Every spring, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) embarks on an exciting mission—counting river herring as they return to the Woonasquatucket River to spawn. From March through May, we track these resilient fish to understand the impact of our fish passage projects and restoration efforts on the river and the greater Narragansett Bay ecosystem.
For over a century, dams and industrial pollution blocked the migration of herring. But thanks to years of dedicated restoration, these fish now return from the Mid-Atlantic Ocean to lay their eggs in the very freshwater streams where they were born. It’s an incredible success story—and you can be a part of it!
For more information, contact:Haley Essington📧 hessington@wrwc.org
Join Us for Fish Counting Training!
Date: March 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Fish Ladder at Rising Sun Mills (166 Valley St, Providence)
REGISTER
Want to get involved in hands-on conservation work? Join us for a laid-back Fish Counting Training at the Rising Sun Mills fish ladder! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about herring migration, the history of fish ladders, and how your efforts contribute to climate resilience and ecological restoration.
The training itself takes just 15 minutes, and you can stop by anytime between 10 AM and 12 PM to get the rundown. Once trained, you can return throughout the season to count fish and track their incredible journey—no experience necessary! Just bring your curiosity and a love for nature.
Why Do We Count Fish?
Twice a day, from March through May, WRWC volunteers count herring at the Rising Sun Mills fish ladder in Olneyville. These counts help us measure the success of our fish passage projects and track population trends over time. And the results speak for themselves—since we began counting in 2010, we’ve seen as many as 39,000 herring return in a single season!
Herring are anadromous fish, meaning they spend most of their lives in the ocean but return to freshwater to spawn. For generations, their journey was cut short by the Rising Sun Mills dam. In 2007, WRWC built its first fish ladder at the site, giving fish a way to move upstream. Since then, we’ve removed two additional dams, built a second fish ladder, and created a nature-like fishway. Now, herring can travel all the way to Manton Pond and up to the Lyman Mill Dam in Johnston to spawn in safe, clean waters.
Be a Part of the Fish Count!
Each year, more than 40 volunteers make our fish count possible. Volunteers sign up for simple 10-minute observation shifts, recording the number of fish passing through the ladder, water temperature, and water depth. This data is sent to Rhode Island’s state fishery biologist, who calculates the total number of fish migrating upstream. By participating, you’re directly contributing to the science that informs future restoration and conservation efforts!
When the herring population thrives, the entire ecosystem benefits. These fish are a key food source for wildlife, from ospreys to striped bass. A healthy herring run also strengthens local fisheries, boosting both the environment and the economy.
Ready to dive in? Join us for training on March 29th, or sign up for a volunteer shift anytime this spring!
For more information, contact:Haley Essington📧 hessington@wrwc.org
Let’s keep the Woonasquatucket River teeming with life—one fish count at a time!
