There are many volunteer opportunities out there, but few are more fun than working on the trails and maintenance crew with the Friends of Hammonasset. Whether you’re handy with a battery-operated drill with a square drive, or just good with a broom, working with this crew provides volunteers with the opportunity to work outside in beautiful surroundings with nice people to help improve one of the jewels of the shoreline, Hammonasset Beach State Park.

 Visited by more than two million people in 2010, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the most popular destination in the state park system. The park does bring in a healthy income and, in addition, receives support from the state. Just last week State Sen. Edward Meyer announced that the State Bond Commission is expected to approve a combined $850,000 in state grants for improvements to Hammonasset . This will help pay for improvements to the boardwalk, a new dune to combat erosion and the design of a new Hammonasset Beach Nature Center, among other projects.

 But that money and support, while greatly appreciated, still is not enough to do everything that is needed at the beach park.

 And that is where Friends of Hammonasset comes in. With a corps of more than 200 volunteers who pitch in annually, they take care of work that is needed, such as repairing the boardwalk at West Beach.

 They were out last Saturday and will be out Saturday, March 26^th, from 10 to 1. And they are looking for someone who is handy with a battery-operated drill with a square drive. Bring yours if you have one. If not, they can put you to work with a broom, a hammer, a wheelbarrow or other tools they have on hand. They will also offer you some refreshments, some excellent company and conversation, and a great way to spend what is supposed to be a very nice day outside at the beach.

For more information about the boardwalk work Saturday or for other ways you can help the Friends of Hammonasset  Trails and Maintenance Committee, you can call Sallie at 203-887-8225.