WRWC Shines at the 2026 Land & Water Conservation Summit
On March 21st, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council brought our team, our mission, and our excitement to the 2026 Rhode Island Land and Water Conservation Summit at the URI Memorial Union! Staff and board members came together to table, connect with fellow conservationists, and showcase the transformative work we are doing along the Woonasquatucket River.
A highlight of the day was the stellar presentation by Executive Director Alicia J. Lehrer, Civil Engineer Mark Pereira, and River Ranger and Stormwater Specialist Jarrod Holgate. Their talk, “Intersection at the Intersection: The Promenade/Kinsley Greenway,” detailed the completion of this vital greenway segment connecting Olneyville and Downtown Providence. They shared how the project:
- Reconnects neighborhoods to the Woonasquatucket River
- Improves safe walking, biking, and active transportation
- Transforms underused land into vibrant community assets
- Builds a resilient, green corridor just a 10-minute walk from the train station, Kennedy Plaza, the Convention Center, The VETs Theater, and The AMP
Phase 1 of the project added 4,200 linear feet of permanently separated trail and 12 intersection improvements, while Phase 2 added another 1,000 feet of trail and an intersection upgrade, turning underutilized space into a corridor for connection, recreation, and resilience.
The Summit itself explored what it means to care for lands and waters in an era of climate change, inequity, and ecological loss. With keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, dozens of workshops, and a focus on equity, stewardship, and resilience, the day reminded us why the work we do matters and why collaboration and creativity are key to building a just, sustainable future.
WRWC left the Summit inspired, energized, and ready to continue connecting people and communities to their river and to each other.