Category: TRWA Blog

TRWA’s program, “Listening to Nature with Bioindicators” was held on January 24th at the Boyden Wildlife Refuge. 

The frigid temperatures kept the program indoors, but Abby Abrahamson, TRWA’s Bruce Spooner Education Center Program Manager kept participants enthused with interesting discussion, interactive materials, and hands-on learning.

Abby presented a very informative program on bioindicators, focusing on an important species, lichen! As a replacement for freezing outside, she provided examples to examine inside and identified some that are common in the watershed. 

There are varieties of lichen in many places one might see during a woodland walk. They are easy to overlook – it’s the “hiding in plain sight” phenomenon. Although easily overlooked, they are actually important indicators of air quality and are important contributors to its health. An abundance of lichens is an indicator of good air quality. 

Lichens are a combination of two species that act together symbiotically, fungus and algae. There are three basic types with descriptive names, crustose, that is tightly attached to rocks, tree backs and other surfaces; foliose that have a leaflike structure and fruiticose that is bushy or branched.

Some lichens are native to New England, and although they are very hardy and can withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions, some are also considered endangered due to climate change, habitat destruction and other environmental challenges.

When the weather turns warmer, maybe we will have an opportunity to look for them outside in their native environments. For now, watch for them, take pictures and send them to us for identification.

Reference: https://owlcation.com/stem/lichens-and-people-surprising-interesting-and-helpful-uses

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As we enter 2026, TWRA is privileged to welcome and introduce you to our two new staff members, Melissa Benjamin, TRWA Coordinator, and Abby Abrahamson, Bruce Spooner Education Center Program Manager. 

Melissa Benjamin comes to TRWA with a background in wildlife management/conservation, office management, environmental education, and communications. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Maine in Machias. She has previously worked for other conservation organizations such as Mass Audubon and the National Park Service.

She is a life-long nature-lover and is thrilled to work for TRWA. She is excited to bring more attention to the important work that TRWA does, support environmental advocacy and conservation efforts, as well as assist with expanding educational programs. 

Already she has expanded TRWA’s social media presence with a TikTok account, adding more dimension and followers to our Facebook account with other plans in the works.

When she’s not running the TRWA office, you can find her looking at birds, listening to music, taking photos, and going on adventures with her seven-year-old daughter.

You can reach her at 508-697-5700 and director@savethetaunton.org  

For office hours please call ahead: 508-828-1101

Abby Abrahamson is equally thrilled to join TRWA.

She looks forward to connecting with community members across the Taunton River Watershed to explore the vital role the watershed plays in our lives and how we can all enjoy, learn about, and protect it.

She is an environmental educator and community engagement professional dedicated to sharing her love and awe of nature in ways that inspire meaningful local environmental action. With experience spanning nonprofit outreach, program design, and education, she is bringing a dynamic blend of scientific knowledge, communication skills, and on-the-ground leadership to her work. 

Abby holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In her free time, Abby enjoys photography, reading, and cycling. In 2025, she cycled the full 41 route in the annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. She hopes to complete her first triathlon in 2026!

We will be cheering her on.

Watch for innovative new programs and traditional favorites at Taunton River Watershed Alliance – A Voice for the River since 1988

It’s TRWA’s  growth and success that have required additional staff. Abby’s position as the Education Center Manager is new. The education center’s growth has outgrown its volunteer and office management. Melissa’s position has added hours as well. 

TRWA’s members, our office coordinator, our multi-faceted officers and board of directors, the volunteers who are the backbone of the organization’s work, donors and sponsors whose contributions are so important to the financial support of the organization, and our social media followers who spread the word are all essential to TRWA.  We are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Thanks to all.

– Sally Spooner, TRWA Board Member

Pictured left to right: Coordinator Melissa Benjamin,  Bruce Spooner Education Center 

Program Manager Abby Abrahamson, TRWA Board Member Sally Spooner.

TRWA New Staff Press Release

 Thank you to all the photographers who entered TRWA’s 2026 Tide Calendar Contest! 

With so many extraordinary entries, the judging was quite difficult.

We are pleased to share the following winners:

2026 Cover:

“Sweet Merganser,” Burrage Pond, Halifax, MA – Laura Fitzgerald-Kemmett

January:

“River Wonderland,” The Old Colony Ave/South Street Bridge, East Taunton/Raynham line MA – Kevin Carr 

February:

“Red Fox snow scene”, Fall River, MA – Mark Maxwell

March:

“Eastern Screech Owl,” Berkley, MA – David Ennis

April:

“TRWA Paddle,” Nemasket River, Lakeville, MA – William Orphanos

May:

“Baby bunny breakfast,” Tamarack Park, Lakeville, MA – Arthur Morton

June:

“Old Man of the Nip,” Lake Nippenicket, Bridgewater, MA – Bernice Morrissey

July:

“Fiddler on the River,” Assonet River, Assonet Bay Shores, Assonet, MA – Carolyn DiFrancesco

August:

“Lily Pad,” Pratt Farm, Middleboro MA – Chad Lovett

September:

“Betty’s Neck Stroll,” Lakeville, MA – Carol Longo

October:

“Go for it!,” Wrentham, MA – Catherine Luce

November:

“Fall Morning on the Taunton River,” Somerset, MA – Kayla Setters

December:

“Hawk’s Eye View,” Norton Country Club, Norton, MA – Alison Kidder

Tide Calendars make a great holiday gift for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

Starting November 1st, calendars will be available for sale, $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Reserve your calendar today by emailing director@savethetaunton.org or calling 508-828-1101.  Calendars will also be available at the TRWA Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 1st from 4pm-6:30pm at Bristol County Agricultural High School.

Since 1988 TRWA has been a voice for the river as an advocate for environmental protection, sustainable development, and responsible stewardship of our precious natural resources.  

Your purchase of our calendar helps to support our work.  Thank you!

Join us for the TRWA Annual Meeting.

Special Presentation: Invasives Management and Habitat Restoration.

All welcome. Free, with $10 suggested donation. Light meal included.

AGENDA-

4-5pm General Business Meeting:

• Welcome and President’s Report,
• Treasurer’s Report,
• Nomination and Re-election of Board of Directors and Officers,
• 2025 Program Recaps: Bruce Spooner Education Center & Water Quality Monitoring,
• Diamondback Terrapin Population Study results by Sarah Copp, Project Technician,
• Volunteer Recognition Awards.

5-6pm Special Presentation: Invasive Management & Habitat Restoration

Many communities are faced with the rapid growth of invasive plant species. With grant funding from the Taunton River Watershed Alliance, the towns of Easton and Mansfield implemented projects to address problematic invasives. Hear their project details including removals, native plant restoration, and the development of a comprehensive management program aimed at minimizing the spread. Learn how their experiences can be beneficial to other communities. 

SPEAKERS

Jennifer Carlino     

Jennifer is the Land Use and Environmental Planner for the Town of Easton. She has worked in municipal conservation for more than 28 years in Norton, Billerica and Wellesley, where she has documented a variety of species on the Massachusetts Endangered Species List and certified over 120 vernal pools. Jennifer is presently on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Society of Municipal Conservation Professionals and the Vernal Pool Association, as well as a few state-agency working groups. She has contributed to Blue Spotted Salamander research for nine years with the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Jennifer was awarded the 2024 Conservation Administrator of the Year Award presented by the Massachusetts Association of  Conservation Commissions. 

Katelyn Merrill Gonyer 

With over 25 years of experience in environmental site plan design and project implementation under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local Bylaws, Ms. Gonyer brings extensive expertise from both the private and public sectors. She has worked on all sides of sustainable development near natural resources, both
coastal and inland. Ms. Gonyer has served as the Town of Mansfield’s Environmental & Conservation Planner since 2013. In this role, she has strengthened Mansfield’s regulatory framework by updating bylaws and regulations, streamlining residential project reviews, and partnering with homeowners and businesses to promote sustainable growth in this expanding Boston suburb. Ms. Gonyer earned her degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Wetland Biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is a Certified Soil Evaluator and recently completed her Certificate in Soil Science at the University of New Hampshire. Her professional focuses include climate resiliency planning and invasive species management.

Chris Slinko

Chris is a GIS and environmental science professional with a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Cape Cod Community College and a Master’s in Environmental Science GIS and Remote Sensing. She has experience working at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in water withdrawal and GIS, and volunteered with Save the Bay organizing geospatial data for conservation. Professionally, she holds GIS roles at Navionics and Cornerstone Engineering Services, and currently serve as the GIS Coordinator for the Town of Mansfield, managing municipal geospatial systems and supporting data-driven planning initiatives.

ELECTION 

The following board members are up for re-election (two-year term): Jay Cordeiro, Anne Morse, Bill Napolitano,  Sally Spooner, Carol Traverse

The following TRWA members have been nominated for the 2026 Board of Directors:  Kate Andrew, Bill Fitzgerald, Cheryl Graham, Jeff Morse 

The following Officer nominations have been made for the 2026 Board of Directors: President: Richard Shafer,  Vice President: Bart Devine, Clerk/Secretary: Stephen Silva,  Treasurer: Anne Morse

LOCATION

Bristol County Agricultural High School, Student Commons Building, 2nd Floor- 135 Center Street, Dighton.

The Student Commons Building is on the north side of Center Street.  Parking is located to the rear of the building .   The building is fully accessible.

The 2026 TRWA Tide Calendar is now available and can be purchased at the meeting!               

The 2026 TRWA Tide Calendar, featuring the work of local photographers who captured the beauty of the Taunton River Watershed and its wildlife, will be available for $15 (members) and $20 (non-members).   These gorgeous calendars make great holiday gifts for the boating enthusiasts and fishermen/women in your family. Advance orders can be made by emailing director@savethetaunton.org. 

View list of winners!

The TRWA Taunton River Festival at the Weir Village Riverfront Park on June 8th would not be at all possible without the generous support of our local Sponsors! Their support allows us to celebrate the Taunton Wild & Scenic River with the  community during National Rivers month. We are excited to have nearly 80 vendors, non-profit service organizations, and environmental organizations who will be sharing their work and resources.  New this year is a children’s scavenger hunt with prizes, boat tours offered by Riverhouse restaurant, additional food trucks, and a great line-up of diverse musical groups. Shuttle service will be available with parking at West Water Street across from the Weir Boat Launch. Come join the fun!

Become a “Friend of the Festival”.

Help make this year’s Taunton River Festival the best ever!

Become a “Friend of the Festival” with a donation of $100.

In honor of the Taunton Wild & Scenic River, the TRWA hosts the Taunton River Festival each June during National Rivers Month. This year the Festival will be held June 8th from 11am-4pm, on the banks of the Taunton River at the Weir Village Riverfront Park, Taunton MA.

Each year the Festival brings people together from around the watershed and beyond for a fun family-friendly event. There is live music, great food, vendors, talented crafters, non-profits service groups, and environmental organizations sharing valuable information about the many natural resources in our watershed. 

Learn about:

• Our protected lands and conservation areas
• Where to hike or bike 
• Why bees are important 
• Ways to protect our rivers, lakes and ponds
• What actions you can take to reduce pollution
• How to identify wildlife and meet one of the Taunton River’s threatened diamondback terrapins

100% of the Festival’s profits go directly to fund our work. That means your $100 donation will help us advocate for the river’s protection, monitor water quality, provide educational programs for all ages and continue our conservation efforts.

Donate today and receive:

• 1 year TRWA membership
• Reduced program admissions
• Free guided walks
• Recognition at the Festival and on our website
• Satisfaction from knowing you are making an important environmental impact

Have a question?  Contact Gloria Bancroft at director@savethetaunton.org or  508-828-1101

A warm welcome to Ahnika DeGrace, TRWA’s new communications intern. She will be collaborating with us for ten hours per week from now until June. She is excited to be at TRWA, meeting new people, learning, and expanding her knowledge. She has a contagious enthusiasm for her internship and a willingness to help wherever she can. Her skills will expand our social media presence.

Exciting Communications Internship opportunity for a college student (undergraduate or graduate).

TRWA is seeking a part-time intern to assist with planning and marketing our 2025 educational programs and events. Intern will also focus on expanding our social media presence to reach a wider audience. This paid 6-month hybrid position will run from January to June 2025, with a flexible start date and work schedule.

Details:  TRWA CommunicationsInternDescription 2025