Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association

05/30/2026

Despite winds postponing the afternoon Open House, the WPWA Annual Meeting and Bobcat Presentation were well attended and solicited great discussion. Board Members and Staff highlights are featured in the 2025 Annual Report: https://wpwa.org/annual-reports/
Experts Chris Hickling and Kathleen Carroll (URI) enjoyed answering questions and describing their thorough research methods. Submit bobcat sightings and learn more: connectivityandconservation.com/bobcat-project

05/28/2026

Obstruction cleared! River Trail Update for the Pawcatuck, downriver of Rt 112 and upriver of Rt 91 / Jay Cronan Fishing Access. The 112 bridge creates the mouse hole shoot from the old mill canal. WPWA contractor removed the down tree that was at the end of that series of rapids/moving water. Rhode Island Canoe/Kayak Association Paddle Across Rhode Island Photo of a sunny smile for interest.

05/28/2026

Enjoyable kayak lesson for aspiring Kayak Trip Leader, his wife and friends. We paused here to admire the Bald Eagle nestling and parent in the pines at Frying Pan Pond.

05/28/2026

**UPDATE: Intense winds are predicted. Therefore, kayaking and cookout will not take place. Membership Meeting and Presentation will take place. Please check back for future events!! **
During our recent cloudy afternoon paddle, an Eagle soared over Frying Pan Pond, Great Blue Herons slowly hunted as we approached, and songbirds were plentiful. Join us at WPWA 5/30 11am for the Membership Annual Meeting.

05/21/2026

The upper Wood River lends many lessons, from patience and care around corners, to channelizing wide and shallow areas for fish habitat. Salve Regina University students traversed the meandering Wild and Scenic Wood River. Shout out to Trout Unlimited Rhode Island Chapter and Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Outdoor Education for their conifer revetments. Only one has yet to resemble a riverbank. The others are dutifully holding back sediment and deepening the river.

05/21/2026

Looking forward to hosting Hopkinton youth! Sign up with Hopkinton Rec via the picture below.

Hopkinton is partnering with Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association for the Free Kayak Adventure and Education Program!
More information: https://www.hopkintonri.gov/2026Kayaktrip

05/20/2026

Thank you, Hopkinton Rec, for helping local youth enjoy the Wood River! Kids and teens, hang out with friends while kayaking! An easy water sport, we will teach you how. As for skilled kayakers, bring on the adventure!
6/6 or 6/7/2026 Registration required, see picture for instructions.
Please share invitation with local families
Hopkinton, RI Land Trust Friends of the Hopkinton Land Trust

05/20/2026

Have you ever seen a Great Blue Heron perched in a tree? Westerly High School students and staff did! Students in a URI accredited class through WHS presented on water quality and macroinvertebrates, then set out for a sunny day on the wild Wood River. The upper Wood River has a new "Turtle Tree," too! We counted about 40 Eastern Painted Turtles sunning themselves on this ONE tree.

05/20/2026

Members, join WPWA for our Annual Meeting and a Bobcat Lecture. Invite a friend, and enjoy kayaking in the afternoon. All are welcome to our Open House on Sat 5/30.

05/14/2026