Public Programs
WRWA offers hands-on, interactive programs in the River Center and outdoor exploration opportunities in natural places throughout the watershed.
In the River Center
Open Days in the River Center
The River Center will host themed children's events throughout the year. The events will feature our fish tanks, interactive sand table, high powered microscope as well as themed activities and crafts for children. All ages are welcome and admission is free!
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Throughout the school year we will be open:
First Saturday of every month and select Fridays
10 am - 3 pm
​Upcoming Open Days Events:
January 31 and February 1: Wild At Heart
February 28 and March 1: Lifecycles
April 4 and 5: Planet Protectors
May 2: Gardens For Good
June 6: Ecosystem Explorers
2025 Nature Talks - Science Speaker Series
Thursdays, 5pm, FREE
In the River Center or Online
Horseshoe Crabs: Ancient Mariners, Biomedical Heroes, Scientific Marvels
Dr. Dan Gibson
January 30
Wade into the fascinating world of horseshoe crabs with Dr. Dan Gibson as he presents an illustrated talk on these misunderstood ancient mariners. He will delve into their 450-million-year natural history, explore the delicate balance of conserving their dwindling populations amidst new harvesting regulations, and will discuss the continuing contributions that horseshoe crabs and their unique physiology have made to biomedical science. Discover how these "living fossils" are bridging the past and future, redefining our relationship with marine life in unexpected ways.
Dr. Gibson's fascination with these legendary animals dates back to 1975, when he began his PhD research at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. During the summers, he still studies their development, natural history and neurobiology there after retiring from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. As a member of the Horseshoe Crab Conservation Association, Gibson is an active advocate for the mindful use and preservation of this irreplaceable resource.
NOTICE: ON-SITE SPACE IS FULL, NO WALK-INS PLEASE,
YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR ZOOM
Shellfish Farming/Aquaculture - Past, Present, Future
Kerian Fennelly
February 27
As a lifelong resident of Westport and co-owner of Westport Oyster Farming, Kerian Fennelly will provide an overview of shellfish farming. This talk will include the history behind the industry, shellfish farming in Westport, the state of Massachusetts, what's happening on a global scale, and his thoughts on the future of the industry. Note: This presentation is only available in-person. We will post a video online afterwards.
Special presentation by Paul Dobbins
Vice President, Aquaculture at World Wildlife Fund
Advancing Seaweed Farming for Climate and Societal Gains
Sunday, March 9th
WRWA Annual Meeting, Acoaxet Club
There She Blows! Are we still whaling?
Anne M. DiMonti, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership
Protecting Ocean Wildlife Program Manager
March 27
Today, as many are keenly aware, whales and other marine species face a wide range of
threats. During the Golden Age of Sail, however, there was little understanding that a species could be finite. During that time, the ocean was thought to have a limitless bounty which provided much needed resources. Today, we have a greater knowledge of the world around us and understand that the ocean’s resources are not boundless. As a result, we are all called upon to take part in the shared responsibility of ocean conservation. This interactive presentation will provide information about today’s threats to whales, such as ship strike and entanglement, and will take a look back to how we got here. Information on available resources and how to help in the conservation effort will also be provided.
Rising tides and disappearing habitat - the plight of the Saltmarsh Sparrow
Charles Clarkson, Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Director of Avian Research
April 24
Since the late 1990s, the global population of the Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus) has declined by 87%. This decline is primarily attributed to the rapidly vanishing saltmarsh habitat the species relies on for nesting. The situation is so dire that current population models suggest the species could go extinct as soon as 2035. This talk will explore the natural history of Saltmarsh Sparrows, the impacts of climate change on their population and the conservation efforts that aim to mitigate their decline.
In the Watershed
2025 Programs Coming soon
Proud partner of Science Near Me
Science Near Me is a free, nationwide directory of STEM opportunities, including citizen science projects, museum events, science festivals, out-of-school time programs, Maker Fairs, public science policy forums, astronomy clubs, science cafes and more. The goal is to connect anyone— anywhere in the U.S. — to participate in engaging science, technology, engineering and math that matters.
Find them online:
Website: ScienceNearMe.org
Instagram: @science_near_me
Facebook: @find.science.near.me
LinkedIn: @science-near-me/
Cancellation Policy for Family Programs:
Any cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations made the day of the program will not receive a reimbursement.
If WRWA has to cancel a program, full reimbursements will be provided.
Don't see what you're looking for?
Check out our EVENTS PAGE for electronics recycling, summer concert, gala, and more!
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Need help registering or have questions?
Please contact:
Kim Botelho, Education Director
508-636-3016 ext. 1006, WEP@WRWA.com