World Wetlands Day – Feb 2nd

Move over Phil,  February 2nd is World Wetlands Day!

Once treated as dumping grounds, wetlands today are recognized for the critical role they serve in our environment. Did you know that 7000 plant species live in U.S. wetlands or that between 60% to 90% of U.S. commercial fisheries depend on wetlands? Also, they help to curb destruction caused by major storms in coastal areas by reducing erosion, flooding and property damage. This year’s themeIt’s Time for Wetlands Restoration”,  highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration. To learn more about the importance of wetlands, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/wetlands/why.htm.

 

Volunteers Bob & Barbara Hunt, Retire After Years of Service

 
Thank you to Bob and Barbara Hunt for their years of water quality testing. They are long-time valued volunteers for TRWA’s Water Quality Monitoring Program and are retiring from testing as of this spring.
 
Steve Silva, program coordinator, says, “the Hunts were dedicated and reliable water quality monitoring volunteers long before I started with the program. Thanks to them, we have a long and complete data set on water quality conditions in the lower Taunton River main stem and the lower Three Mile River, both crucial areas. This data has been important to our efforts to lobby for treatment plant and stormwater management upgrades to improve water quality in the Taunton River.”
 
 
 

 
Bob is shown here at one of the 3 sites he and his wife Barbara sampled monthly from April -October for many years. The Hunts sampled at the Berkley Bridge (TNT-01), Plain St. (TNT-02, near Riverfront Park at the Weirs), and Three Mile River 01 (TMR-01,  the most downstream and tidal site on the Three Mile River).  The locations they sampled provided important data to access the lower Taunton River and upper Mount Hope Bay Estuary.
 
To understand the importance of their work, go to:
 
 

If you are interested in becoming a water testing volunteer, go here: https://savethetaunton.org/get…/volunteer-opportunities/

New volunteers attend a training seminar before the testing season begins and, as often as possible, are paired with experienced teams when they begin. The Hunts and our volunteers are at the forefront of learning about the conditions of our Watershed’s water quality.
 

Board of Directors Welcome Brad Gonyer

 
 
 
TRWA welcomes Brad Gonyer as the newest member of our Board of Directors.
 
A seasoned TRWA volunteer, Brad has been a water sampler in the Water Quality Monitoring program for the past twelve years. He has also volunteered at various events, and will be joining the garden committee when it resumes work this spring.
 
His belief in the increasing need for environmental stewardship matches TRWA’s mission to protect and restore the Watershed’s natural resources for current and future generations, as well as building and supporting responsible stewardship of our fragile ecosystems, water quality, forests, farmland and wetlands.
 
About himself he says, “I was born and raised in Massachusetts and have lived in Taunton since 1989. I am a retired Museum Preparator whose career encompassed exhibit installation and organization, collections care and management as well as installation and maintenance of outdoor sculpture. I consider environmental remediation to be among the most significant challenges we are facing. True quality in our lives has always been dependent upon the healthy natural world. Humanity has become so powerfully disruptive that it is necessary for us to assume a greater stewardship role than we have been accustomed to. This is why I became involved with the TRWA and  look forward to spring planting.”
 
Thank you for joining us!
 

Holiday Open House

 

 

The TRWA will be hosting a Holiday Open House in appreciation for all the support received throughout this past year.

Stop by the Watershed Center at Sweets Knoll State Park, Dighton on Saturday December 17th from 10am-1pm. Enjoy cookies, calendars, holiday treats, warm conversation and a chance to see our progress at the Center.

During your visit, enjoy our 2023 Tide Calendar photo display and find many great holiday gift ideas.

Guided Walk- Heritage State Park

Friday, July 1, 2022:   Fall River Heritage State Park   10:00am-11:30am

TRWA volunteers will lead an easy walk along the boardwalk at the Fall River Heritage State Park. We will look at nature along this end of the Taunton River Watershed, and discuss the area’s history. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Pups on leash welcome. Restrooms available.

Cost: Member- Free, Non-member- $5

Meeting Place:  Battleship Cove Parking Area near the small bridge

Attendee Limit: 15;   Pre-registration required by 4pm, Thursday, June 30, 2022

To register call (508) 828-1101 or email director@savethetaunton.org

Successful 2022 Taunton River Festival

This year’s celebration of the Wild and Scenic Taunton River was a huge success!  Many thanks to all our vendors, exhibitors, non-profit organizations, food trucks, musicians, dancers, and visitors who made this event so enjoyable. The day was filled with sunshine, smiles, laughter, song, dance, food, shopping and more!  A special thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers, including Taunton Troop 40, whose assistance made the event possible.

Mark your calendars for next year on June 11, 2023 at Weir Village Riverfront Park, 33 East Water St, Taunton. 

Click here for photos of the 2022 event.

 

Guided Bird Walk at Sweets Knoll State Park

Sunday, June 5, 2022:    Sweets Knoll State Park, Dighton MA   8:30am-10:00am

TRWA volunteers will lead an easy walk through the Sweets Knoll State Park which abuts the Taunton River. We will look for and identify birds on and near the river through sight and sound. If you have binoculars and/or bird guides, feel free to bring them along. Wear sturdy waterproof footwear. Families welcome, though not stroller friendly. No pups please. Restroom available.

Cost: Member- Free, Non-member- $5

Meeting Place:  TRWA Office, 1387 Somerset Ave, Dighton

Attendee Limit: 15;   Pre-registration required by 4pm, Friday, June 3rd

To register call (508) 828-1101 or email director@savethetaunton.org

                  

World Turtle Day: May 23

TRWA’s work to assess the population of Diamondback Terrapins in the Taunton River Watershed will be entering it’s seventh season in June 2022. This unique terrapin is a threatened species, protected under Massachusetts Law. If you have laying females on your property and would like us to install screening to prevent nest predation by skunks, foxes and raccoons, you can call our office at (508) 828-1101.

Celebrate Earth Day with a Guided Walk

Saturday, April 30, 2022,  (Rain Date Saturday, May 7, 2o22):   Woodward Forest, Norton MA   1:00pm-2:30pm

TRWA volunteers will lead an easy walk through Woodward Forest managed by the Land Preservation Society of Norton. We will walk through various habitat, stopping along the way to look at signs of wildlife. The trail will lead us to the Three Mile River which flows into the Taunton River. Great for children, though not stroller friendly. Please no pups. Restrooms not available.

Cost: Member- Free, Non-member- $5

Meeting Place:  Forest entrance, located between 4 & 5 Gateway Lane off Old Taunton Ave. Parking available along Gateway Lane.

Attendee Limit: 15;   Pre-registration required by 4pm, Friday, April 29th

To register call (508) 828-1101 or email director@savethetaunton.org