(5.30) A Woony River bird walk at Riverside Park comes courtesy of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC). Birds that frequent the area include the great blue heron, the great white egret, and the marsh wren. Strange to think of those majestic birds flapping around this wetlands oasis tucked between Manton Avenue and Route 6, just beyond Olneyville Square.
Discover a wild and scenic river within the city limits of Providence! Join this memorial walk held to honor the late Paul McElroy, who enjoyed nature walks as a child with former Audubon Executive Director Roland Clement.
As an adult, Paul was an avid supporter of both the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and Audubon. Surprising natural beauty lies along the bike path, come discover it on this winding walk. Wear sturdy shoes for off-path walking.
This park seems to be part of the larger Woonasquatucket River Greenway and Bike Path. The above photo is taken from the catwalk over a fish ladder which allows American shad to ascend this section of the river in the spring to spawn. (I still don’t get how they do it — the current down the ladder is fierce and we haven’t had rain in weeks.) Atlantic herring and American eels also use river.
Registration is required. Suggested donation is $10 per person or $20 per family.
Call to register: 401.861.9046 or email: alehrer@wrwc.org
10am to noon Saturday, May 30, Riverside Park, 50 Aleppo Street, (directions)
