The Hoosic River Watershed Association or HooRWA has some upcoming events to celebrate the spring season! HooRWA is a citizens’ group that looks after the Hoosic river. The members are dedicated to the restoration, conservation and enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its watershed, through education, research and advocacy, envisioning a watershed that is ecologically sound and adds to the quality of life of its residents.
Learning Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants & Fungi
3rd Thursdays May-October, 5:30-6:30pm. 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, 8/17, 9/21, 10/19
Join HooRWA board member and co-owner of local business Wild Soul River Justin Adkins and HooRWA ED Arianna Alexsandra Collins for our “Learning Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants & Fungi” series.Our Wild Walks in the Hoosic River Watershed will take place on third Thursdays, April – October, 5:30-6:30pm. Each month we will explore another location in the Hoosic River Watershed and learn basic identification of edible and medicinal plants and fungi. Registrants will get an email with our exact meeting location a few days before we meet. We will each enter this space as teacher and learner together as we learn from the plants of the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans. We will also discuss what Honorable Harvest means as we live together with the plants, the river, and the land. To register to go https://wildsoulriver.com/collections/event-registration To make it more accessible, this circle is offered at three different price levels. Please consider what you are able to give at this time and choose the one that is right for you. Sliding scale fee $10-$25, paying to Wild Soul River. Half the proceeds go to support HooRWA’s mission.
Co-sponsored & facilitated by HooRWA, Offerings for Community Building & Wild Soul River.
Guided Hike: The Cascades
Sunday, May 21, 9-11am
A gentle hike, and the second in a series with HooRWA board member Elayne Murphy and in partnership with Williamstown Rural Lands, explores the tributaries of the Hoosic River. Notch Brook is the stream that falls over bedrock to make The Cascades Waterfall in North Adams. The brook starts up on the east side of Mt. Greylock and continues down to the Notch Reservoir before creating The Cascades. From there, it continues to the Hoosic River.
This short hike includes a mix of sidewalk and trail, and begins at the Brayton Elementary School before formally joining the woods trail to the Cascades. Participants may get wet feet, depending on the stream’s water level. The path is generally flat and wide; depending on the weather, it can be a bit muddy. As you approach the waterfall, the trail narrows and steepens as it reaches the bottom of the falls. Families are welcome! Limited to 8 participants. Wear sturdy shoes or boots. Bring your own water, tick repellent, and an extra layer. Rain cancels. Dogs allowed, must be on leash. Please register through Williamstown Rural Lands: https://rurallands.org/events/guided-hike-cascades2023/
Introduction to Fishing on the Hoosic River
Saturday, June 3 from 9am-12noon
Join HooRWA anglers on Saturday, June 3 from 9am-12noon for an Introduction to Fishing on the Hoosic River. This workshop is designed for beginners, including people who have never fished at all. The workshop will include information on the fish of the Hoosic River (types of fish, where they live, how to find them), overview of both fly fishing and spin fishing rods and reels, how to use both methods, basic knots, and how to get started as an angler.
June 3-4 is a free fishing weekend in Massachusetts, so we’ll be able to get on the water and try to catch some fish. A fishing license is not needed. (Note: If the waterflow is unsafe, we’ll just fish from shore.) This is a rain or shine event, except in the event of severe weather. The course is limited to 15 and preregistration is required. Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ5ufs7DrOHva3E1aZWQzgfnt9CT_RxWlY58qpTQzAuLOsnQ/viewform Children are very welcome! Meet at the picnic area just past “Lauren’s Launch” beyond the water treatment plant and across from the pond.
