WRWA Volunteer Spotlight - Ed Rooney

 Ed Rooney holding up one of his creations for WRWA

Many visitors to the River Center and River Day events often ask who created our beautiful puppets. The magical artist behind them is Ed Rooney.

A Westport resident for more than 35 years and former member of the Conservation Commission, Ed has spent the past two decades creating and performing with hand crafted puppets. His deep connection to waterways is also rooted in his Azorean heritage, shaped by generations of fishing and whaling before his grandfather and family immigrated to the United States. That lifelong relationship with the water, shines through in his art and storytelling.

Ed's marvelous creations for the puppet performance "Tales of Flight, Migration, and Hope" with First Unitarian Church of New Bedford. (Learn more here)

Ed’s artistry is as thoughtful as it is imaginative. Every puppet is handcrafted from recycled and discarded materials ranging from foam, plastic yard signs, and other overlooked items that he carefully cleans and transforms into something extraordinary. Through his vision, everyday trash becomes treasured art, reminding us all of the beauty and endless possibilities in renewal and reuse.

We are especially thankful for the way Ed shares his talents with WRWA. His puppets have become a beloved part of our River Center and River Day celebrations, helping visitors connect more deeply with the creatures and stories of the watershed. Ed draws inspiration from species that represent the watershed ecosystem, especially those hidden beneath the surface, bringing visibility to what often goes unseen. His work invites us to see the river with wonder, imagination, and appreciation.

Another one of Ed's creations of silverside fish for River Day.

When he is not building puppets or giving back to the Westport community, Ed also enjoys drumming, another creative outlet that reflects his vibrant spirit and love of community. We are so fortunate to have Ed sharing his remarkable talent, passion, and joy that he brings to WRWA, and we hope you will join us in celebrating his work.

If you would like to see his creations in action, join us this River Day on June 20! From 10am - 2pm at the Westport Town Landing, 493 Old County Road, Westport, MA, 02790.