Herring Run going strong

The herring run started early this year with unusually warm March weather. Cold air has slowed the run down a bit, but fish are still coming. Now, we need to worry about flows as we are in an unusual spring drought. Check out stream flows on this USGS map of Massachusetts. Stream flows are at a quarter of where they usually are at this time of year, which could spell trouble for the summer.

This photo was taken by the Herring Alliance at the Wareham Street ladder in Middleboro. See more on their Facebook page, and read this great article from the Taunton Gazette.

How do our rivers affect Narragansett Bay?

Save The Bay has recently partnered with the Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institute to conduct a study that will asses inputs from major river systems to Narragansett Bay. Among other things, we will look at organic carbon in these rivers and whether they add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere or take it away. This has an important affect on nutrients and dissolved oxygen and the health of our waters. Sites have been chosen on the Taunton River, and the Blackstone, Pawtuxet and Pawcatuck Rivers.

Beginning the first week in April, we will be sampling the Taunton River at Weir Park in Taunton on a monthly basis. If you would like to get involved, please email Rachel Calabro at rcalabro@savebay.org for more information.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Taunton Wild & Scenic River Blog! We hope to share with you some of what makes the Taunton River and its watershed so special. Here you can learn about the work of the Wild & Scenic Stewardship Council, and issues in the watershed. Take action, come to an event, travel to the river, and enjoy the natural beauty.