The WRP is celebrating it's 20th anniversary in 2016 and it's already been a year for the record books: we recruited more volunteers than ever to help harvest and plant native trees along the White River this spring; we're monitoring water quality in more locations than we have in previous years; we're working with partners to implement 3 habitat restoration projects this summer impacting over 100 miles of stream; and more!
We couldn't do this work without YOU - WRP members, donors, sponsors, and grant funders; WRP tree planting, water quality monitoring, and river cleanup volunteers; participating landowners, schools, businesses, and towns; technical assistance partners from local and regional organizations and state and federal agencies; project consultants and contractors; and our dedicated staff and Board of Directors.
So THANK YOU for 20 great years - we hope you enjoy reading about our work in 2016, and will stay involved as we continue working together to improve the long-term health of the White River and its watershed!
Mary Russ, Executive Director
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We welcomed Dan 'Rudi' Ruddell as our new part-time Monitoring & Education Coordinator in January. Rudi wears many hats - musician, environmental consultant, farmer, Tunbridge lister, and more - and we're thrilled he's added "WRP staffer" to the list!
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This spring the WRP's Monitoring the White River program engaged 350 teachers and students at 12 watershed schools. Through MWR students learn about the ecology of the White River - from crayfish to culverts - then head outside to the river for hands-on monitoring and stewardship activities. Learn more!
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Monica Collins joined the WRP Board in June. Monica lives in Hancock, where she's on the Selectboard; represents the town on the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission Board; and is a member of the Town Pride Committee. She brings a wealth of community development, education, and stewardship experience to the WRP. Welcome, Monica!
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This summer the WRP will implement 2 projects to open 100 miles of stream to fish passage: replacing the Maple Hill Road culvert on Wing Brook in Rochester and removing the Randolph Dam on the Third Branch. Read more about our multiple partners and funders!
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This spring 700 volunteers helped plant over 4,000 native trees in 9 locations along the White River - that makes 50,000 trees planted since 2001! Follow this link to see 2016 planting photos and to learn more about the ins-and-outs of our Trees for Streams program.
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In May the WRP, Vermont River Conservancy, and 2 landowners conserved 15.4 acres along the White River in Hancock. The river corridor conservation project will protect the river-side field from development, while allowing it to actively flood forever.
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Every other Wednesday from June 1 through September 21, WRP staff and trained volunteers will monitor bacteria at 22 swimming holes around the watershed. Curious about water quality at your favorite spot? Check out the results we post online and on Facebook.
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This summer the WRP will work with the Forest Service to implement Phase 2 of the West Branch project in Rochester. Contractors will install large wood structures to restore flood-damaged river banks and in-stream habitat. Check out videos of fish habitat created during Phase 1!
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Like us on Facebook to learn more about what's happening with the WRP - we post project updates and photos, water quality monitoring results, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and more on a regular basis!
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We're seeking individuals and groups to help steward 30+ sites on the emerging White River Paddle Trail. Check out the online map to find a location near you, then visit this link for more information about being a site steward. Interested? Contact ECO AmeriCorps Member Jim Armbruster to learn more!
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The WRP is celebrating our 20th Anniversary by reissuing our popular, large-scale White River Watershed Map! We are seeking sponsors to help underwrite the cost of printing 2,500 maps for distribution around the watershed. Visit our website to learn more about $100, $250, and $500 sponsorship levels.
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