Hammonasset Beach State Park: A Connecticut Treasure

Hammonasset Beach State Park, a 1000+ acre park of grassland, upland forest, and tidal marsh on The Sound, means so much to so many.   It is sacred, inspirational,  family recreation zone, athletic training compound, field trip destination,  art studio, picnic area, family campground, nature preserve... home, to people and animals.  No two people see it the same way.   There's an anecdote that in a conversation, two seasoned vistiors could learn something new from each other.

Since the glaciers formed the area, this land has been treasured.  The first human inhabitants were the Hammonassetts (yes, that is two "T"s you see).  Besides the artifacts that can still be found on an archaeological expedition, there are several large reminders of their time on the land: Joshua Rock, Boulder Monument, and the fishing weir beyond the end of Meigs Point.   Joshua Rock sits on a hummock to the east of The Park entrance.  Joshua, aka Attawanhood, was the third son of Uncas, a Mohegan Sachem, who married a Hammonassett maiden.  Boulder Monument sits near the picnic pavilion in Meigs Point, at the head of the trail to the Cedar Island observation deck.   While up at Meigs Point at low tide, walk out to the very end of the Moraine Trail and look carefully into the water.   There you will see a fishing weir built by the Hammonassetts to trap fish as the tide ebbs.

The land was eventually sold, twice, to colonists and history continued.   In the 1800's, Meigs Point was a farm and orchard.   Early in the 20th century, the state purchased several parcels that it combined to create Hammonassett Beach State Park and it opened to day trippers and campers in 1920.   Except for a few years in the 1940's when it was closed to the public and used as an artillery range, The Park has drawn large crowds.   Did you  know that the beach is the longest stretch of public beach in the entire state?   Two miles!

So time marches on and many groups and families continue to make their own history at The Park.  It is the base for a Kite Festival, Audubon events, Butterfly Counts, church outings, scout camping trips, family reunions, company picnics, family camping trips, vintage car shows, atlatl competitions, etc.   There is one group whose entire purpose and focus is The Park - The Friends of Hammonasset.  "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. "  (http://hammonasset.org and Facebook)  A group proud to have just recently exceeded the 300 memberships mark.

If you've been to The Park in the last 10 years, you've seen the logo and benefited from the work of the Friends.   The Friends have completed many projects and made some major purchases.  That is in addition to supporting year-round education and staff at the Nature Center, offering lecture series and leading focused walks  and a wonderful speaker each year at the annual meeting.

Members are asked if they would like to volunteer in or for The Park.  Groups are organized for Trail Maintenance, Butterfly Garden Maintenance, and fundraising for larger projects and events, for example.   The signature event is the biannual Hammonassett Festival, held the first weekend in October.  This event celebrates Native American Culture, nature and protecting the environment.  You can count on hearing more details or follow the event on the Festival page on Facebook. 

Hammonasset Beach State Park: A place important for the generations past - being cared for and celebrated by the current generation - preserved for the future generations and the abundant wildlife.