Friends of Fort Clinch recently celebrated the Second Annual Family Fun Mill Day. The event recognized Earth Day and Arbor Day and was hosted in partnership with local companies RYAM, WestRock, and LignoTech.

This year the event raised $20,000 through donations of $10,000 from the three companies and a matching $10,000 from FOFC. Employees from the mills and their families spent the day enhancing the Beach Side area of Fort Clinch by adding native palm trees, removing invasive plants, cleaning the beach, installing fencing and interpretive panels.

"It's truly inspiring to have RYAM, LignoTech, and WestRock, come together with their families to contribute so meaningfully to our park,” said Heath Alboher, Park Manager for Fort Clinch State Park. “Their commitment not only supports the ongoing maintenance of Fort Clinch, it ensures that this treasured local landmark can be enjoyed by future generations." The RYAM and West Rock facilities were under construction in 1937 when Fort Clinch became a state park. We continue to share our appreciation for the island.

The day’s efforts focused on making substantial improvements to the park’s infrastructure and visitor experience, reflecting Friends of Fort Clinch’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty and historical significance. Additional improvements were made to the Birding Pavilion to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. In total, the event produced more than 300 volunteer hours, adding to the value of the effort.

“Each year, Family Fun Mill Day grows in significance, embodying the spirit of Fort Clinch as a place where history comes alive,” said Logan Eason, President of Friends of Fort Clinch’s Board of Directors. “We are profoundly thankful for the generosity and hard work of RYAM, WestRock and LignoTech and look forward to growing this partnership in the years to come.”

For more information and photos from the event, or to learn more about the ongoing conservation efforts at Fort Clinch State Park, please visit FortClinch.org.

About Friends of Fort Clinch

The Friends of Fort Clinch, Inc. (FOFC) is a non-profit known as a Citizen Support Organization (CSO). Any and all money raised by FOFC goes directly to fund Fort Clinch State Park projects which would not be funded by the State of Florida. Through fundraising and grant acquisitions, the FOFC enables restoration projects at historic Fort Clinch, supports special events and educational programming, provides tools and equipment to assist park rangers, and expands and improves the park's renowned living history program. FOFC works closely with the local community and endeavors to be an integral part of Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.