Friends of Hammonasset is a "not for profit" 501(c)(3) volunteer organization, working in cooperation with State and local park management and the Friends of Connecticut State parks. The purpose of the organization is to provide environmental education, preserve the integrity of the park’s natural resources, and serve as an advocate for the park.

The Friends of Hammonasset has enabled the Nature Center to be open year-round by providing funding for the renovations and winterization of the Nature Center building, and contributing to the cost of maintaining the Nature Center director on a year-round basis.

Many events during the year are sponsored by the Friends of Hammonasset, including the bi-annual Hammonassett Festival, of which we are quite proud which was enjoyed by tens of thousands in the fall of 2007.  Other events include, and have included: concerts in the Park, Summer Solstice and Night Sky programs, and popular Lecture series during the year.

The Friends of Hammonasset occasionally partners with other local environmental groups on Park-related initiatives.  For example, in 2006, Purple Martin bird houses at the Park, that were in disrepair, were replaced, and additional houses added, through a joint financial effort between Menunkatuck Audubon Society and Friends of Hammonasset.

Through the receipt of several generous, local grants, the Friends of Hammonasset has been able to provide some additional, wonderful benefits to Hammonasset Beach State Park.

One such benefit is the purchase of a Nature Center van for traveling educational programs, which we hope will provide valuable environmental outreach into our surrounding communities.

Another generous grant has allowed F.O.H. to pursue development & creation of durable, interpretive signs, that will be displayed in selected locations throughout the Park.  The signs will provide visitors with helpful information on the many species of plants & animals found in the Park.  The signs are currently in the design stage, and we hope to have them up for everyone's educational enjoyment by the summer season!