Mill River Greenway Initiative
A community-based steward for the Mill River
We’re excited about this new riverwalk, which will be led by residents of Leeds, so all of us will be able to get some real insider information. The historic place of Leeds in the river’s history is key to our understanding our whole river system. Furthermore, the extension of the rail trail between Leeds and Haydenville is a particularly hot topic of discussion.
The Mill River Greenway Initiative is sponsoring a guided tour with John Sinton from the historic dam site at Paradise Pond to downtown Northampton where the river used to run. Easy 1.25 mile walk. SATURDAY, Nov. 16, 10:00-11:30 AM. Meet at Smith College botanic garden. Contact info@millrivergreenway.org
The Connecticut River Watershed Council is looking for volunteers to monitor water quality on the Mill River off of Maines Field in Florence/Bay State. Water samples are needed weekly from May 31 to October 4 and would be taken every Thursday morning. Training for volunteers will be on Monday May 14, 6 PM to 7:30 in Greenfield.
Please contact Andrea Donlon at 413 772-2020 ext. 205 or adonlon@ctriver.org
Thursday, May 10th 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Craig Della Penna’s Pedal to Properties, 14 Strong Ave., Northampton
Well, folks, it’s time for our annual spring bash. One and all are welcome, members and non members. We’ll be unveiling the results of the Mill River charrette, a set of design ideas for a Mill River Greenway that local professional landscape architects will have completed (see our April 15th post on the charrette).
We’ll have maps and digital displays up and running. Come join the discussion. Have a beer, a soft drink, or a glass of wine and some snacks. There’s lots to talk about, so we’ll see you there!
Here are some great new photos, folks. The three from professional photogapher, Janine Norton, show the mud line after the waters subsided, a great way to measure the height of the water. One from MRG member Bill Williams shows the the dam at Paradise Pond, which usually measures about 20 feet from lip to splash pool, but looks like a minor falls during Irene’s high point. Bill’s other photo is the Corps of Engineers’ barrier on West Street at the 1940 diversion. The barrier was constructed in the 1950s and hadn’t been used until Irene hit.
Irene
Mud Line 2 J.N.
Mud Line 3 J.N.
Paradise Pond dam B.W
West St. barrier B.W
