Celebrate Earth Day Along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway in Johnston
Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get outside, get your hands dirty, and celebrate Earth Day along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway! On Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (rain date April 26), the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) is inviting the whole community to join us at 15 Goldsmith Street in Johnston for our annual Earth Day Clean Day and Celebration.
This event has grown every year, bringing together neighbors, families, and friends to care for the river and Greenway. Last year alone, more than 150 volunteers joined us, and since then our River Rangers have planted over 35,000 native plants, completed the Manton riverbank restoration, opened a new outdoor classroom, and installed the Rain Keep at Goldsmith Street, a beautiful public art piece by Allison Newsome that celebrates stormwater management and environmental resilience.
Earth Day at WRWC is all about action and fun. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, volunteers can plant, weed, mulch, remove litter, and learn hands-on skills in native plant care and ecological landscaping with our staff and partners. A highlight for many is our rain barrel painting workshop—decorate your own barrel, take it home, and learn how to collect and reuse rainwater. We’ll also be planting seedlings grown through our spring workshops and installing new blueberry bushes to support pollinator habitats.
But it’s not all work! There will be live music, art-making, games, and community tables, plus free pizza, fruit, snacks, and drinks. Want to make the day even more active? Join our optional family-friendly bike ride starting at 9:00 AM from Riverside Park, riding 1.7 miles along the Greenway to the event site.
All tools and materials are provided. The event is free, open to everyone, and includes accessible facilities and bilingual support. Whether you’re planting, painting, or just soaking up the river views, this is a day to celebrate the Woonasquatucket and the community that cares for it.
Learn more, pre-register, and get involved by joining WRWC’s Johnston Friends Group to keep the Greenway thriving all year long.