Riparian Buffer Plantings
Student volunteers planting trees along the river bank
Community Stewardship
Volunteers bringing in the trash during the annual River Clean-Up
River Monitoring
Students conducting Stream Geomorphic Assessments
Enjoying the Winooski
Paddlers on the Winooski River during the 2015 Onion River Race and Ramble
Welcome to Friends of the Winooski River
The Friends is a volunteer group dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Winooski River, its tributaries and watershed. From its headwaters in Coits Pond in Cabot, the Winnoski River flows ninety miles to its mouth in Lake Champlain in Colchester.
Slow the Rain, Montpelier!
A lot of the conversation about the health of Lake Champlain focuses on agriculture, so it isn't surprising that many people don't realize that one acre of developed land -- roofs, driveways, streets -- can shed more phosphorus than an acre of ag land (according to the Lake Champlain Basin Program, State of the Lake 2018).
Our tiny capital contributes pollution to the Winooski River, and ultimately, Lake Champlain. Capital residents can take action to reduce that contribution by looking around their yards for simple ways to Slow it Down and Clean It Up. Friends of the Winooski River has some suggestions to get you started! Click here for a fun brochure.
Donate Now
Your financial support has a direct impact on the river! Your $50 donation purchases 10 trees or shrubs to reduce erosion and improve habitat. Your $100 donation allows us to add another water quality sampling site, so that we can pinpoint problem spots and start working on solutions.
Your membership means more steps toward a clean, healthy, and resilient Winooski watershed.
Sponsor our Paddle Program
Do you love to get out on the water? We have three paddling events this summer, and we're seeking Sponsors. We have been sponsored in the past by Ben & Jerry's, Concept2, Seventh Generation, and many more Vermont brands who want to connect with outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Our events draw hundreds of participants, volunteers, and spectators, and we would be proud to thank you for sponsoring these fun days on the water.
Contact Michele Braun (michele [at] winooskiriver.org) to become a sponsor today.
Water Wise Woodlands
Whether you have 5 or 500 acres of woodland, you can help prevent flood damage and produce one of Vermont’s most important forest products—clean water! Healthy woodlands can absorb, slow down, and filter rain and storm water. Starting at the waters’ source, woodland owners in the Winooski Headwaters can be good stewards of the landscape, ensuring a healthy environment.
Join fellow woodland owners for a walk in the woods to learn more about forest stewardship activities taking place in the Upper Winooski Watershed. Rain or shine. RSVP’s appreciated but not required.
See event details on the Winooski Headwaters Community Partnership page.
We planted 4,000 trees!
Winooski watershed volunteers plant thousands of native trees and shrubs along streambanks every year to reduce erosion and improve habitat and water quality. You can join us on any of our planting days. Put together a crew for an employee service day -- it's a fun day outside, and rewarding to make a difference for our rivers.
SIGN UP: E-NEWSLETTER
Events
Onion River Race and Ramble
June 02, 2019 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
The Friends of the Winooski River will be holding the annual Onion River Race and Ramble on Sunday June 2nd. Get your friends and neighbors and enjoy a paddle along the Winooski River between Bolton and Richmond,VT. It promises to be a day of excitement, camaraderie, and fun! For details and to pre-register, follow the link below:
http://www.winooskiriver.org/race-overview.php
River of Light: Full Moon Paddle on the Winooski River
July 18, 2019 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join fellow Friends of the Winooski River for the third annual moonlight paddle, the “River of Light," from Heineberg Bridge to Lake Champlain. Visit the event page below for more details:
http://www.winooskiriver.org/river-of-light-moonlight-paddle.php
River Clean-up
September 07, 2019 08:30 am - 12:00 pm
Volunteers needed for river clean-ups in the Montpelier/Barre areas. Meet at City Hall in Montpelier at 8:30 AM.
http://www.winooskiriver.org/river-clean-up.php
Winooski Pedal and Paddle
September 22, 2019 10:00 am - 03:00 pm
Friends of the Winooski River, with the Winooski Valley Park District and City of Winooski Parks and Recreation, created this new event in 2017. The approximately 4 mile pedal is predominantly on dirt paths and roads along the river and through the Intervale Center to Winooski. In Winooski, you will hop in your canoe or kayak and paddle back to the Homestead on the Winooski River through the beautiful Winooski Valley. For more details, visit the event page below:
http://www.winooskiriver.org/winooski-pedal-and-paddle.php
CONNECT:
Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter