Blog

Hi, what’s your name and pronouns?
Violet Windham, She/Her

What’s your role here at WRWC?
I am the Development Associate and Administrative Assistant!

How long have you been part of the WRWC team?
I have been a part of the WRWC team since 2021.

Is there something about the Woonasquatucket River or the work WRWC does that you wish more people understood? What would you like to shout from the rooftops about our mission?
It’s simple, but I wish more people knew both about the greenway, the river itself, and our organization/programs. Sometimes people will ask me if the greenway is free to use, and of course that makes me want to shout from the rooftops—YES! The greenway is free to use, and the WRWC has many fun, free or inexpensive workshops, recreation excursions, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

What’s an environmental issue close to your heart that you’d love to see the community tackle? Why is this one especially important to you?
Years ago, I attended Paul Cuffee Elementary School. The school overlooks the river, and I remember doing clean-ups with my classmates, picking up trash that accumulated around the river. I think it would be really cool to see an informal Green Team get together to do regular clean-ups around the neighborhood. Of course, our River Ranger team is hard at work from early Spring through late Fall, but in the wintertime, when we have less staff, I think that would be a really nice thing to do for the environment. I’m inspired by people I’ve seen with trash pickers and bags in Olneyville, Valley, and Smith Hill neighborhoods, who just do a nice thing on their own. All people and wildlife in the watershed deserve a clean river, clean sidewalks, and clean park spaces to enjoy. We can accomplish so much when we work together!

Do you have a favorite spot along the river or in the watershed? What makes it special to you?
I love the part where the river bends along the bike path, right across from Bob’s Skate Park. It is so scenic and peaceful, and I imagine it is what much of the river looked like many years ago.

If you could share one small action with people that would help make a difference for the environment, what would it be?
Reduce your single-use plastic usage by reusing peanut butter, salsa, or other jars as food containers! Shop at your local Farmer’s Markets if you can. Have a refillable water bottle instead of single-use bottles. Going to thrift stores for clothes, dishware, and other items is both eco- and financially friendly.

If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be?
Knitting and sewing!

Do you have a favorite plant or tree, or maybe a “green thumb” tip you swear by?
I love dahlias, weeping willows, and big old oak trees.

Is there an animal (wild or pet) that you feel a special connection to, or one that always makes you smile?
I love my parent’s puppy, Archie. He is really spunky and always makes me smile. I also love possums, baby skunks, foxes, and manatees.

Anything else that you would like to share with the world?
Get outside as much as you can, leave everywhere you go a little nicer than how you found it, take care of yourself, your friends and family, and be creative every day!