Friends of Hammonasset and the Meigs Point Nature Center need your help. You may not be aware that Ranger Russ (MPNC Director) was and continues to be a part time employee of DEEP (six months/year). To ensure that MPNC remains open all year with a full time Director, FOH has provided funding for his position (as an independent contractor) for the other six months of the year. FOH believes that DEEP should now assume full responsibility for the position.

Background:
In 2005, FOH raised the funds to refurbish the MPNC by installing insulation, heat and AC as well as new doors and windows so that it could remain open all year. Prior to 2005, it was only open in the summer and closed at the end of August. In addition, Ranger Russ Miller has expanded programs from teaching only on site to now include outreach that allows him to take several programs to schools. FOH secured grant funding for a van and trailer expressly for this purpose.

Currently, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is in the process of designing and building a new Nature Center adjacent to the existing building. With over 50,000 visitors to The Center each year, this will allow for further expansion of programs and the ability to serve schools and the public in a much better and more efficient way. FOH has signed an agreement with DEEP to raise enough money to completely finish the inside of the new building including new exhibits and educational areas. We hope to have this project underway in time for CT’s centennial celebration of the state park system in 2013-2014.