A nonprofit group is lending a helping hand to the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in tough fiscal times.

“We are one of the newest state park cooperating associations,” said Linda McDonald, president of Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, which is looking for more members to join the 2-year-old organization. “Our membership drive is just getting under way.”

McDonald, along with board members Crystal Barber, Paula David, Ken McKowen and Bob Hall, hope to help state parks officials maintain the recreation area that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year to its rolling hills of valley oak, chaparral and the two lakes. Wildlife includes herds of black-tailed deer and soaring red-tailed hawks.

“I love the park and want to give back,” McDonald said. “Folsom Lake was once a park away from the city. Now, it is surrounded by development. It covers three different counties – El Dorado, Sacramento and Placer. It is really one of the most heavily used parks in the state.”

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