In a recent episode of Champions of the Lost Causes, host Marvin Stockwell sat down with Alicia J. Lehrer, Executive Director of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), to discuss the journey and evolution of the organization. The conversation provided a deep dive into the WRWC’s roots, its ongoing work, and the transformative impact it has had on the environment and local communities.
The WRWC began in the early 1990s as part of a grassroots initiative aimed at revitalizing neglected lands around the Woonasquatucket River. The river, once an integral part of the local ecosystem and economy, had become polluted and neglected after years of industrial use. Local leaders like Fred Lippitt and Jane Sherman spearheaded a movement to reclaim the area, envisioning the creation of a Greenway that would anchor broader community revitalization efforts. Their vision sparked the restoration of over 52 acres of abandoned lands along the river and secured critical funding to sustain the project.
Alicia’s interview with Marvin Stockwell shines a light on how this project grew into an expansive network of parks, bike paths, and green spaces, improving the quality of life for thousands of Rhode Island residents. In addition to the environmental restoration, WRWC’s work also focuses on community engagement, connecting neighborhoods with beautiful natural spaces and fostering a renewed sense of pride in the area.
The Woonasquatucket River itself holds special significance. In the Algonquin language, its name means “where the salt water ends,” a reference to its connection with both fresh and saltwater ecosystems. Long valued by the Narragansett tribe, the river was later harnessed for industrial development, leading to its eventual degradation. WRWC’s restoration work not only cleans the river and surrounding land but also honors its cultural and environmental history.
The conversation between Alicia and Marvin underscores the powerful ripple effect that WRWC’s work has had on the surrounding communities. Projects like the Greenway, and the restoration of parks and wetlands, are the result of years of dedicated advocacy and funding. Senator John Chafee played a significant role in securing federal transportation funds to build the bicycle path, while Senator Jack Reed helped obtain a $1 million HUD grant to further the WRWC’s mission. The designation of the Woonasquatucket as an American Heritage River under President Clinton also marked a major milestone in the organization’s legacy.
Today, WRWC continues to expand its reach and impact, restoring over 75 acres of land, creating gardens, and fostering thriving residential neighborhoods along the Greenway. Thanks to WRWC, the Woonasquatucket River is no longer forgotten but is now a cherished and vital resource, connecting communities and promoting environmental resilience.
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