Waterford — The Friends of Seaside State Park has formed to "protect, promote and enhance the Park's dynamic coastal habitat, and to preserve its architectural heritage," the group announced in a news release Thursday.

The group is welcoming new members, who can sign up and pay the $20 annual fee at friendsofseaside.org. For more information, email membership@friendsofseaside.org or call Helen Curry at (203) 966-9663.

The organization believes in protecting the nature of Seaside while enhancing the park's new role as open space with public access, the release said. The group has a small board of directors and intends to get nonprofit status as soon as possible.