Johnston’s Greenway Wild Walks Are Back for 2026!

Ever wonder who else lives along the Woonasquatucket River—especially when humans aren’t around? 
In 2026, Johnston residents of all ages are invited to find out.

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), in partnership with the ever-curious educators at 15 Minute Field Trips, is thrilled to launch a full year of Greenway Wild Walks which are free, family-friendly, monthly nature adventures right here in Johnston.

What Are Greenway Wild Walks?

Think of them as slow strolls with a a bunch of opprotunities for fun and to learn something new. Once a month, from 2:00–3:30 PM, families, kids, and curious neighbors gather at the Manton Pond site on the Woonasquatucket River Greenway (near 15 Goldsmith Street) to explore the wild world hiding in plain sight.

Each walk features a fun, hands-on theme inspired by the season. Depending on the month, you might:

  • Follow animal tracks in the snow ❄️

  • Learn how coyotes coexist with people 🐺

  • Peek under logs for hidden critters 🪵

  • Meet turtles, worms, fungi, lichens, and more 🐢🍄

  • Create winter wreaths using sustainably collected natural materials 🌲

Fun for the whole Family

The Wild Walks are designed especially for local families and move at an easy, exploratory pace. Expect:

  • Games and nature-based crafts

  • Pop-up “museums” with real artifacts

  • Hands-on learning with pelts, skull replicas, and natural treasures

  • Plenty of time to ask questions and follow curiosity

The paved Greenway trail is wheelchair accessible, making these walks welcoming to many ages and abilities.

“These walks are about helping Johnston residents feel connected to the river and the green space in their own neighborhood,” said Colleen Keenan, WRWC Events Coordinator. “You don’t need to travel far to experience science, wildlife, and wonder. It’s all right here.”

Meet Your Guide

The walks are led by Melissa from 15 Minute Field Trips, a program known for turning short outdoor experiences into unforgettable learning moments. With topics that change monthly and follow the seasons, every walk offers something new—and plenty of reasons to come back again and again.

2026 Greenway Wild Walks Schedule

All walks take place from 2:00–3:30 PM

  • January 31 – Tracks & Snow

  • February 28 – Curious About Coyotes?

  • March 28 – Looking Under Logs

  • April 25 – Awesome Opossums

  • May 30 – Worms & the Compost Café

  • June 27 – Brilliant Beavers

  • July 25 – Totally Turtles

  • August 29 – Secret of the Squirrels

  • September 26 – Insect Orchestra

  • October 24 – Fungus Among Us

  • November 28 – Likable Lichens

  • December 19 – Winter Wreaths

A Special Place Along the River

The Manton Pond site was once an overlooked stretch of river. Today, it’s a vibrant community space featuring a native plant garden, outdoor classroom, fishway, and stormwater improvements—thanks to years of restoration work by WRWC. It’s a living example of how care, science, and community can bring a river back to life.

Why It Matters

Greenway Wild Walks are part of WRWC’s ongoing mission to restore and protect the Woonasquatucket River while creating meaningful opportunities for education, recreation, and connection—right where people live.

Nature isn’t far away. It’s waiting just down the path.

For updates and more information, visit wrwc.org/events

About the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC)

WRWC works to create, restore, and sustain the Woonasquatucket River, its Greenway, and its communities. Through environmental education, restoration projects, recreation programs, and advocacy, WRWC helps build a vibrant, healthy watershed that connects people and nature across Rhode Island.

About 15 Minute Field Trips

15 Minute Field Trips™ offers hands-on, art-based environmental education that connects people to nature while inspiring advocacy, wellbeing, and environmental justice. Rooted in equity and access, its programs prioritize urban and BIPOC communities, fostering inclusive outdoor experiences that build connection, confidence, and care for local ecosystems.