The Friends of Silver Springs State Park are people and businesses that care about the quality of life in the Ocala/Marion County area. "We are people with diverse interests, but with a common thread: we care about the natural resource we have available in Silver Springs State Park."

— Taryn Evans, CSO Founder

The Friends is one of the many Citizen Support Organizations which are chartered by the State of
 Florida to provide independent and flexible support for our beautiful state parks.We were founded in 2005 by a small group of local people who wanted to pitch in for Marion County’s iconic Silver River with its incredible wildlife and long history dating back to the ice ages. 

Since then, the Friends organization has grown to well over 150 members with an ample range of opportunities to participate in life at the Park. We have members who like to garden, others who are frequently on the river, and many others who help Park visitors take advantage of the Park’s many possibilities. 

 
The CSO also conducts a number of fund-raising activities, which are fun to manage and  generate significant financial resources for the Park.  CSO members form a community of common interest, and most of us have developed close friendships with our fellow members. Working together on our various projects — whether it’s welcoming Park visitors, tending the gardens and trails, or being on the water — is always an interesting and enjoyable way to “give something back”!