Celebrating June:
Connecting Rivers, Oceans, and Communities
| | June is a month of connection and celebration, marking National Ocean Month and Pride Month. As we celebrate the waters that connect our rivers, estuaries, and the Atlantic Ocean, and the diversity that strengthens our communities, we're reminded that healthy watersheds protect ocean ecosystems by reducing pollution and improving water quality from source to sea. With hurricane season underway, now is also a good time to prepare for coastal storms and help build resilient communities that can weather changing conditions. | | Thank you for making River Day a Success! | |
Looking Beyond the Smoke:
The Environmental Response to the Mid-City Fire
By: Roberta Carvalho, WRWA Science Director
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The May 4 fire at the Mid-City Scrap facility on State Road was one of the largest industrial fires in recent Westport history, drawing more than 75 firefighters and mutual aid from 15 communities. The massive smoke plume raised concerns about potential impacts to nearby wetlands, groundwater, and the Westport River watershed. In the aftermath, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) required the facility to begin an Immediate Response Action under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan to assess whether oil, hazardous materials, or other contaminants were released into the environment.
Mid-City Scrap retained environmental consultants from SITEC Environmental, whose Licensed Site Professional (LSP) is conducting the assessment under MassDEP oversight. The investigation is intended to determine whether contaminants associated with the fire or firefighting activities affected surrounding environmental resources.
The investigation is still ongoing, with additional groundwater and sediment sampling planned in the coming months. WRWA is following the investigation to help our community understand what the findings mean for the health of the Westport River watershed. Read more for a closer look at the environmental assessment, what's been learned so far, and what comes next.
| | Sheridan grew up in the South Shore of Massachusetts and is a recent graduate of Roger Williams University, where she majored in environmental science and minored in sustainability and biology. Sheridan believes environmental education should start early and that this position is the perfect opportunity to help inspire young learners. | | Carmen is going into her third year at George Washington University where she is studying environmental science. Carmen found her passion for the natural world while going to a nature camp as a child. Her counselors shaped who she is today and she would love to do to the same for the next generation. "I hope that by the end of this experience, I can watch kids grow their love for the environment". | | Register Now for One Hour River Tours | | Over 40 trips now available online! | | |
These trips are meant for individuals or families who don't have their own boat access to the Westport River.
- Only 6 people allowed per trip
- Children ages 6 and up are welcome to attend
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket
- We have life jackets available but you are welcome to bring your own
- Departs from Cherry & Webb Lane
| | FREE River Center Open Days | | |
All new summer hours:
Wednesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 2p.m., beginning July 8
New themes each week! No registration required.
Come anytime and stay as long as you would like.
Bring a picnic lunch and eat by the river too!
| | ALL NEW - Backyard Band Jams | | ALL NEW - Family Seining at Baby Beach | | | | |
Adults and children ages 3.5 and up can now take part in our most popular beach activity - seining for river critters! If you are old enough, you can try the net yourself or wait for it to be brought up on the beach. We will collect critters, add them to bins and then investigate our findings at the end of the program. Come learn about the animals living along the edges of the Westport River.
Our summer educators will stay at the beach for an extra hour on Wednesdays:
July 22 - 12:30 - 1:30 pm
and
August 12 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm
$8/person for all ages
Max of 15 spaces
All children must be accompanied by an adult. We will have special parking labels for anyone without a town sticker.
Register to reserve your spots today!
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WRWA Volunteer Spotlight:
Maggie York - Still Teaching, Still Inspiring
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This month, we're delighted to recognize Maggie York, whose enthusiasm for education and community has made a wonderful impact at the Westport River Watershed Alliance.
A retired chemistry teacher, Maggie joined WRWA in 2023 after meeting our former Executive Director, Deborah Weaver, while walking their dogs on local trails. Through that friendship, Maggie discovered WRWA's mission and was inspired to get involved. Since then, she has embraced volunteering not only as a way to support our watershed but also to connect with an incredible community of dedicated volunteers.
Drawing on a lifelong passion for teaching, Maggie especially enjoys participating in WRWA's educational programs and helping inspire curiosity about our local environment. From serving our Education Committee to welcoming families and sharing knowledge at our annual River Day, Maggie brings patience, warmth, and a love of learning to every event. Outside of WRWA, Maggie enjoys kayaking, spending time with her grandchildren, discovering new local trails, and enjoying winter adventures with her dog, Ella.
We are so grateful for Maggie's time, energy, and commitment to helping others discover and appreciate the Westport River watershed. Volunteers like Maggie make our programs possible, and we are honored to celebrate the difference they make in our community.
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Savor the Taste of Westport and Support WRWA!
Treat yourself to a Flight of Four Oysters featuring four signature varieties from Westport Sea Farms: Riptide • Beach Plum • Tabor Point • Spindrift
For every flight purchased, $13 will be donated to the Westport River Watershed Alliance, thanks to the generosity of Westport Sea Farms. You can purchase vouchers below, at our River Center (493 Old County Road, Westport, MA) or by phone 508-636-3016 ext. 1002., where you can then redeem it for your oyster flight at Westport Sea Farms.
You can visit Westport Sea Farm daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 2065 Main Road, Westport Point, and enjoy the freshest oysters harvested directly from our farms. Pair your oysters with locally selected beer and wine while taking in the charm of historic Westport Point.
| | Last Day to Enter - Give us your best shot! | | |
Submission Deadline:
July 1, 2026
There's still time to submit your photos from the Westport Watershed, for a chance to be featured in our 2027 Watershed Calendar!
How to Enter:
Please email your images to Margaret Broughton at m.broughton@westportwatershed.org or click the button below. Include the information below:
- Title your image: Give each photo a unique, descriptive title.
- Rename the file: Ensure the filename matches the title of the piece.
- Include your name: Make sure your full name is in the email so we can properly credit your work!
| | Nature Talk: Eco Art & Ocean Plastics | | |
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A special thank you to our guest speaker, Katy Rodden Walker, for an engaging and inspiring Nature Talk: Eco Art and Ocean Plastics.
Her presentation explored the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution and demonstrated how discarded materials can be transformed into thought-provoking works of art that inspire environmental awareness and action. We appreciate Katy for sharing her creativity, expertise, and passion, reminding us of the important role each of us can play in protecting our oceans and waterways.
If you missed the presentation or would like to watch it again, you can view the recorded talk on our Youtube Channel or clicking the video on the left.
| | | Thank You to Our 2026 Business Sponsors | | | | |
