The Westport River Watershed Alliance announces the retirement of Executive Director Deborah Weaver, after 11 years of dedicated leadership. Under her guidance, WRWA has made huge strides, especially in building the River Center and expanding education, research, and community engagement. Deborah has graciously agreed to stay on until the next Executive Director is hired.

Deborah reflects: ““It is a bittersweet decision for me; it has been a wonderful experience to lead this organization and to play a key role in making WRWA a ‘go-to organization’ which is open to all in the watershed. I am most proud of our impact on children through our education programs, our new collaboration with the Land Trust for the Cover Crop program for farmers, and lastly for the free educational River Tour program for families...”

Board President Mike Sullivan commented: “During Deborah’s tenure, the organization has grown exponentially through her vision and dedication. She was a driving force behind our move to the new River Center, and its renovation allowing us to grow deep roots in the community. She has strengthened our programs and fundraising, while also expanding our reach to ensure that WRWA remains a vibrant, mission-driven cornerstone in the community.”

In the meantime, please join us in celebrating and thanking Deborah for her incredible leadership, expertise, and passion for our Westport community and watershed. We intend to work together to carry forward the mission and values that Deborah so passionately upheld.

To learn more about Deborah's journey at WRWA, click on the link below to a featured article by the Westport Shorelines.

November is a natural moment to reflect on the Westport River and the value it brings to our community. This estuary supports an impressive range of biodiversity, from shellfish and finfish to the countless invertebrates and plant species that form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Strong water quality this year helped sustain productive shellfishing areas and reliable habitat for species that depend on clean, well-oxygenated water. The River continues to provide not only recreational and economic benefits, but also critical ecological services that maintain the balance of the watershed.

The Westport River is constantly changing with the seasons, and these shifts are part of what defines its resilience. Cooler autumn temperatures influence fish movements, bacterial activity, and nutrient cycles, while the salt marsh transitions into its winter state. These natural patterns remind us that the River is a dynamic system shaped by weather, climate, and human activity in the watershed. As we look ahead to the quieter winter months, it is a good time to appreciate both the science that helps us understand these changes and the community commitment that helps protect the River year-round.

It’s been an eventful month with our Education Programs and Open Days at the River Center! From our festive ReMade for the Holidays program to welcoming curious young learners, the building has been buzzing with activity.

Most recently, we hosted third graders from Westport Elementary School for an animal-focused field trip. Students rotated through a series of hands-on learning stations: they listened for owl calls, unearthed fossils in the interactive sand table, searched for shells and fish in our aquariums, and used microscopes to investigate feathers, bones, and insects up close. They wrapped up their visit with a tower-building challenge to design a structure sturdy enough to support the weight of a robin’s nest.

It was a joy to see their curiosity come alive, and we look forward to more learning adventures in the year ahead! Check out our social media page to see more photos and exciting videos from their visit!

Help protect the Westport River while you celebrate the holiday! Small choices at home can make a big impact.

• Buy foods from local businesses if you can! Purchasing from local farms and markets to reduce waste and support the community.
• Cut down on food waste. Save leftovers, and compost veggie scraps when possible.
• Use reusable dishes. Skip disposable plates and cups to cut down on plastic and waste into our landfills and waterways.
• Decorate naturally. Use leaves, pine cones, and seasonal plants instead of plastic décor.
• Get outside! Take a walk near the river or local trails and enjoy the beauty you’re helping protect.
• Lastly, do not pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain! Let fats and drippings cool, store in an appropriate container (metal can, glass jar, reuse liquid jug or take away container) then throw them in the trash.

Thank you to everyone who attended our last Nature Talk of 2025! It was a huge success, with a full house and great conversations with expert Blake Dinius from the Plymouth County Extension. We truly appreciate Blake taking time to share his in-depth knowledge on tick biology, tick bite prevention, and how to stay safe year round.

If you were unable to attend, no worries as we’ll be posting Blake's presentation and a recording of the event to our YouTube channel and website here soon!

Location: Westport River Watershed Alliance's River Center at 493 Old County Road, Westport, MA.



Cost: $75 per person (includes materials)

Join us for a night of creativity and cheer with staff member Jeff Fitton! We will design festive wreaths with evergreens and other natural materials, then dress them up with ornaments, decorations, and a big beautiful bow to top it off.

Bring your friends and get into the holiday spirit! Feel free to bring a bite to eat. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.

Appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. - 3 spots left!

Wednesday, Dec 3 at 5:30 p.m. - 3 spots left!

Register soon before your space gets taken.

A special thank you to the Perry Family at Hidden Spruce Farms for helping with materials. 🌲🎀🕯️🎄

Yes, you’re seeing double — our pair of turkeys wanted to stop by and spread the word: that your donation will be doubled! Every online gift made from today through Dec. 2 will be matched 100% (up to $10,000). Thanks to a dedicated board member, your gift will go twice as far in supporting environmental education, water quality monitoring, habitat conservation, and community programs. With heartfelt gratitude and warm holiday wishes... - the WRWA Team

Looking for a great gift ideas for the upcoming holidays?! We still have some WRWA's Calendars and apparel available for purchase at the River Center and through our website. Visit our online shop to see other excellent gifts for any occasion!

Canoe help?

We're still looking for some nature reads