Thank You for helping us reach our goal!

WRWA's Annual Fund Drive Wrapping Up

During this season, we like to reflect back on the year and think of what we have accomplished and of the things for which we are grateful. We had a very good year at the Watershed Alliance, and are particularly thankful for you, our members and supporters who enable us to continue our important work.

A big thanks to all who have given to our Annual Fund and helped us to reach our goal. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it is very satisfying to see that our supporters see the value in what we do here at WRWA.

WRWA Staff Wishing You a Happy New Year

From left: Science Director Roberta Carvalho, Educator and River Center Programming Coordinator Michaelah Vasconcellos, Finance and Development Officer Jennifer Lynch, Executive Director Deborah Weaver, Community Engagement Manager Steve Connors, and Education Director Kim Botelho. Also in photo Treasure and Blue, Canines In Residence.

WRWA's YouTube Channel Features Many Excellent Videos

Partners Village Store and Westport River Watershed Alliance recently hosted authors Nicholas P. Sullivan and Madeline Ostrander for book signings and discussion of their new books. We recorded their presentations and you can view them here:

The Blue Revolution by Nicholas P. Sullivan

In a fast-growing world where more people are eating more fish than ever before, The Blue Revolution brings encouraging news for conservationists and seafood lovers about the transformation of an industry historically averse to change, and it presents fresh inspiration for entrepreneurs and investors eager for new opportunities in a blue-green economy.

At Home on an Unruly Planet - Finding Refuge on a Changed Earth, by Madeline Ostrander. This timely book is a hopeful, urgent and universal message about our collective ability to face the climate changes we can no longer ignore.

Burning of the Mishoon River Day 2023 - The Wampanoag Experience. The Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) partnered with the Westport Land Conservation Trust and Wampanoag Experience to host the burning of a mishoon, the traditional process for creating a dug-out canoe from a log. Exceptional video by Alex Haggert.

WRWA feature video - All about the Westport River Watershed Alliance, feature video by Alex Haggert. Beautiful drone footage of the Westport River, with interviews of WRWA staff, local historian, and long time Westport residents. Learn about the watershed and WRWA's efforts to keep it healthy and clean for all to enjoy. Dedicated to Gurdon Wattles.

And more! Thanks for watching.

WRWA is now offering onsite and traveling birthday parties and private programs. 

All are customizable and based on staff availability.

 BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Members receive a 10% discount.

Themes include: All About Bugs (live specimens optional),  River Animals, Birds, Nature Stories, and Nature Arts & Crafts. We will also consider customized nature themes related to your child's interest.

At the River Center: This includes a 2 hour private rental of our nature center featuring an interactive sand table, high powered microscope, aquariums, and 1-2 hands on activities related to your party theme. You will also receive a 45 minute program provided by a trained educator.  Cost: $300

In Your Home or Location of Choice: We will travel anywhere in the watershed to provide a 45 minute to 1 hour program. Summer programs include a traveling aquarium with the River Animal themed party. Cost: $250

Add-ons: Face painting is available for parties following the presentation. Additional fee of $100.

Offered: Select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays based on availability.

Capacity: Max of 15 children, no more than 25 people total in the River Center. Additional children up to 20 ok in off-site locations but added fees may apply based on theme activities.

We provide: space, tables, programs, an additional 20 minutes before and 15 minutes after your 2 hour rental period for set up and clean up, cleaning supplies and help with clean-up

You provide: Cake, snacks, drinks, decorations (no balloons in River Center please), and birthday friends.

For questions and to schedule your birthday party, please contact:

Kim Botelho, Education Director

508-636-3016 ext. 1006, WEP@WRWA.com

Here is a glimpse of what we have planned for the New Year, Saturdays at the River Center:

January 6 - Wild Winter 

February 3 - Nature's Valentines

March 2 - Going Green

April 6 - Earth & Space

May 4 - Good Bugs & Gardens

June 1 - Reptile Round-Up 

Those interested or with questions can call WRWA at 508-636-3016 x1004, or email Michaelah Vasconcellos at rivercenter@wrwa.com

Summer Intern Opportunities at WRWA

The Westport River Watershed Alliance is now accepting applications for our Summer Environmental Educator positions. Please share this email or the linked description with anyone you think might be interested in applying. Click here for more details!

Thank you and Happy New Year,

Kim Botelho

Education Director

Westport River Watershed Alliance

Don't forget to get your 2024

WRWA Photo Calendars before they're all gone

We had many excellent photos entered in this year's annual photo contest to choose the images for the 2024 Photo Calendar. As in past years, we gave our members and friends the opportunity to select the winning photos. Just as in previous years, we received many beautiful photos taken around the watershed.



Calendars are now in stock at the River Center, at Partners Village Store, and for sale on our website. Calendars show tides for the Westport River.

2024 Winter Art Show will be at Westport Art Group Gallery

Artists Invited!

Our 11th annual art show will be taking place at the Westport Art Group Gallery February 17 through March 2, 2024. 

The show will run for two weeks. Invitations are currently going out to our community of artists, and we should have a great showcase of talent in 2024. All interested artists are welcome and should email WRWA at outreach@wrwa.com.

We appreciate the extraordinary talents of our regional artists and enjoy the opportunity to share great art with our members and guests each winter.

The Westport River Watershed Alliance’s mission: working together to protect and preserve the Westport River Watershed now and for future generations.

Please save us your Lees Receipts!

The Watershed Alliance is happy to be a Lees Community Partner. Please save your market receipts and drop them off at WRWA River Center

493 Old County Road, or mail to PO Box 3427, Westport, MA 02790.