Join us for a fascinating guided walk through the historic Copper Works site in Norton, MA. Our knowledgeable guide Ellenor Simmons will lead us along a canal by the Wading River sharing stories and insights about the area, vegetation, and wildlife, stopping to view a pond and remains from the copper refining industry. The copper works once rivaled Paul Revere’s own refining practice. Later in 1837, pennies from the US Mint were made here. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of this once-thriving copper manufacturing site that contributed to the early pollution of the Taunton River.…

     For such a northern location, Massachusetts is home to many species of turtles. We'll discuss the anatomy, evolution, diversity, and conservation status of our Bay State turtles. Tips for those who want to help local turtles will also be covered. Learn all about our native turtles from Brian Bastarache during this free 1-hour presentation at Bridgewater Public Library.  No registration required. Brian, a TRWA Board Member, is chairman of the Bristol County Agricultural High School Environmental Conservation Department and field herpetologist for Oxbow Associates, Inc. He also leads a team conducting Northern Diamondback Terrapin population research with TRWA…

Help protect the water quality of the Taunton River and its tributaries Water Quality Monitoring Training Session March 23, 2022, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. TRWA’s Watershed Center, Sweets Knoll State Park in Dighton, MA (on Rt 138 just South of the Bristol Aggie traffic light - 1387 Somerset Avenue, Dighton) The Taunton River Watershed Alliance has tested water quality in the Taunton River and its tributaries since its inception in 1988. This citizen collected data is an incredible tool as a historic picture of the watershed’s health.  It helps keep the spotlight on areas and actions needed for further…

Join us for a guided walk with Ellenor Simmons through Porter Pasture in Freetown, as we explore its hidden gems firsthand. A short walk uphill through a pine needle path will lead us to an old cemetery to learn of the local families and visit their resting place.  We will then continue to the shore of Shephards Cove to enjoy a view of Assonet Bay. Pups welcomed on leash. No restrooms available. Ellenor brings 32 years of state parks experience to TRWA as a former Southcoast Field Operations Team Leader and park supervisor with the MA Department of Conservation and…

Join Middleborough-Lakeville Herring Fishery Commissioners Dave Cavanaugh and Tom Barron as they narrate a three-stop tour on the Nemasket River. The tour starts with a talk at Thomas Memorial Park, also known as the Wareham Street Herring Run, to learn about the herring life cycle and its historical significance, followed by a visit to the Assawompset Pond Dam to view their spawning area. The tour ends at Oliver Mill Park where herring are spotted prior to reaching the Wareham Street Herring Run. Limited to 15 participants, ages 13 and up. Registration required. No dogs allowed. To register, email director@savethetaunton.org  

  Middleborough-Lakeville Herring Fishery Commissioners will lead a talk on the annual spring migration of the herring from Mount Hope Bay up the Taunton and Nemasket Rivers to Assawompsett Ponds to spawn. They will discuss the history and significance of this yearly journey. Children on school vacation may get a chance to catch a fish by hand. Location: 47 Wareham Street, Middleborough Free and open to the public. No registration required. All ages welcome!       

     How much rain water actually makes it into a river? What role does the Taunton River play in our local history? Join TRWA and the Old Colony History Museum for a water-themed short story, explore the history of the river, and take part in a special activity. Discover how rain and runoff flow into the Taunton River with the TRWA’s fun watershed table. This program is designed for ages 0-5. Children are free; $5/adult admission. No registration required.  Location- Old Colony History Museum, 66 Church Green, Taunton

   Join us in exploring the Erwin S Wilder Wildlife Management Area in Norton. We will enjoy a walk through open fields and forested uplands consisting mostly of oak, maple and white pine, with several small red maple swamps. The Snake River will be viewed along a wide section of marshland. This 651 acre preserve is part of the Hockomock Swamp area and home to many wildlife. Signs of deer, turtles and other creatures that live here will be viewed. Sturdy footwear recommended. Pups welcomed on leash. No restrooms available. Ellenor brings 32 years of state parks experience to TRWA…

                      How much rain water actually makes it into a river? What role does the Taunton River play in our local history? Join TRWA and the Old Colony History Museum for a water-themed short story, explore the history of the river, and take part in a special activity. Discover how rain and runoff flow into the Taunton River with the TRWA’s fun watershed table. Don’t miss our special guest for the day – Ms. T, the rescue Diamondback Terrapin (turtle)! This program is designed for ages 6-12. Children 12 and…

We are looking for individuals, families, scout troops, school clubs, civic organizations, and corporate and church groups to come out on April 20th during low tide and help remove as much trash as we can from over 1,000 feet of marsh shoreline.  We estimate there are at least 20 tires, 3 steel drums, and bags and bags of plastic, paper, and styrofoam trash that have washed down the river and gotten lodged in the marsh.   DCR will have a limited amount of work gloves and litter grabbers on hand but if you have your own tools and equipment, it…