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. Click DONATE now to contribute by PayPal or credit card.
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.
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