Mill River Greenway Initiative

A community-based steward for the Mill River

Florence

Riverwalks 2015 July-September

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Hello Friends!

We’re delighted to announce the next set of Mill River walks for 2015.  Please email us at info@millrivergreenway.org to reserve your spots.  Every walk so far has been full with a waiting list, so register early!

All walks will take place from 10am – noon.   Details on the meet-up location will be sent to registered participants as the dates approach.

Sunday July 19, Leeds Village (hosted by the Leeds Civic Association Mill River Greenway Committee with Sue Carbin, Penny Geis, Heidi Stevens, and Jason Johnson)

Saturday August 15, Florence I:  downtown Florence/Arts & Industry (John and Wendy Sinton)

Saturday, September 26, Florence II: Broughton’s Meadow/GFN Farm (Laurie Sanders and Betty Sharpe)

And don’t forget your passports!    Our gorgeous new MRGI t-shirt will make its debut soon as your prize for completing all ten Mill River walks.

See you soon!
Gaby and John

August Change of Date and July 12th Riverwalk

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The August 9th Riverwalk has been rescheduled for September 20th

The riverwalk from Crimson & Clover Farm to the Meadow St. Bridge, originally scheduled for August 9, has been rescheduled for SEPTEMBER 20TH so that both Laurie Sanders and Elizabeth Sharpe will be able to co-lead it.  If you have already signed up for the August 9 date and can still make the Sept. 20th date, you will have priority.  Please let us know if you can make it by contacting us at info@millrivergreenway.org

July 12th Riverwalk

There are still several spots open for the first Florence riverwalk on Saturday morning, July 12th, led by Wendy Sinton, long-time member of the Sojourner Truth Memorial Committee.  The walk will focus on the importance of the Mill River in the growth of Florence, as well as the role of abolitionists and the Northampton Association of Education and Industry in the 19th century.  Reserve your spot at info@millrivergreenway.org

Upper Roberts Meadow Dam

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Check out the Upper Roberts Meadow Dam and Reservoir project that we’ve just added to the project list.  While the Greenway takes no official position on whether or not to save the dam, we think it’s important to let our members know what’s going on.

Dredging Willow Pond at Look Park

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We’d like to bring to your attention a plan for dredging Willow Pond at Look Park in Florence.  The Daily Hampshire Gazette’s article on May 5th has a good summary of the issues.

Gary Metras of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has a smart take on the issue.  TU has no problem with dredging the pond, but would oppose dumping the bass, pickerel, and other warm-water fish into the Mill, which supports cold-water species, particularly native brook trout.  Instead, the Willow Pond fish could be transported to Fitzgerald Lake or another local warm-water location.

The Mill River Greenway should weigh in on this issue, so we would like to hear from you.  Send us an email with your response.