Here's a look at some photos from highlights of 2017
Dear Alliance Members and Friends: 
Deborah Weaver, Executive Director
 
Heading into the New Year, we are happy, finally, to be breaking ground on the River Center! A generous family pledged $100,000 if we could secure at least that amount from other donors. In only 6 weeks we were able to raise needed contributions (and then some)!  And we have completed the permitting process, with recent Conservation Commission approval.  (see article below)

2018 is going to be a very exciting and interesting year, with our renovation of the Head Garage and our moving to the new River Center at the Head of Westport.  Thanks for your continuing support that enables us to continue protecting and sustaining the natural resources of the beautiful Westport River.

We at the Watershed Alliance count on your friendship and generosity. If you have supported the 2017 Annual Fund Drive, thank you so much! If you haven't yet given, please take a few minutes to make a contribution before year's end. The Annual Fund pays for over 30% of the operating budget; it helps keep the lights on and the projects moving forward. 

Come and see us. We love to greet old friends and make new ones. The Alliance couldn't accomplish all we do without you, our incredible members, volunteers and Board members. Thank you for supporting our work in the community we all love.

 
Best wishes for the holidays,
   

 
WRWA YEAR IN PICTURES 2017
Here are some images from our past year at WRWA, featuring just some of the programs,
projects and events that you, our members and donors, support!
  
 

Winter - Spring


 
 

Spring - Summer


 
 

Summer
 

 

Fall



River Center Project Fully Permitted
Construction to Begin Soon
 
We have great news! We met the $100k challenge match that was announced in late October with a December 15th deadline.  Not only did we meet that challenge, but we are ever closer to our $2M fundraising goal - just in time for the beginning of construction. 

Significantly, the Westport Conservation Commission voted unanimously at their recent meeting to approve our project.  That being the last of four major necessary permits, we can now drill a well, obtain a building permit and begin transformation of the Head Garage to WRWA's new River Center.

We are so grateful to our members, foundations, and donors for the generous support in this effort. Moving to the "heart" of the watershed and on the river, places WRWA in a unique location where we can continue our mission to protect and restore the river - the essence of our work. We will report our progress in future editions.
 

 


It's a New Year!
Do you have your 2018 WRWA Calendar?
 

People love our annual calendar. It features tide lines, which tell you the times and heights of all the tides throughout the year. And the beautiful photographs remind us all of the beauty of our home -or our home away from home!
 
This year's photos are the winners chosen from over 75 entries in WRWA's photo contest held this past spring. An independent group of volunteer judges viewed the photos and selected the winners last May.
 
The photographs, donated by area photographers, represent the most beautiful of Westport landscapes throughout the seasons, along with some remarkable wildlife shots.
 
They make a great gift, especially for those who like to be reminded of summers in Westport while they are elsewhere.
 
The 2018 calendars are on sale now at the WRWA headquarters at 1151 Main Road, online at www.westportwatershed.org , and locally at Lees Market, Partners Village Store and the Dedee Shattuck Gallery. 
 
Happy New Year and Thank You 
from WRWA Staff
WRWA Staff from left rear: Deborah Weaver, Gay Gillespie, Shelli Costa, Roberta Carvalho, Steve Connors, Angie Hilsman (Commonwealth Corps Service Member). Front: Victoria Quennessen (Commonwealth Corps service member), Jennifer Lynch.   Dogs: Lola and Teka (volunteers) 



Saving A Red-Tailed Hawk
 

In November, Westport resident Betty Slade saw an injured hawk on Route 88. Her husband David Cole and WRWA Education Director Shelli Costa captured the bird and brought it to the New England Raptor Center, where Marla Isaac (pictured at right) brought it back to health.

The hawk was recently released back into its territory behind the Westport Elementary School, so that third grade students from Shelli's "Feathery Focus" education program could watch. The bird was very eager to get its freedom, and flew energetically to the top of a tall pine tree. After getting its bearings, it then took off in the direction of the old habitat in which it was found injured a month earlier. The children cheered as the hawk disappeared into the winter sky.


 
 

Lees Receipts Doubled in January

All purchases made at Lees Market during January will be doubled for Community Partner members. Please save us your Lees receipts! You can drop them off at our office at
1151 Main Road , or mail to
Westport River Watershed Alliance
PO Box 3427
Westport, MA   02790.

Thank you, Lees Market!  
 


Our third annual Summer Concert at the Vineyard
Presented with the Narrows Center for the Arts
will be on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
Artist details coming in next issue! 

 Do you own a local business?
Consider becoming a WRWA Sponsor
WRWA Logo

WRWA offers many levels of annual sponsorship which can benefit your business while supporting your local environmental organization. 
We will be happy to send you a package outlining the various options, which range from single event sponsorship like River Day and our Summer Concert, to Corporate Sponsorship for year-round visibility.
Email us at outreach@wrwa.com for more information.

 
Corporate Sponsors
2017









Westport River Watershed Alliance | 508-636-3016 | http://westportwatershed.org
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