Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council

10/08/2026

WRWC was proud to sponsor and attend the Eighth Annual Stormwater Innovation Expo at Roger Williams Park! This year's event brought together environmental professionals, community leaders, and partners from across Rhode Island to celebrate innovative, nature-based solutions to stormwater management. A huge shout-out to WRWC's Jarrod Holgate and Jonathan Ford of Horsley Witten Group, Inc. for their fantastic presentation highlighting green infrastructure and stormwater improvements along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, particularly Kinsley Avenue! We were thrilled to see so many WRWC staff, board members, volunteers, and TerraCorps Service Members in attendance, and grateful to connect with so many friends and partners working toward a greener, more resilient Rhode Island! Thank you Stormwater Innovation Center and The Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition for another amazing expo!

WRWC celebrates the 2026 Stormwater Innovation Expo and showcases green infrastructure improvements along the Woonasquatucket Greenway.

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

Yay, Alicia! WRWC Executive Director Alicia J. Lehrer joined environmental and community leaders at the 2026 Green Bond Kickoff to highlight what climate resilience investment can make possible right here in the Woonasquatucket watershed.

Alicia shared the story of our Esmond Village Linear Natural Infrastructure Park, where Green Bond funding is helping us tackle flooding and stormwater, improve water quality, expand the Greenway into Smithfield, and create stronger connections between people and the Woonasquatucket River.

As Alicia put it, projects like this show what can happen when communities, municipalities, state and federal partners, and organizations like WRWC come together.

“We need to think more boldly in the future. We owe it to future generations of Rhode Islanders.”

We’re proud to have Alicia representing WRWC and the Woonasquatucket watershed in this important statewide conversation!

WRWC’s Alicia J. Lehrer highlights the Esmond Village project and the role of Green Bond funding in climate resilience.

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

Frank Carini takes a funny, sharp and refreshingly direct look at the recent Johnston Town Council resolution opposing the proposed extension of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. The piece pushes back on concerns about crime, traffic, litter and e-bikes while highlighting the Greenway’s long history of connecting communities, improving access to the river and supporting revitalized public spaces.

Thank you, Frank, for bringing some much-needed humor to a frustrating conversation and for recognizing the decades of work that have gone into making the Woonasquatucket River and Greenway an asset for our communities. We appreciate the perspective and the attention you’ve brought to this important conversation.

The only thing more frightening than a chemtrail is a bike path.

09/24/2026

Suit up and get into the Woonasquatucket River with us!

Join WRWC on Thursday, October 15 for Community Fish Sampling and Identification at Whipple Field in Smithfield. We’ll use electrofishing to temporarily capture fish, then identify, measure, and safely release them back into the river.

Thursday, October 15
4:30–6:00 PM
Whipple Field, Smithfield

This hands-on community science event is a chance to learn about the fish living in the Woonasquatucket and what they can tell us about water quality and the health of the river.

No experience is necessary. We provide the equipment, waders, and training. Be prepared to get wet and muddy!

Participants must be at least 4'10" to fit our waders and enter the water. Shorter participants are welcome to help with on-land observation and fish identification.

Pre-registration is required. Come meet some of the Woonasquatucket’s underwater residents!

Let's suit up and get in the water to track the fish population of the Woonasquatucket River, a critical urban wildlife corridor!

09/23/2026

ecoRI News recently joined WRWC Director of Projects Lisa Aurecchia for a walk along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Johnston to learn more about decades of restoration work and plans for the Greenway’s future.

The article highlights the Greenway as much more than a bike path, showcasing WRWC’s work to restore habitat, improve water quality, manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and create welcoming public spaces along the river. It also explores the proposed Greenway connection through Johnston and recent community conversations surrounding the project.

Read the full story from ecoRI News to learn more about the history, environmental benefits, and future of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Johnston.

A future one-mile expansion north further into Johnston is designed to take the bike path as far as Cricket Field.

09/23/2026

One more chance to lend a hand at Riverside Park this season!

Join us Wednesday, October 7 for the final Riverside Park Friends Group workday of 2026. We’ll come together with neighbors to clean, plant, and care for the park and Woonasquatucket River Greenway before wrapping up another season of community stewardship.

Wednesday, October 7
4:00–6:00 PM
Riverside Park, Aleppo Street, Providence

Led by WRWC’s River Rangers, volunteers may help pick up litter, w**d, plant, spread mulch, and care for the trail, playground, community garden, and surrounding park space.

All tools and equipment are provided. Just wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes and come ready to help.

Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the season. Come out for one final afternoon of 2026 and help us give Riverside Park some love!

Join neighbors monthly at Riverside Park to learn, plant, and care for the Greenway while building community along the River

09/22/2026

Help care for Providence’s neighborhood forest!

Join WRWC for our next Nuestros Bosques Forest Care Day on Saturday, October 3. We’ll spend the morning caring for trees and green spaces while connecting with neighbors and enjoying time outdoors.

Volunteer activities may include removing invasive plants, mulching and caring for trees, picking up litter, and other hands-on stewardship activities.

Saturday, October 3
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
90 Salmon Street, Providence
Free and family-friendly
Bilingual in English and Spanish

All tools and supplies are provided, along with water and snacks. Beginners are welcome, and children can participate with a parent or guardian.

Come care for our urban forest and grow something meaningful with your community. Register today
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-care-days-10326-tickets-1986440267313?aff=oddtdtcreator