Public Programs
WRWA offers hands-on, interactive programs in the River Center and outdoor exploration opportunities in natural places throughout the watershed.
In the River Center
Open Days in the River Center
The River Center will host themed children's events throughout the year. The events will feature our fish tanks, interactive sand table, high powered microscope as well as themed activities and crafts for children. All ages are welcome and admission is free!
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Throughout the school year we will be open:
First Saturday of every month and select Fridays
10 am - 3 pm
​Upcoming Open Days Events:
May 3: Gardens For Good
June 7: Ecosystem Explorers​
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Summer Schedule: Open Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 3pm
July 10-11 (Closed Saturday): Wild Connections
July 17-19: Nature Navigation
July 24-26: Wildlife Detectives
July 31-Aug 2: Water World
Aug 7-8 (Closed Saturday): Earth's Energy
Aug 14-16: Hidden Worlds
Aug 21-23: Future Fixers: Climate and our Community
2025 Nature Talks - Science Speaker Series
If you missed the Winter/Spring Nature Talk Series, you can now view them online.
Horseshoe Crabs: Ancient Mariners, Biomedical Heroes, Scientific Marvels with Dr. Dan Gibson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpEAA6eo2u4​
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Shellfish Farming/Aquaculture - Past, Present, Future with Kerian Fennelly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CI0x9Hmlmc
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​There She Blows! Are we still whaling? with Anne M. DiMonti
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Advancing Seaweed Farming for Climate and Societal Gains with Paul Dobbins
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​Rethinking Lawns with Emily Dutra
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​Rising tides and disappearing habitat - the plight of the Saltmarsh Sparrow with Charles Clarkson
​Coming soon​​
In the Watershed
South Coast Strolls
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These morning interpretive walks take place on select Wednesdays beginning at 8am. Join Kim Botelho from WRWA and Aaron Teixeira from WLCT to explore trails, search for birds, and enjoy plants and other natural wonders along the way.
May 14: Gooseberry Island
​​Register at WLCT at:
Wonders of the Watershed
​Join us each Saturday in June to celebrate National Rivers Month!
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​Gooseberry Island Birding
Saturday, June 7, Rain date: Sunday, June 8
7 am, $10/person
Join Master Bird watcher and photographer, Paul Champlin, at 7am on Gooseberry Island. This scenic location is a resting hot spot for many migratory birds. We will meet in the Gooseberry parking area. Don't forget your binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen/hat. If you need a pair of binoculars, just let us know.
Dune Hike
Saturday, June 14, Rain date: Sunday, June 15
8 am, $10/person
Explore the wondrous dunes and paths of the Cherry & Webb
Conservation Area with WRWA Executive Director Deborah Weaver. This protected area by the ocean is filled with interesting plants and animals, and affords spectacular views of the southern shore. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at the Westport Town Beach Parking Area on Cherry & Webb Lane. One day permits will be available for anyone who does not have a Town Beach Permit.
RIVER DAY
Saturday, June 21, Rain date: Sunday, June 22
10 am - 2 pm
Join us for a free family fun day celebrating the River through educational exhibits, music, arts, local vendors, and more. Special guests include the Eastern Medicine Singers Algonquin Language Culture Keepers at 11am, Dave Drumhead Curry will lead a community drum circle from 12:30-2pm, and their will be a celebration with puppets of river creatures by Ed Rooney to dance with to the drumming. No registration required.
​Hike to the Headwaters
Saturday, June 28, Rain date: Sunday, June 29
9 am, $10/person
Hike to the Headwaters of the Westport River Watershed with Green Futures of Fall River. This out-of-the-way location is a surprise to all who venture into this untouched landscape where the Westport River has its beginning.
Proud partner of Science Near Me
Science Near Me is a free, nationwide directory of STEM opportunities, including citizen science projects, museum events, science festivals, out-of-school time programs, Maker Fairs, public science policy forums, astronomy clubs, science cafes and more. The goal is to connect anyone— anywhere in the U.S. — to participate in engaging science, technology, engineering and math that matters.
Find them online:
Website: ScienceNearMe.org
Instagram: @science_near_me
Facebook: @find.science.near.me
LinkedIn: @science-near-me/
Cancellation Policy for Family Programs:
Any cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations made the day of the program will not receive a reimbursement.
If WRWA has to cancel a program, full reimbursements will be provided.
Don't see what you're looking for?
Check out our EVENTS PAGE for electronics recycling, summer concert, gala, and more!
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Need help registering or have questions?
Please contact:
Kim Botelho, Education Director
508-636-3016 ext. 1006, WEP@WRWA.com