We’re excited to kick off our 2025 Winter Speaker Series with a special presentation by Bill McCusker, President of both the Charlestown Land Trust and the Friends of the Saugatucket.

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
🕒 Time: 6pm
📍 Location: Kettle Pond Visitor Center, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813

Bill’s presentation will explore the South County springtime fish migration, focusing on the river herring of the Saugatucket River. Learn about their incredible determination as they navigate fish ladders to overcome one of their greatest obstacles—dams—and the efforts being made to support their passage.

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome!

Led by Charlestown Land Trust President Bill McCusker, this casual hike is a great way to explore the beautiful Mill Pond Preserve, enjoy the fresh air, and meet others who share a love for conservation. This is a free event but space is limited. Please sign up here to reserve your spot!

📅 Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
🕒 Time: 10am
📍 Location: Mill Pond Preserve, 4962 South County Trail, Charlestown, RI 02813

In the event of weather, participants will be notified of any cancellations by email.

Join us for the second talk in our 2025 Winter Speaker Series!

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
🕒 Time: 6pm
📍 Location: Kettle Pond Visitor Center, 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813

We’re thrilled to welcome Wenley Ferguson, Director of Habitat Restoration at Save The Bay, for a presentation on salt marsh restoration in Charlestown. Salt marshes across Rhode Island face significant challenges, from historical alterations like drainage ditches to the accelerating impacts of sea level rise. These critical ecosystems provide filtration against stormwater pollution, buffers against storms, and habitats for at-risk species like the salt marsh sparrow. Learn about restoration projects in Charlestown, including the innovative “runnel projects,” that are helping these crucial ecosystems adapt and survive in the face of climate change.

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome—no pre-registration required!