Watershed Watch:  Volunteers monitor 12 sites on ponds and dam sites in the watershed.  They collect data on water quality conditions such as water clarity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, concentration of chlorophyll, pH, nutrients, and bacteria.  Results are published in the URI’s Watershed Watch Monitoring Results.  1997 and 1998 data will be published on this website in the near future.  1999 results will be published when available. 

Volunteer Stream Monitoring:  In this new program volunteers monitor stream gauges set up at sites along streams in the watershed, including the height of the water, temperature, and dissolved oxygen every week from May to October.  Once a month monitors collect samples for bacteria, pH, and nutrients.  Interns working for the Association measure stream flow at each of the sites three to four times a year.  

The streams currently being monitored are the Green Falls River in CT, the Beaver River, Meadow Brook, Queen’s River, Sherman Brook, Locke Brook, and Fisherville Brook in RI.  Volunteers for Trout Unlimited monitor the Falls and Flat Rivers in the Arcadia Management Area.  Plans for this year are to add Brushy Brook, Moscow Brook, and Loghouse Brook in Hopkinton.  
 
Water Quality Action Teams:    This program will be initiated spring of 2000.  Residents living near a stream or pond will form teams to look at environmental issues that concern their area.  

Watershed Education/Recreation 

River Events:   WPWA sponsored canoe trips, Opening Day of trout season, State Legislator’s Canoe, and River’s Day festivals.  River clean-ups, including clearing blow-downs for navigation and litter removal, are done through-out the year.  

Adult Education:  Homeowner workshops, presentations of local regional and global issues by area experts. 

Children’s Education:  School programs, field trips, teacher training workshops on Active Watershed Education (AWEsome!) curriculum, fishing instruction. 

Walks, Talks and Workshops:     Naturalist programs to explore watershed lands, trails, and wildlife; recreational programs and instructions. 

Publications 

Watersheds:  WPWA’s enlightening newsletter is published quarterly with information and updates on the activities of the Association.  Free to members. 

Wood-Pawcatuck River Routes:  The definitive map and guide of local canoeing and kayaking routes.  $3.50 for members, $4.50 for non-members, + $.75 postage and handling for each guide ordered. 

Walks in the Watershed:  A hikers guide to 16 of the best loop trails in southwestern RI and adjacent CT.  $3.50 for members, $4.50 for non-members, + $.75 postage and handling for each guide ordered. 

Pawcatuck Watershed Report:  A colorful, comprehensive report published in 1998 about the state of the watershed.  Includes maps and information about the watershed’s many features.  Free, include $1.50 for postage and handling. 
To order any of these publications send a check or money order to  

River Routes and Walks in the Watershed can also be purchased at the following retailers: 

Alpine Sports, Westerly. RI 
AMC Bookstore, Boston, MA 
Audubon Society of RI, Smithfield, RI 
Bank Square Books, Mystic, CT 
Bear’s Book Den, Westerly, RI 
Book Works, Westerly, RI 
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Mystic 
Fantastic Umbrella Factory, Charlestown, RI 
Feet First, Wakefield, RI 
Highland Orchards Resort, North Stonington, CT 
Hope Valley Bait and Tackle, Richmond, RI 
The Kayak Center, Wickford, RI 
King’s Cyclery, Westerly, RI 
McQuade’s Home Center, Westerly, RI 
Ocean Pharmacy, Richmond, RI 
Payne Camera, Westerly, RI 
Picture Perfect, Westerly, RI 
Ray Willis Toy and Bikes, Westerly, RI 
RI Natural History Survey, Kingston, RI 
Seaport Pharmacy, Mystic, CT 
Stedman Cycles, Wakefield, RI 
The World Store, Wickford, RI 

River Stewardship 

River Corridor Protection:  WPWA aids municipalities in planning strategies for riparian land protection. 

Shoreline Conservation:  WPWA helps landowners find agencies that accept land for conservation easements to protect the shoreline in perpetuity. 

River Restoration:  Clearing of trees from river paths to enhance recreational use; annual river clean ups.