Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park

What Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park does

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park (FPVSP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1997 and headquartered at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland. Operating under an affiliate agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, FPVSP serves as the official nonprofit partner of Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP), one of the largest suburban trail systems in the United States with more than 200 miles of natural surface trails. The organization's core function is trail stewardship and park support: it builds, maintains, and marks trails; coordinates volunteer workdays; runs adaptive recreation programs; and operates community events that fund and sustain park operations. FPVSP has invested roughly $500,000 supporting PVSP, contributed over 6,000 volunteer hours annually, and built or improved more than 50 miles of trails.

FPVSP delivers its mission through an interconnected portfolio of programs: the Trail Captain Program, the Patapsco Trail Work Series, the McKeldin Adaptive Trail Network (the first adaptive trail network in Maryland State Parks, completed 2024), adaptive recreation partnerships with Kennedy Krieger and Catalyst Sports, a Mobile Visitors Center with multilingual outreach, signature events (Patapsco 50k, Pints for Patapsco, Punisher at Pickall, Cocktails for Trails), the Trail Marking System (18 kiosks and nearly 500 carsonite markers), and the Hollofield Play Space. Operations are led by Executive Director Dave Ferraro with a small paid staff (Director of Media, Director of Trail Stewardship, Outreach Coordinator, Events Coordinator) and an all-volunteer Board of Directors representing diverse park user communities (trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, adaptive athletes, and BIPOC outdoor groups).

Revenue is generated through six streams: an annual Membership Program (managed on Wild Apricot, pricing not publicly disclosed), general donations via PayPal, stock and capital gains donations, small project sponsorships ($6,000 kiosks and $6,000-$8,000 bridges), event revenue (Cocktails for Trails and race series including the Patapsco 50k, Pints for Patapsco, Johnnycake Jolt, MD HEAT Race, and Punisher at Pickall), and grant funding from sources including the Recreational Trail Program (MDOT/SHA), Chesapeake Bay Trust, Community Foundation of Howard County, and others. The organization operates exclusively within Maryland and has no subsidiaries, no disclosed revenue, and no equity funding.

Name

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park

Legal name

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park Ltd.

Website

https://fpvsp.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the official affiliate partner of Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland, stewarding 200+ miles of trails through volunteer programs, adaptive recreation, community events, and grant-funded infrastructure projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Park Stewardship & Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

Keywords

• Trail stewardship services
• Park volunteer programs
• Adaptive outdoor recreation
• Nonprofit fundraising events
• Conservation infrastructure projects

Headquarters

HQ city

Ellicott City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Program: Annual membership program providing early access to event registration, exclusive discounts with partners, members-only newsletter, and priority access to Cocktails for Trails tickets. Members receive updates and communications while supporting year-round park operations.
2. General Donations: Direct monetary donations via PayPal supporting park stewardship, trail maintenance, and conservation efforts. Donors can contribute to general operations or specific initiatives.
3. Stock and Capital Gains Donations: Accepts donations of appreciated stocks and securities, providing tax benefits to donors while generating revenue for the organization.
4. Small Project Sponsorships: Sponsors can fund specific park infrastructure including bridges ($6k-$8k depending on length) and kiosks ($6k each). Includes volunteer engagement opportunities and ribbon-cutting events for businesses.
5. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from signature events including Cocktails for Trails annual fundraiser, trail running events (Patapsco 50k, Johnnycake Jolt, Pints for Patapsco, MD HEAT Race), and the Punisher at Pickall mountain bike race series.
6. Grant Funding: Funding secured through grants including Recreational Trail Program, MDOT/SHA, Chesapeake Bay Trust, and various foundation partners for trail projects and adaptive access improvements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FPVSP is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate partner of Patapsco Valley State Park, supporting the park through volunteer-driven trail stewardship, adaptive recreation programs, community events, and infrastructure improvement projects. The organization maintains and builds the park's 200+ miles of natural surface trails, runs fundraising events such as Cocktails for Trails and running races, delivers adaptive programs for visitors with disabilities, and operates a mobile visitor center for community outreach.

Product overview

Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the official nonprofit partner of Patapsco Valley State Park. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs focused on trail stewardship, recreation, and accessibility. Core offerings include the Trail Captain Program and Patapsco Trail Work Series for volunteer trail maintenance; the McKeldin Adaptive Trail Network and Adaptive Programs for accessibility; the Mobile Visitors Center for outreach; and an Annual Events Program including the Patapsco 50k, Cocktails for Trails, and other community events. Supporting programs include Membership, Small Project Sponsorships (bridges and kiosks), the Hollofield Play Space, and the Trail Marking System. These programs work together to support the park's 200+ mile trail system and serve diverse community needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trail Stewardship Program Comprehensive trail maintenance and construction program that builds and maintains PVSP's 200+ mile natural surface trail system through the Trail Captain Program and Patapsco Trail Work Series volunteer events.
• Trail Captain Program An organized volunteer program that assigns trained captains to specific areas of the park to organize work events, perform maintenance, and serve as the eyes and ears of the trail system.
• Patapsco Trail Work Series Monthly volunteer trail work events that partner with the Maryland Park Service to tackle high-impact trail projects; sponsored by partners and open to members with early registration access.
• Adaptive Programs Programs designed for visitors with special needs and disabilities, including adaptive hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and hunting.
• McKeldin Adaptive Trail Network An expanded natural surface trail system at McKeldin Area designed to accommodate adaptive mountain bikes, handcycles, and users of all physical abilities, with wider surfaces, improved signage, and accessible trailheads.
• Mobile Visitors Center & Outreach Activities A four-wheel-drive sprinter van that brings park information, stewardship resources, and educational activities directly to visitors, with materials available in Spanish, Korean, and English.
• Membership Program A member-based organization offering benefits including early event access, exclusive discounts with partners, members-only newsletters, and early access to Cocktails for Trails.
• Small Project Sponsorships Turnkey opportunities to sponsor trail infrastructure projects including bridges ($6,000–$8,000 depending on length) and kiosks ($6,000 each), with volunteer engagement and ribbon-cutting events for sponsors.
• Hollofield Play Space The first fully accessible, ADA-compliant play space in a Maryland State Park, designed to allow visitors of all abilities to connect to nature through play, exploration, and reflection.
• Trail Marking System Comprehensive trail naming standardization, map updates, and installation of 18 kiosks and nearly 500 carsonite trail markers throughout the park's 200+ mile trail system.
• Annual Events Program Annual events including Cocktails for Trails fundraiser, Rally in the Valley, The Patapsco 50k & 25k, Pints for Patapsco, Johnnycake Jolt, MD HEAT Race, Punisher at Pickall, and Winter Party.
• Trail Infrastructure Projects Construction and maintenance of named trail projects including Schools Out!, Bloede Dam Trail Extension, Old Ellicott City Connector, Rockhaven, Gray's Mill Trail, Garrett's Pass, The MORE Fun Trail, The Dogwood Trail, The Valley View Trail, and The Ridge Trail Extension.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ miles of natural surface trails maintained
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.

• Kennedy Krieger InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Key partner in adaptive programs providing expertise and support for accessibility initiatives including the McKeldin Adaptive Trail expansion.
• Veterans AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in adaptive programs providing hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans with disabilities.
• White Oak Running CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Long partnership hosting The Patapsco 50k, now in its 12th year. One of the premier trail runs in the Mid-Atlantic. Supports Johnnycake Jolt and other running events.
• Minority Mountain Bikers (MMB)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Founded by Harry Hill in 2021 to increase representation of Black and Brown people on mountain bike trails.
• The Cycle Mill Bike ShopcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Made substantial donations for Ridge Trail Extension construction. Owner John Strychula is a PVSP supporter providing trail advocacy.
• Maryland Conservation CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with FPVSP during trail work days for conservation and maintenance projects.
• Maryland Park ServiceflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner operating under affiliate agreement with Maryland DNR. FPVSP is the official nonprofit partner of Patapsco Valley State Park, coordinating trail work, programs, and park stewardship.
• REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongtime park supporter leading National Trails Day volunteer events and major trail projects including Ridge Trail Extension. Major supporter of Mobile Visitors Center. Heritage of giving to support outdoor access in communities where they operate.
• REIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner35-year REI veteran Joe Hohn serves as Director of Trail Stewardship. REI provides ongoing support for trail projects and outreach activities.
• Mountain Club of MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in trail work projects and Valley View Trail redesign in 2012-2013.
• MORE (Mid-Atlantic Off-Pedal Enthusiasts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail design and construction partner, particularly for Valley View Trail redesign and Ridge Trail Extension collaboration.
• Chesapeake ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed Capt. John Smith Loop project adding historical marker at high overlook commemorating exploration of Patapsco Valley.
• Howard County Recreation & ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Ridge Trail Extension to gain permission to cross county property. Partner on Hollofield Play Space development.
• Patapsco Heritage GreenwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Schools Out Trail and kiosk funding. Supports running events including Johnnycake Jolt.
• Countryside Veterinary ClinicsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Punisher at Pickall MTB race series and substantial donor for Dogwood Trail bridge construction.
• Guinness Open Gate BrewerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting Pints for Patapsco 5k and 10k road run events.
• Manor Hill BrewingsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Johnnycake Jolt running series.
• Scittinos PizzasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Trail Work Series and Punisher at Pickall events.
• Dirt RoostersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Trail Work Series and funded Cascade Falls kiosk.
• Muddy PedalssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunded Ole Ranger kiosk installation.
• Howard County Department of Recreation & ParkssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporter of Hollofield Play Space project.
• Catalyst SportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for FPVSP Adaptive Cycling programs at McKeldin.
• Black Girls HikesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLed by Asia Bright, works to help Black and Brown women get outside, connect with nature, and build community in outdoor spaces.
• Howard Lions Cycling ClubsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh school cycling club supported by Joe Hohn.
• Trail Riders of TodaysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard member Meaghan McDermott serves on board supporting equestrian trail use statewide.
• League of Maryland HorsemensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquestrian club and campground within Patapsco with member Meaghan McDermott.
• The Spence GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Punisher at Pickall mountain bike race series.
• Monument City BrewingsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of Punisher at Pickall mountain bike race series.
• Drexel Woods Homeowners AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with FPVSP for kiosk installation.
• Greenstone TrailcraftsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrail construction company that built the Dogwood Trail with Maryland Park Service Trail Crew.
• Bravo EquipmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided equipment for Ridge Trail Extension project.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Friends of Acadia: A 'friends of' nonprofit serving Acadia National Park through stewardship, fundraising, and volunteer engagement. Highly comparable as an official nonprofit partner of a public park, running similar membership, grant, and donor-supported trail and conservation programs.
• Catalyst Sports: Adaptive mountain biking and outdoor recreation nonprofit that partners with FPVSP on McKeldin adaptive programs. Directly comparable as a delivery partner for adaptive outdoor programming to people with disabilities.
• Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE): Mountain biking advocacy and trail-building nonprofit active at PVSP and across the Mid-Atlantic. Directly comparable as a trail-design and volunteer-driven partner organization working on the same trails and running events that overlap with FPVSP's footprint.
• Friends of the Smokies: 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park through fundraising, trail work, and community programs. Operates an analogous model of grants, sponsorships, and volunteer-driven park stewardship for a single national park.

Regional players

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Regional environmental nonprofit focused on Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration, education, and advocacy. Comparable as a funder and partner of FPVSP (via Chesapeake Bay Trust grantmaking) and as a Maryland-based conservation organization.
• Chesapeake Conservancy: Regional conservation nonprofit working on watershed and trail projects in Maryland, including the Capt. John Smith Loop project at PVSP. Comparable as a partner organization with overlapping mission and geography.
• Maryland Conservation Corps: Maryland state-sponsored conservation service corps that collaborates with FPVSP on trail workdays. Comparable as a workforce and volunteer pipeline supporting trail maintenance in the same geography.
• Potomac Conservancy: Regional land trust and conservation nonprofit focused on the Potomac River watershed. Operates a comparable mix of trail protection, volunteer engagement, and grant-funded stewardship in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Broad incumbents

• Appalachian Mountain Club: Larger regional nonprofit focused on trail maintenance, conservation, and outdoor recreation across the Northeast, including trail networks that overlap with PVSP user communities. A broader incumbent with a similar mission of trail stewardship and outdoor access advocacy.

Others

• REI Co-op: National outdoor recreation retailer and longtime supporter of FPVSP through grants, leadership pipeline, and National Trails Day sponsorship. Comparable as a strategic corporate partner and donor rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FriendsPVSP
• Instagraminstagram.com/friends_pvsp/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park