WRWC and Partners Celebrate Johnston’s New Hub for Education, Resilience, and River Restoration

On September 24, 2025, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) and our partners gathered in Johnston to celebrate a major milestone for the community: the opening of the new Manton Outdoor Classroom, Native Plant Garden, and extensive stormwater and streambank restoration projects at Manton Pond.

Despite the rain, the day was filled with excitement and pride as we cut the ribbon on projects that have transformed a once-neglected, flood-prone site into a vibrant hub for education, recreation, and climate resilience. Guests explored how bioswales, retention ponds, and more than 5,000 native plants now reduce flooding, filter stormwater, and restore wildlife habitat along this section of the Woonasquatucket River.

A Classroom in Nature

The Manton Outdoor Classroom was designed to be a welcoming, accessible, and inspiring space for learning and community connection. With terraced log seating, a pollinator garden, and gathering areas, it is already being planned as a site for school field trips, Red Shed Bike Camp graduations, and community programs.

Beyond its educational features, the project also included critical restoration work. Streambank stabilization and bioswale construction now help slow stormwater, filter pollutants, and improve water quality. The classroom connects directly to WRWC’s Manton Nature-Like Fishway, where herring and shad can once again return each spring to reproduce.

Building on Years of Investment

This work builds on nearly two decades of investment. Since 2005, WRWC and partners have invested more than $5 million in Johnston’s 1.25-mile stretch of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Together, we have strengthened flood protection, restored natural habitats, and created beloved public spaces — all without cost to Johnston taxpayers.

These new projects highlight how much can be accomplished when town, state, and federal resources are combined with the dedication of local organizations and community members.

Voices of Support

Local, state, and federal leaders joined us to mark the occasion. Senator Jack Reed called the project “a great example of how WRWC’s work is engaging students and community members alike in appreciating the beauty of their surroundings.” Representative Seth Magaziner noted that the improvements “protect homes from flooding, restore the river, while giving residents a space to enjoy the outdoors together.”

Governor Dan McKee, represented at the event by Pastor Chris Abhulime, praised the outdoor classroom as an example of how education and action build a sustainable Rhode Island. RIDOT Director Peter Alviti highlighted the agency’s long and productive partnership with WRWC, while DEM Deputy Director Susan Forcier emphasized the importance of collective investment through Rhode Island’s Green Bond. Representative Deborah Fellela expressed her pride in Johnston’s partnership with WRWC and described the outdoor classroom as “a real gem” for the community.

Peter Alviti, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Alisa Richardson, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Senator Jack Reed of the United States Senate


Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senate:

“The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council does terrific work improving the resiliency of our communities and creating exciting new spaces for people of all ages to come together, explore nature, and learn new things. This new outdoor classroom in Johnston is a great example of how WRWC’s work is engaging students and community members alike in appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. I was proud to support federal funds to make environmental upgrades at Manton Pond and create a vibrant, inviting space here for local students throughout the river’s watershed.”

Representative Seth Magaziner of the United States House of Representatives (RI-02)

Representative Seth Magaziner, U.S. House of Representatives (RI-02):

“These improvements along the Woonasquatucket Greenway make Johnston and Providence a better place to live. This latest development protects homes from flooding, restores the river, while giving residents a space to enjoy the outdoors together. I remain committed to continuing the fight to bring back federal funding for local projects like these.”

Pastor Chris Abhulime representing Governor Daniel J. McKee

Governor Dan McKee (via Pastor Chris Abhulime):

“To build a sustainable Rhode Island requires education and action—and that’s exactly what the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is doing with the new outdoor classroom and environmental projects. Our state is committed to working with public and private partners on innovative solutions that tackle our biggest issues. We’re proud to have passionate groups like the WRWC leading efforts that align with our goals to strengthen flood protection, restore natural spaces, and build a cleaner, greener future for Rhode Island.”

Peter Alviti, Rhode Island Department of Transportation:

“RIDOT has enjoyed a long and very productive relationship with the Council. One of the most rewarding jobs of our stormwater division at RIDOT is to partner with and fund local environmental projects. They contribute to not only cleaning the Woonasquatucket River but also to the quality of life all along the river.”

Susan Forcier, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management:

“DEM is proud to support the collaborative efforts to restore and strengthen the resilience of this ecologically and recreationally important area using funding that Rhode Island voters approved through the Green Bond. The value of these collective investments is evident in the result of a new community asset for outdoor environmental education and a more resilient stretch of habitat along the Woonasquatucket River.”

Cassius Spears of the USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

Latice Fuentes of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Bruce Lofgren of the Coastal Resources Management Council 

Representative Deborah Fellela, RI House District 43:

“I am very happy with the partnership that Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council has with Johnston. The events I have attended are so organized and the area is a real gem. The outdoor classroom brings nature and a sense of well-being for all to enjoy. The beams used for seating are unique. The enthusiasm with the crew and volunteers is inspiring. Thanks to all for making this happen and for the continued growth this council brings to the communities.”

Recognizing Leadership

A highlight of the day was recognizing Kenneth Bent of Innovo Storage Systems. His steadfast advocacy and generous support made the projects possible, and he was honored with multiple citations acknowledging his leadership and commitment to restoring Johnston’s riverfront.

Looking Ahead

The completion of the Manton Outdoor Classroom, Native Plant Garden, and restoration projects represents a major step forward for Johnston. Together, these spaces and improvements will serve students, families, and community members for generations to come. They also stand as a powerful reminder of what is possible when partners come together to invest in education, resilience, and the health of the Woonasquatucket River.