Re-Printed Ranch Brochures | ||
| Re-ordered water, delivered to Island | ||
| 18th Annual Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| Spence was emcee for 13th annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival | ||
| Into a World of Wonder DVD reprint 20 | ||
| 2012 | Year Total | $64,050 |
| Donated to Frary Homestead Trail interpretation project | ||
| Donated to the Ranger Memorial restoration on causeway | ||
| Create- refurbish the Palace Store at the Ranch | ||
| Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride- largest event at 2,163 | ||
| Tree removal project at Ranch | ||
| Received donation of $100 from Glen Weese for this Summer Concert Series at Amphitheater | ||
| Digital equipment for Radio Station, renew license Includes $1,000 donation from Wells Fargo | ||
| Ordered and received 100 cases of bottled water | ||
| Repair of golf cart at Ranch | ||
| Took a position against hunting on the Island | ||
| Joined Friends of Utah State Parks | ||
| Had a booth at the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival in May | ||
| Successful Chili dinner during roundup | ||
| Easter Egg Hunt | ||
| Reprint Ranch brochure | ||
| 2013 | Year Total | $39,352 |
| Frary Homestead parking lot, trail | ||
| Amphitheater covering update | ||
| Brine Shrimp Boat | ||
| Brochures- German and French Western Experience | ||
| Brochures – Ranch | ||
| Web site promoting history of Antelope Island | ||
| Palace at Ranch construction, furniture- authentic | ||
| ROCKIN’ Project at Visitor Center = kayaks | ||
| New Television for Visitor Center | ||
| Volunteer appreciation events | ||
| Chili dinner during Roundup | ||
| Sponsor Summer Concert Series | ||
| Cowboy Poetry Festival | ||
| 2014 | Year Total | $26,685 |
| Booth at Great Salt Lake Bird Festival | ||
| Visitor Center Display interpretation plan | ||
| Volunteer appreciation events | ||
| CXT restroom at White Rock Bay | ||
| Visitor Center Display Phase 2 | ||
| Reprint bird list brochure | ||
| 7 directional signs | ||
| Sponsor Cowboy Poetry Event at Ranch | ||
| Sponsor Summer Concert Series at VC amphitheater | ||
| Sentry Trailhead 3 large signs | ||
| Rock Corral interpretive sign | ||
| Funded Eagle Scout projects | ||
| Received donations from Haven Barlow, Chevron (from 2012), Child Family, Wells Fargo Bank, and Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| New board members: Barbara Stephenson, Ed Payne, Mark Altom | ||
| 2015 | Year Total | $55,345 |
| Sold water at the Antelope by Moonlight Bike Ride | ||
| Served Chili Dinner at Ranch during the Roundup | ||
| Jr. Ranger Booklets | ||
| New Visitor Center displays – design | ||
| Foreign language brochure translation | ||
| CXT Vault toilets at Lady Finger and lower Frary trailhead | ||
| Door for 3 campground toilets | ||
| Cowboy Legends kid’s booklets | ||
| 6 Polygon shade shelters for White Rock Bay | ||
| 2 Bike Repair stations for Ranch and Marina | ||
| 2015 Utah Arts and Museum grant match | ||
| Reprint Garr Ranch brochures | ||
| Tour of Utah bike race | ||
| Volunteer Appreciation events | ||
| 2016 | Year Total | $21,611 |
| Cowboy Legends event | ||
| Eagle Scout project | ||
| Tour of Utah bike race | ||
| Polaris Ranger transmission | ||
| Frary Peak Trail reconfigure | ||
| Trail Markers color coded | ||
| Penny Smashing machine at Visitor Center | ||
| 2017 | Year Total | $68,086 |
| Visitor Center Interpretive Display- fabrication and installation | ||
| Upgrade to causeway radio station | ||
| Cowboy Legends sponsorship | ||
| Ranch brochure reprint | ||
| Dark Sky Lighting upgrade on causeway | ||
| 2018 | Year Total | $13,740 |
| Big Horn Sheep mounts for display | ||
| Tour of Utah bike tour sponsorship | ||
| Replace Penny Machine case | ||
| 2019 | Year Total | $44,950 |
| Volunteer Calendars | ||
| Ranch Brochure re-design | ||
| Volunteer Recognition event | ||
| Add day use shelters | ||
| Replace floors at Ranch | ||
| FOAI Board member plaque | ||
| Foreign Figures Concert | ||
| Visitor Center/Learning Center new design | ||
| Translation for Trail map | ||
| Ice Machine | ||
| 2020 | Year Total | $1,200 |
| Jr Ranger project | ||
| Trails facelift | ||
| 2021 | Year Total | $40,450 |
| Volunteer Recognition | ||
| Utility Vehicle at Ranch for visitor convenience | ||
| Archery Range development, grant, construction | ||
| Improve Ranch Grove picnic area | ||
| Day Use Shelters | ||
| Sign for Ranch | ||
| Bike Repair Station |