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As we welcome the arrival of spring, we’re excited to share a few updates and
look ahead to a season full of activity and getting outside in our community. With longer days and fresh energy all around us, we’re truly “springing into spring” with many upcoming events, opportunities to get involved with our River Center, and ways to celebrate and protect our local waters together.
🐦🌱🌷🍃🐝🌸
| | 🍀Tiny Parade, Mighty Spirit 🍀 | | Left to right: Joanne Leary, Lisa Luttman, Jeff Fitton, Mike Sullivan, Cindy Wilson, Mark Luttman | |
Wearing green and sharing smiles, board members and volunteers from the Westport River Watershed Alliance took part in the famously short St. Patrick’s Day parade in Adamsville, Rhode Island! Proving that even the smallest events can make a big splash for community spirit and clean water awareness.
Despite its short route, the parade was full of energy, laughter, and community spirit. Our volunteers and board members enjoyed connecting with nearby partners, sharing smiles, and celebrating the season while spreading awareness about protecting our local waters. As part of the Westport River watershed, nearby Little Compton also plays an important role in the health of the river we all share - making this celebration feel right at home. It was a great reminder that even the smallest traditions can bring people together in a big way.
| | WRWA Volunteer Spotlight | | |
Richard and his wife Sandra, enjoying a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
They actually won the tickets at WRWA's Gala auction!
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🌊 Meet Richard: A Volunteer Making Waves
If you’ve spent any time around the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA), chances are you’ve crossed paths with Richard Ilgen or seen the impact of his work. Richard has been a dedicated WRWA member since 2001! This coming August is extra special for not only WRWA in celebrating our 50th, but Richard and his partner Sandra will also celebrate their 50th anniversary right alongside WRWA!
After a career as an Information Systems Developer in Boston, Richard turned his focus to giving back to the community. He volunteers weekly at the Westport Food Pantry and supports organizations like the Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) and Mass Audubon. He’s also a familiar face at local events such as the Duck Derby, River Day, beach cleanups, and the Summer Gala.
Richard’s connection to the river runs even deeper than volunteering. Inspired by WRWA’s River Day in 2012, he set out to honor a dear friend. What began as a simple idea for a memorial bench blossomed into sponsoring an osprey stand. That experience ignited his passion for osprey monitoring and led him to join Mass Audubon’s Trail Blazers group.
When he’s not volunteering, Richard enjoys boating, fishing, shell fishing, and beachcombing. He values working with WRWA “for the chance to meet and connect with others who care deeply about protecting the river and stewarding it for future generations.” Volunteers like Richard are essential to WRWA - they don’t just show up, they help keep the spirit of the river alive. 💙
Thank you Richard for all that you do! Please join us in thanking him for his incredible contributions to WRWA. If you would like to join Richard and volunteer you can sign up by clicking the link below to attend an upcoming Clean our Westport (COW) Saturday April 11, from 9am to 12pm.
| | Start your day on the trail with WRWA and WLCT | |
Scholarship for Graduating Seniors
April 27 Deadline
| | Register Soon for the Summer!
Space is VERY LIMITED | |
WRWA Calendar Photo Contest –
From Streams to Sunsets
We’re looking for the moments that capture the beauty and spirit of our watershed! From rare wildlife sightings to peaceful mornings along the river, submit your favorite photos for a chance to be featured in our 2027 Watershed Calendar.
Submission Guidelines:
To ensure your work looks its best in print, please follow these technical requirements:
- Quantity - Maximum of 10 images per photographer.
- Format - High-quality JPG files.
- Resolution - 300 dpi or greater.
- Dimensions - Minimum of 10 x 8 inches (3000 x 2400 pixels).
- File Size:- At least 1MB per image.
How to Enter:
Please email your digital color images to Margaret Broughton at m.broughton@westportwatershed.org. To keep our files organized, please use the following naming convention:
- 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!
Important Dates & Details:
Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026
(Please read): By submitting your photos, you grant WRWA permission to use the images to inspire the appreciation and celebration of Westport’s natural resources.
We can't wait to see the beauty you've captured this year. Happy shooting!
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🎉 Upcoming Eco-Related Events in Westport🎉 | |
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - March 28
The Westport Board of Health will host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day
Date & Time: Saturday March 28, 9am to 12pm
Location: behind the old High School - 19 Main Rd.
This event is FREE and is for Westport residents only. No business or bulk waste will be accepted. Due to the increasing cost of disposal, this event is limited to 175 cars. You MUST pre-register to be allowed entrance. Items accepted can be found on the website here: https://www.westport-ma.com/?event=406
You click on the link below to register:
https://forms.gle/E7cpMPeoCfVF8QmC9
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Route 6 Community Workshop
Held by the Town of Westport & SRPEDD
Date & Time: Saturday March 28, 10am - 2pm
Location: Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Road, Westport, MA.
Westport wants to hear from YOU! The workshop will include a neighborhood plan for the Route 6 Corridor from the Fall River to Dartmouth borders. This plan will explore various opportunities for economic development, housing, and infill development, while also taking into consideration environmental concerns. Take the survey below to conribute:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Westport-R6
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Lecture Series - Westport Talks
Held by the Westport Grange
Date & Time:
April 4, April 18, 1pm - 3pm.
May 7, May 28, June 11 , 6pm - 8pm.
Location: Westport Grange
Join our local partners at Westport Grange for some upcoming and exciting classes from Seed Saving, Stich and Mend, Shiitake Mushroom Logs, Pet CPR & First Aid, and Farmers and Forestry. Click the link below to learn more about these creative and engaging workshops!
https://www.westportgrange181.com/lecture-series
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Clean our Westport (COW)
Date & Time: Saturday April 11, 9am - 12pm.
Location: All Over Westport, Check-in will start at the Old High School parking lot: 17 Main Rd. Westport, MA.
Start spring cleaning early, join Clean Our Westport (COW) this April! Help keep our watershed clean and healthy by volunteering to pick up litter along roadsides, beaches, and riverbanks. It’s a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a visible difference in our community. All are welcome - bring a friend and be part of the effort to protect Westport’s natural beauty!
Sign Up Here
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Earth Day - Electronics Recycling Event
Date & Time: Wed. April 22, 9am - 11am.
Location: Westport Town Hall parking lot at 816 Main Road in Westport
WRWA will host the very popular Electronics Recycling collection day. We are pleased to once again partner with Indie Cycle to provide this service to the community. Indie Cycle accepts most electronic materials at no charge, with the exceptions listed in the link below:
https://www.westportwatershed.org/event-details/earth-day-electronics-recycle-event
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Nature Talks - Where Eco Art Meets Action
Held by the Westport River Watershed Alliance
Date & Time: Thurs April 30, 5pm - 6 pm.
Location: River Center, 493 Old County Rd.
Join this FREE event! Artist Katy Rodden Walker will discuss her process of artmaking with the community. Through art, she raises awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans and other environmental issues, while exploring the interconnectedness of humans and nonhumans in the natural world. Advanced registration is required below:
https://www.westportwatershed.org/product-page/nature-talks-ecoart
| | Thank You to Our 2026 Business Sponsors | | | | |
