DAMARISCOTTA — Damariscotta River Association (DRA) volunteers were recently treated to fire-roasted Harvest Moon pizza and refreshments under the tent at its headquarters on Belvedere Road as a 'thank you' for all that they do for the organization.  Fiddle music added to the festivities provided by volunteer Kaity Newell and accompanied by her student Joshua Rosenthal. Although the air was on the chilly side volunteers had summer on their mind as they enjoyed Summer Swelter Ale (donated by Baxter Brewing Company) in the glow of the setting sun.

In thanking the volunteers, Executive Director Steven Hufnagel told them they were the heart of the DRA. He commented that approximately 180 volunteers contributed more than 3,000 hours of their time on behalf of the DRA this past year. He noted those hours and numbers do not include all the hours land stewards spend monitoring preserves and trails. Including that activity, he said, would likely double the number of hours contributed.

"DRA volunteers are involved in countless jobs," Hufnagel stated, "such as horseshoe crab monitoring, estuary water monitoring, trail clearing, easement monitoring, assisting at events, staffing the front office, maintaining the ice rink at Round Top Farm and renovating the warming hut for skaters. These activities are vital to DRA and our programs."

When asked why she is a DRA volunteer, Mimi Reeves commented, "If you live in Damariscotta, you have to care about the river." She noted that not only is it beautiful, but it is an "integral part of the community."

Answering that same question, front office volunteer Sue Van Alsenoy said that once one starts volunteering in the office and elsewhere, "It sells itself!"

Chet Killam moved to this area 7 years ago and volunteered because he had a strong desire "to be productive." DRA volunteers have a true sense of dedication to and connection with the organization and its mission.

Hufnagel concluded the party by distributing prizes to volunteers who had entered their names in a chance drawing. He was assisted in drawing the names by Eddie Seiders, son of John and DRA Trustee Tenley Seiders. As the sun set over Great Salt Bay Farm volunteers and staff parted until the next time, which for some of them was the next day at DRA's office.

Volunteer opportunities are highlighted on DRA's website at www.damariscottariver.org. Phone calls and emails are also accepted: 207-563-1393, dra@damariscottariver.org.

The Damariscotta River Association is a non-profit membership supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed, and adjacent areas for the benefit of all.