WRWA Volunteer Spotlight - Dan Harrington

Dan and his family enjoying a trip together.

Dan Harrington grew up in Fall River and spent most of his childhood as a “city kid" until visiting his grandparents in Portsmouth, RI. Exploring coves, forests, small hills, and beaches helped launch a lifelong passion for the marine environment. He earned a B.S. from UMass Amherst and completing his education at UMass Boston with degrees in Biology and Education, along with a Master of Secondary Education.

While receiving a Graduate Assistantship teaching aboard the Envirolab III through Harbor Explorations, he spent summers with Thompson Island Outward Bound teaching coastal ecology in partnership with the New England Aquarium. Dan brought this experience into the classroom, teaching Biology and Environmental Science at Watertown High School before moving to Westport High School. There, he not only taught science but also developed an innovative Boatbuilding course in partnership with Dharma Voyage, connecting students to local maritime heritage and hands-on learning. He also shared his love of the water through summers teaching sailing with New Bedford’s Sea Lab program.

Now retired, Dan continues to be a valued member of the WRWA community. We are deeply grateful for his ongoing volunteer work supporting field studies and watershed education programs. He often reflects on how WRWA’s “Adopt a Watershed” program supported his teaching career and helped shape his approach to environmental education.

Today, he gives back by helping to lead river tours through WRWA’s newest programming. "I love bringing people onto the River and into the saltmarshes. Whether it’s aboard my little sailboat or with the Watershed and Captain Bill or Rick, it’s always a transcendent experience. Very few people get to see this wonderful river that we are asking people to care so much about. It only makes sense to get as many people as we can out there to experience it.”

WRWA staff greatly value Dan’s dedication, enthusiasm, kindess and generosity. It is people like him who go above and beyond what it means to be a volunteer, educator, and a member of the Westport community. Thank you Dan for everything that you do for our watershed and community! 💙 Below are some quotes from our staff about Dan:

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"We’re incredibly grateful to have Dan as an education volunteer. He brings energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm to everything he does, supporting field trips, River Center programs, off-site events, and stewardship projects. His dynamic teaching style and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on students, co-teachers, and WRWA staff." - Kim Botelho, WRWA

"I first knew Dan as a teacher, and it was clear he is someone truly special. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure students not only learn but truly understand the material, leaving a lasting impression on me. Years later, we reconnected in college, where he introduced me to internship and

TerraCorps opportunities at WRWA. Since then, he has remained an unwavering source of support, generosity, and encouragement, consistently strengthening our education programs and elevating our work." - Michaelah Vasconcello

"He exemplifies community service through his work with WRWA and as a docent on Free Boat Tours. As a biology teacher, he has inspired generations with his love of nature and learning. As a lifelong friend, I couldn’t be prouder to see him recognized for all he has done." - Jeff Fitton