The On Pettaquamscutt winter speaker series wrapped up it sixth season on Sunday, March 26 with a full house for Tim Cranston's talk on Industry along the Pettaquamscutt.

Many thanks to our so-sponsors -- Friends of Canonchet Farm, South County Museum and the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library -- and to Trio Restaurant for its support of the series.

Visit the On Pettaquamscutt website to
view this year's presentations.

The 2017 lineup included: 

January 29: Improving the Health of the Narrow River Estuary

Visit the On Pettaquamscutt website for copies of these two presentations on two projects to improve the marsh resiliency and water quality in Narrow River:

Dr. Jennifer White, Hurricane Sandy Resiliency Coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, describes recent efforts to restore the salt marshes in Narrow River by placing dredged material on the surface of the marsh to raise the elevation so that plants can thrive.

Dr. Craig Swanson of Swanson Environmental Associates discusses a recent study on the impact of dredging near the mouth of the river to increase circulation within the estuary.

February 26: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Narrow River Watershed

Dr. Nancy Karraker, URI Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Science (shown on the left examining a turtle with grade school children during a guided walk on Canonchet Farm), described the wide variety of amphibians and reptiles that thrive in the Narrow River Watershed.

Dr. Karraker's research has examined the impacts of habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species and disease on biodiversity in North America and Southeast Asia. That research has included field studies with her students at Canonchet Farm.

Download a copy of Nancy's presentation.

March 26: Industry along the Pettaquamscutt