The French River Connection

Perryville Trace Sign Restored

2011-11-29T12:00:00.003-05:00

Users of the Perryville Trace in Webster will note the familiar trailhead sign is back. The sign was vandalized during the summer, but was rebuilt by Charles Perzanoski and replaced with the help of Charles, Ed Bazinet, and Mike Branniff. The sign had gone undamaged for three years. Let's wish it a long second life.

TROLL Water Quality Monitoring Report Available

2011-11-22T14:29:00.002-05:00

A summary report of our 2011 TROLL Water Quality Monitoring Report is now available. Results for the watershed will be published in the coming months by The Last Green Valley.

Many thanks to all our volunteers who make this work possible.

French River Connection Receives IPG Photonics Donation

2011-11-15T12:35:00.002-05:00

On November 15, the French River Connection received an unsolicited donation of $500 from IPG Photonics in Oxford. IPG has helped us in the past, most recently in 2009, and it is gratifying that riverside commercial enterprises are supportive of our work.

IPG Photonics is the world's leading provider of high power fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers that are revolutionizing performance and utility in an array of materials processing, telecommunications, medical and other advanced applications.

Many thanks to IPG for their generosity.

French River Park Fall Cleanup

2011-11-12T15:40:00.003-05:00

On November 12, French River Connection members Jean Hixson and Marvin and Helen Kesner spent the morning preparing French River Park for winter. Before the morning was over, they had filled twelve construction bags with leaves, twigs, and flower stems. There will be other work days in the spring to shape up the Park for summer. Thanks to these members for their hard work.

2011 Water Quality Monitoring Comes to an End

2011-11-10T13:30:00.002-05:00

November 5 marked the last day of water quality monitoring for 2011. Temperatures below freezing posed a challenge early in the day, but the team from the Shepherd Hill Environment Club persevered, collecting high quality data as usual from 15 sites. Here, Stephanie St. George and Kendra Faldetta sample Potash Brook in Dudley. We have now collected seven year's worth of data on the French River and its tributaries. Thanks to all our volunteers (approximately sixty!) who have participated over the years.

Water Quality Monitoring Continues

2011-10-03T14:08:00.004-04:00

With the new school year, once again we have Shepherd Hill Environment Club students filling out our TROLL teams. It's always a pleasure to work with these fine young people and their adviser, Judy Nawrocki. Here, Ben White and Molly Helock collect data in at Old Mill Brook in Oxford

This has been an unusual year on the river. Generally, August data would be taken with the river and tributaries barely flowing. This year they were near flood stage.

French River Park Opening Day August 20

2011-08-23T16:19:00.003-04:00

At last the day arrived, bright and sunny, and with plenty of water for a duck race. The day was enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and our volunteers did a fantastic job. Hats off to them. You can view a slideshow of the day here.

French River Park Nears Completion

2011-08-17T16:01:00.005-04:00

The sign is up

and the lights are on

at French River Park, almost ready for opening day August 20. The ribbon cutting is at 11am, followed by an afternoon of music and family fun.

Perryville Trace Walk

2011-08-13T12:24:00.002-04:00

The second Trace walk of the summer was conducted August 13, with Elaine Parker leading seven walkers through the woods. They were treated to a nice aerial display by two blue herons.

Oxford Boy Scout Troop 147 was seen portaging Perryville Dam, having launched from French River Park.

The Perryville trace is located in Webster, where Perryville Road crosses the river. It is listed as one of "1000 great places in Massachusetts" by the state department of tourism.

More Sponsors Join French River Park Opening Celebration

2011-08-06T15:25:00.002-04:00

Two more sponsors, Hometown Bank and Commerce Bank and Trust Company, have signed on to sponsor the Opening Day Celebration August 20. In addition many, many businesses have contributed smaller amounts or drawing prizes. The response to that fundraising effort has been extremely gratifying.

Dam Trail Race a Success Again

2011-08-06T15:14:00.002-04:00

The gun went off at 9am August 6 on the annual Dam Trail Race at Hodges Village, the French River Connection's major annual fundraising event. Once again, approximately 120 runners ran one of two courses, five-plus or ten-plus miles, designed by Race Director John Grenier. Prizes were awarded for men and women in each age class for each of the two races. This year, the race was supported by sponsorship donations from Oxford companies Fabrico, Industrial Packaging Supply, and Wilson Language Training. There were eight food sponsors, and a dozen French River Connection volunteers joined other race volunteers to make this a successful event.

Park Opening Banner Goes Up At Town Hall

2011-07-30T12:54:00.002-04:00

A 20 foot banner, produced by the Party Planner, has gone up on the lawn at town hall. The logo was designed by by Ryan Wade. You'll also see signs announcing the opening of the park in the windows of many businesses, or in some cases, inside. Many of these businesses have made donations of cash or drawing prizes. They will be listed on a sign at the event.

French River Maintenance

2011-07-28T21:17:00.002-04:00

Many jobs keeping the river and its shoreline pleasant and accessible take only a few man-hours each and never become the subject for a full volunteer workday, but they are important nonetheless. In recent weeks we have cleaned two sections of river, and since they have been cleaned before, were able to guage how fast trash accumulates. "Our" section of the French in Thompson, from Perryville to Wilsonville, was cleaned up again after only a year, and the "take" was approximately a wheelbarrow load, with no tires or large heavy objects. This is a place that a few years ago yielded over 60 tires. We also cleaned in Webster near the new French River Park, which was last cleaned in 2006, when many tons of trash and dozens of tires were removed. This year there were 16 tires, which seems like a lot, but that's only about three per year in a primary dumping area. Sometimes we find lone objects that just have to go. A large liquified gas tank was discovered where we had cleaned near Chase Avenue in May. Perceiving a possible danger, and recognizing that it would might never be easier to get, with the cooperation of a nearby business owner, the Fire department was called and they removed it as a training exercise.

Not all maintenance needs are man-made. It's a touchy subject, but sometimes it is wise to cut a path through trees that have fallen in the water. This needs to be done with a minimum disturbance, as fallen trees are a natural part of the riverscape and provide habitat for aquatic creatures. And paddling through them is part of the experience of traveling a narrow, tree-lined river. However, they can pose a danger, especially to novice paddlers. A few well chosen cuts can make the paddle one that more people can enjoy, and who may then wish to add their voices to those who support river protection. With this in mind, we opened the river up a little bit above and below the Park location, so that paddlers will not immediately run into daunting obstacles.

Unfortunately, some of our maintenance tasks are born in meanness and stupidity. Such is the case with the Perryville Trace sign, which, after standing for three years, was cut down by vandals. It has now been removed for rebuilding.

Park Opening Sponsor List Grows

2011-07-21T13:25:00.002-04:00

Two local companies, Charniak Insurance and Webco Chemical, have joined the list of French River Park Opening Celebration sponsors, bringing the total to seven. Many other local businesses have provided cash donations and gift certificates to support the event, scheduled for August 20 from 11am until 4pm.

Oxford Firms Sponsor the Dam Trail Race

2011-07-21T13:19:00.002-04:00

Returning sponsors Wilson Language Training and Industrial Packaging Supply have been joined by Fabrico as sponsors of this years Dam Trail Race to be held August 6 at Hodges Village. The gun goes off at 9am for two simultaneous races of approximately five and ten miles. We expect approximately 120 runners for the event, our major annual fundraiser.

More Progress at French River Park

2011-07-09T12:02:00.005-04:00

French River Park continues to progress toward an August 20 opening celebration. The light poles and many of the plantings are now in. We're just waiting for the grass to grow. Park furnishings will be installed nearer the opening day.

We need volunteers for the day. The first 25 will get a dark blue T-shirt with the park logo. Email Ken to sign up for a two hour shift.

Banks Support French River Park Opening Day

2011-06-30T13:07:00.006-04:00

Two local banks, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank through its foundation, and Webster First Federal Credit Union, have made generous sponsorship donations to the opening celebration of French River Park to be held August 20 from 11 am to 4 pm.

The park is coming along nicely, with seeding being completed. Still left to do: plantings, lighting, furniture. You can follow the progress in a slide show.

The park is now represented by its own logo, donated by Ryan Wade.

French River Park Opening Day will feature music by the Yankee Dogs and the Pulaski Brass Band, balloon twisting by Bella the Clown, a duck race (river flow permitting), moonwalk, children's activities by the Webster-Dudley Boys and Girls Club, informational displays by the USACE, Turtle Rescue League, and The Last Green Valley, and food vendors.

Massachusetts Audubon Paddle

2011-05-23T13:06:00.002-04:00

On May 22, the Massachusetts Audubon Society launched an interpreted paddling event from Leovich Landing, believed to be the first organized group to do so since the site opened in September 2010. The group planned to paddle upstream to Hodges Village and back.

French River Paddle

2011-05-23T13:00:00.003-04:00

On May 21, a group of paddlers set out from Hodges Village Dam and paddled to Webster North Village, enjoying the sunshine and spring river life. The water was high and swift for this time of year, as shown above as a paddler shoots a beaver dam.

Perryville Trace Walk

2011-05-21T11:54:00.003-04:00

On May 21, enjoying the first sunshine in days, nine walkers took a stroll on the Perryville Trace, one of the "1000 great places in Massachusetts." Participants enjoyed the green woods, and were able to take note of all the beaver activity along the river. Another walk is scheduled for August 13 at 10am.

French River Park Opening Day Receives Funding

2011-05-07T14:38:00.002-04:00

Funding for the opening of French River Park, now scheduled for August 20, has been received from two sources. The Janet Malser Humanities Trust has fully funded a request for $600 to support the musical portion of the day. The Webster Lake Association has donated $100 to help defray other costs of the event. We thank these and all our donors for their interest and generosity.

French River Park Opening Day will feature music by the Yankee Dogs and the Pulaski Brass Band, balloon twisting by Bella the Clown, a duck race (river flow permitting), moonwalk, children's activities by the Webster-Dudley Boys and Girls Club, informational displays by the USACE and Turtle Rescue League, and food vendors.

Earth Day 2011

2011-04-30T13:57:00.005-04:00

The French River Connection celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up the river along Chase Avenue in Dudley. Thanks to the efforts of Judy Perrault, John Dignam, Mike Branniff, Charles Perzanoski, Kathy DiVeglia, Darin Bazinet, Jack Josti, Ken Butkiewicz, Ed Bazinet, and Ken Parker, forty bags of trash were collected, along with tires, a shopping cart, luggage, and other items which were taken to the Dudley highway barn. Items collected earlier in the week from Oxford Avenue and Lower Perryville Road were also taken in. The Webster side of the river was also cleaned earlier in the week, with the collected trash taken in by the Webster Department of Public Works.

The Chase Avenue area, located just downstream of downtown and featuring several small channels, remains a common collection point for floating trash, and its proximity to the bridge means dumping occurs there.

French River Paddle Scheduled May 21

2011-04-27T15:04:00.006-04:00

The French River Connection will host a paddle on the French River on Saturday May 21, 2011. This leisurely paddle will begin at Agguteback Pond just below Hodges Village Dam on Howarth Road in Oxford and end at North Village in Webster, a distance of about 4 miles. Paddlers will enjoy an easy flowing river that meanders through marshlands and woodlands. There should be opportunities to see some of the wildlife that inhabit the French River, including turtles, great blue heron, geese, ducks, and beavers.

This trip is suitable for paddlers with moving water experience. PFDs are absolutely required and must be worn. There is no charge for this trip.

To register, email trip leader Jay Wade or call 860-928-5599 (work) or 508-461-9813 (home). The number of registrations accepted, and the ability of paddlers to participate, is at the discretion of the trip leader.

Meet at 9:00 AM at Hodges Village; bring your lunch and clothing appropriate for the weather. We will shuttle cars down to the takeout starting at 9:30

The paddle is listed on the French River Connection web site at http://www.frenchriverconnection.org

Here is a map

You may refer to our Shoreline Survey sections 2 though 6 to see where we’ll be paddling.

Perryville Trace Walk Scheduled May 21

2011-04-25T12:00:00.005-04:00

The French River Connection will host a short walk on the Perryville Trace at 10 AM on Saturday May 21, 2011. A second walk is scheduled August 13. The Massachusetts Department of Travel and Tourism lists the Perryville Trace as one of “a thousand great places” in Massachusetts. The purpose of the walk is to familiarize the community with this resource.

The walk is one-mile round trip and follows the French River upstream from Perryville. There is some uneven terrain due to tree roots and the path is inappropriate for wheelchairs or those who have difficulty with balance. This slow paced walk through the woods will take about 45 minutes.

Meet at 10 AM at the entrance to the path located just over the railroad tracks on the Webster side of Perryville Road (at the bridge construction). Parking is available along Perryville Road and Brookside Avenue. Don’t be deterred by road closure or detour signs. There is no access from the Dudley side.

The walk is listed on the French River Connection web site at http://www.frenchriverconnection.org or you may call 508-943-2698 for information

Here is a map

2011 Water Quality Monitoring Campaign Begins

2011-04-05T15:07:00.003-04:00

On April 2, our 2011 water quality monitoring campaign began, with the opening honors performed by two members of the Shepherd Hill Environment Club, and their adviser Judy Nawrocki. This year we're doing the same locations as we have for several years, but we are performing the work under a quality plan developed by The Last Green Valley for all users of their equipment. The main differences that volunteers from previous seasons will notice is that we record data on a more consolidated form, and the TROLL is transported from station to station in a bucket of water.

One down, seven to go.

Annual Meeting Set for April 13

2011-03-22T10:41:00.006-04:00

The French River Connection will hold its Annual Meeting Wednesday April 13 at 7pm at the Black Tavern on Center Road in Dudley. The public is invited. The featured speaker will be Tom Ryzewski who will give a presentation on “Wildlife of the French River”. Now retired, Mr. Ryzewski taught advanced placement Biology at Bartlett High School for many years. New members joining at the meeting may do so for $10, half the annual membership fee, and receive a beautiful French River screensaver. Refreshments will be served. For information contact Ken Parker at (508) 943-2698

Agenda

7:00 Call to Order----------Ken Parker

7:05 Minutes of February Meeting------------Elaine Parker

7:10 First Quarter Financial Report-----------Sheila Veideman

7:15 Looking Ahead in 2011--------Ken Parker

7:30 Volunteer Opportunities----------Ken Parker

7:45 Presentation: Wildlife of the French River---------Tom Ryzewski

8:15 Election of Directors to terms expiring in 2014

8:30 Other Business

8:45 Adjourn for refreshments

Perryville Trace Stormwater Control Gets a Severe Test

2011-03-13T11:29:00.003-04:00

Since it was opened in 2008, the Perryville Trace has been subjected to flooding along about 50 yards of its length by stormwater from Brookside Avenue. The runoff has created a nearly level sandy plain in the woods between the Trace and the railroad. New runoff spreads out over this area and onto the Trace at several locations. Last spring, we located the lowest of those locations and placed pipe under the Trace to direct the outflow to the river. The rain and snowmelt of the week of March 6 put our handiwork to the test. What we found was that every stick on the flat plain quickly collected a glob of wet leaves, creating small dams which directed flow away from the most natural path to our pipes. The solution was to rake out the route we wanted the water to take and turn the dams into levees. This went a long way toward getting all the water to the pipe. Perhaps it means there will need to be a maintenance task performed every fall to clear the way. Stormwater flows from Brookside Avenue for days after the rain stops. Even if the pipes don't keep the Trace dry during the heaviest rain and snowmelt, they at least give it a chance to dry soon afterward by carrying away the continual flow.

Another challenge for the Trace has been the narrow causeway between the river and a pool that forms every winter. Typically this is flooded by one or both at some time during the spring. Last year, it became something of a quagmire. Trail users put small logs across it, which seemed as likely to break an ankle as to keep one's feet dry. Last year, students from Shepherd Hill High School built up the causeway and paved it with flat stones from the site. At this point, it appears the river would have to reach flood stage to get it wet, but an inch of water comes over it from the pool. However, the stones keep the surface stable, so it is much safer to traverse.

Snow or no, you can still go

2011-01-22T14:24:00.002-05:00

The Perryville Trace remains open for snowshoeing. During a one-mile round trip, you'll see geese, a gigantic beaver lodge, possibly a beaver slide, other animal tracks, and enjoy silence and solitude. Just a reminder, The trace can only be reached from the Webster side of the river due to bridge construction. The French River bridge is now being demolished and you may have to thread your way through parked trucks and other equipment, but you'll quickly leave that behind.

French River Park Launch is Launched

2010-12-24T10:04:00.003-05:00

On December 24, the French River Park boat launch arrived on site and was quickly installed. The launch is constructed of concrete blocks cabled together to make an articulated pad. You can follow development of the park here.

The contractor intends to proceed through the winter weather permitting, the next step being installation of the rain gardens.

2010 Water Quality Monitoring Report Now Available

2010-11-19T15:18:00.002-05:00

The French River Connection's Water Quality Monitoring Report for 2010 is now available, along with an interactive google map with pop-up summary information on each site.

In general the year was characterized by historically low flows. In addition, the duration of highest water temperatures was longer than previously seen. These factors combined to produce low dissolved oxygen levels, occurring at more sites, at lower levels, for longer durations. There were twelve instances where state dissolved oxygen standards were not met. Similarly, conductivity was generally higher than in previous years, with particularly high levels at the Stateline, Commerce Parking Lot, both Mill Brook, Nancy Drive, and Old Mill Brook sites. There were 22 instances where state pH standards were not met. These occurred during high flow in March and April as well as during the warm months.

High nutrient levels were observed at the Stateline site, below the wastewater treatment plant.

We monitored during a storm in May and found slightly elevated turbidity throughout the watershed, measurable but not visually noticeable. However, the Potash Brook, Commerce Parking Lot, Mill Brook Webster Nursery, and Old Mill Brook sites were murky and exhibited mid-double-digit turbidity values, clearly carrying a sediment load. There were also instances of warm weather turbidity, with values in the low double digits at the Packard Pond, both Mill Brook, and Old Mill Brook sites. This has rarely been seen.

Other observations include:

In August, a beaver dam was started at the Mill Brook Bigelow Road site. At the end of our season, it was two feet high and its fate is under consideration by the town.

In the spring, we continued to observe that snow and sand has been pushed into the Commerce Parking Lot storm drain

From July on, flow was so low that a volunteer had to climb into the chasm that is the Low Pond outflow. It’s not unusual to have to do this a couple of times, but not five.

Potash Brook was dry on two occasions, and Packard Pond outflow was on one occasion not flowing enough to collect nutrient samples. Although flowing, Nancy Drive brook was once too shallow to sink the TROLL.

There is roadside trash accumulating around many sites, but only the Low Pond outflow is being used as a dumpsite for larger objects.

It continues to be striking how high individual temperatures found with the HOBOs can be, compared to the monthly collection of TROLL data taken in the morning, on days which may not be particularly hot.

Record high conductivity and the presence of oil slicks at the Mill Brook Webster Nursery site may indicate a developing problem. Cranston Print Works has ceased industrial activity there, and perhaps a problem which would have previously been seen is escaping notice.

Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who made this work possible.

2010 Water Quality Monitoring Campaign Ends

2010-11-07T16:22:00.003-05:00

November 6 marked the last day of our 9 month water quality monitoring season. This year 21 volunteers took part, more than half of them for the first time.

The summer months were marked by an extended period of very low flow, with daily levels from mid-July until the end of September often ranking as the lowest recorded at the Webster USGS gauge for the date over many decades of operation. Low flows and high temperatures combined to reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and when the data is analyzed we expect we expect to see deeper and more extended summertime lows than we have seen since we began monitoring six years ago.

Sign of the Times

2010-11-04T11:05:00.002-04:00

Work as been proceeding on French River Park, with trees removed, the area leveled, water installed, and the parking lot ready for paving. On November 3, the required project sign was installed.

Ground Broken for French River Park

2010-10-13T12:44:00.006-04:00

On October 13, ground was broken for French River Park, a 1.66 acre parcel in downtown Webster intended to anchor the Webster Riverwalk portion of the French River Greenway, with completion is planned for early summer 2011.

Features of the 1.66 acre park include accessible walking paths, picnic tables and benches, site lighting, a canoe/kayak launch, and water and power to support community events. There will be 23 parking spaces, and a bike rack. The shoreline will be stabilized and rain gardens installed for stormwater management. Plantings will consist of indigenous species appropriate to the river corridor. See an image of the plan here.

The Town of Webster and the French River Connection jointly hold a 15 year lease on the property.

Troop 147 Completes Leovich Landing

2010-09-27T14:41:00.004-04:00

On September 25, members of Oxford Boy Scout Troop 147 and family members gathered at 52 Dudley Road in Oxford, to complete work on the Leovich Landing project where a canoe/kayak launch was installed earlier in the year. The work is the Eagle project of scout Josh Escobar. It included leveling the parking lot, planting junipers and daffodils at the entrance, construction of a fence, preparation of a picnic area, and installation of a new sign. More than fifty people took part in the event.

Leovich Landing was purchased in 2009 by the Dudley Conservation Land Trust. Troop 147 joined a collaboration of the Land Trust, the French River Connection, the Last Green Valley, the town of Oxford, and the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the work. Many local businesses and volunteers provided funding, materials and services to make the project a success.Among them are Ron Rheault Construction, Sam Hicks Paving, Bonsal American, J.S. Lane Asphalt and Gravel companies, Robbins Garden Center, and Wal-Mart

French River Park Project Moves Ahead

2010-09-20T15:23:00.002-04:00

The French River adjacent the French River Park site is the home of Triangle Floater and Creeper mussels, listed by the state as species of special concern. In order to protect them, we are required to move any we can find upstream prior to starting construction. Above, mussel scientist Sean Werle is on the hunt. It was not expected that many would be found because mussels had been translocated from this area several years ago prior to a remediation project on the opposite bank, and that proved to be the case.

The construction contract for the park was won by Webster contractor Henry Ceppetelli. With the mussel project completed, we can look forward to an October start on the park, with completion in Spring 2011.

Water Temperature Logging Ends For the Season

2010-09-19T19:28:00.003-04:00

Since May, four temperature data loggers have been patiently recording the temperature of the French River every 15 minutes, awaiting cooler weather and a chance to rest. After more than 11000 recordings each, the loggers were rescued September 16. The record of their findings is shown above, located at Clara Barton Road, Dudley Road, Harwood Street, and Brandon Road. The temperatures were generally higher upstream, touching nearly 90 F on one occasion at Clara Barton Road. Both that location and Dudley Road showed 7-day rolling average maximums above 83F for several days, exceeding the state standards for a warm water fishery.

Our TROLL and colorimeter data collection continues until November, with flow rates. remaining at historic lows.

French River Day held September 18

2010-09-19T19:17:00.004-04:00

Frank, Nancy and Charles are shown above sharing a chuckle at French River Day, held September 18 at Buffumville Park from 3 until 6. Approximately a dozen members enjoyed good food and good company. Thanks to Elaine Parker for organizing the day and to the USACE and Jean Hixson for hosting.

Completion of Leovich Landing in sight

2010-09-10T10:17:00.002-04:00

On September 8, the base layer for the parking lot was put down and rolled, and the curb which keeps road run-off headed for the storm drain was installed, as were the two asphalt parking aprons. During the next two weeks we will take delivery of the parking lot top course of gravel, and get the fence post holes dug.

On September 25, Oxford Boy Scout Troop 147 will come on site to essentially finish the job, including

Spread the gravel top coat on the parking lot

Erect the fence

Put up a new sign

Assemble and install the picnic table on a wood chip base

Plant and mulch the oval

Edge the path to the ramp

Miscellaneous clean up

We are continuing to get wonderful in-kind donations and discounts from local businesses, helping us stay on budget.

Thompson Cleanup Completed

2010-08-27T12:23:00.004-04:00

Although this year's Thompson French River cleanup was cancelled by the organizers, that didn't stop us from working on "our" section from Perryville to Wilsonville. We found very little lightweight trash like plastic bottles, so we left them for another time and concentated on heavyweight items: two pickup truck doors, a large compressed gas tank, a waterlogged couch cushion, and the usual assortment of tires and bicycles. On August 26 Norma O'Leary and grandsons Karlin and Jarrett Thomas helped drag out the last of it and carry it to the recycling center.

Leovich Landing Launch Installed

2010-08-13T12:37:00.002-04:00

On Aug 12, volunteers installed the canoe/kayak launch at Leovich Landing, accomplishing one of the major goals of the project. The launch was constructed by Lavallee Construction from granite curbstones donated by the town of Oxford. Volunteers included Charles Perzanoski, Jean Hixson, Tom Ryzewski, Janet Blanchette, and Dick Kister.

French River Day Picnic September 18

2010-08-10T07:45:00.003-04:00

Our annual members picnic will be held at Buffumville Lake Saturday September 18 3-6pm, rain or shine. We will supply hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, plates, and utensils.

Please bring a potluck dish, dessert, or beverages to share.

Bring chairs!

If you're planning to attend, please RSVP to Elaine or call 508-943-2698, and let her know what you'll be bringing.

For directions and other information, click here.

Dam Trail Race Run August 7

2010-08-08T08:38:00.004-04:00

Over 120 runners left the starting line at 9am August 7 to compete in two simultaneous races held at Hodges Village.
The weather was perfect, and the runners appreciated the clear marking of the course. And we appreciate our many volunteers who assisted in making this a smooth and safe event, our sponsors whose contributions made this our most successful fundraising event ever and our other supporters who generously provided food and prizes. Thank you all!

Special gratitude is due to Race Director John Grenier and his team for all their hard work in making this such a success.

Bike Raffle Winner

2010-08-08T08:28:00.002-04:00

Ernie Benoit is the winner of the Bike raffle! His winning ticket was drawn from approximately 300 at the Dam Trail Race. Ernie can redeem his prize at Southbridge Bicycles. Thanks to all who bought tickets.

French River Park Gets Funded

2010-07-17T07:55:00.003-04:00

On July 8, the offices of state legislators Moore and Kujawski announced funding for French River Park in Webster through the Community Development Block Grant program. This funding has enabled us to kick off final design and bid package preparation, and should mean that shovels can go in the ground this year. Time will tell if completion must wait until spring.

Features of the 1.66 acre park include accessible walking paths, picnic tables and benches, site lighting, a canoe/kayak launch, and water and power to support community events. There will be 23 parking spaces, and a bike rack. The shoreline will be stabilized and rain gardens installed for stormwater management. Plantings will consist of indigenous species appropriate to the river corridor.

Perryville Trace is One in a Thousand

2010-07-17T07:38:00.002-04:00

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism has announced a list of "1000 Greatest Places in Massachusetts", as determined by an appointed commission. Among their selections is our own Perryville Trace, located at the French River bridge on Perryville Road in Webster. The bridge is currently closed for construction, but the Trace is open. Visitors may have to make their way around construction vehicles.

Dam Trail Race Welcomes Sponsors

2010-07-06T14:14:00.005-04:00

This year for the first time we have sought sponsors for the Dam Trail Race to be held August 7 at Hodges Village in Oxford. Hometown Bank, North Oxford Mills, Wilson Language Training, Industrial Packaging Supply, and Central Massachusetts Podiatry have joined Polar Beverages as sponsors. We are very grateful for their contributions, and hope to make this the best Dam Trail Race yet.

This year an 11.5 and a 5 mile course will be run simultaneously. There will be cash prizes for the overall male and female winners of each race, and special prizes for the top finishers from the French River watershed. Age group and random draw prizes will consist of baked goods, Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificates, and other items.

The starting gun goes off at 9am sharp. Runners may preregister, or enter on race day beginning at 7:30.

More information

Leovich Landing Clears Permitting Hurdles

2010-06-19T11:57:00.002-04:00

On June 19, Leovich Landing cleared the last permitting hurdle, with receipt of a determination from the Department of Environmental Protection's Waterways Regulation Program that no permit is needed for the boat launch. Earlier in the week, the The State Historical Commission determined that work on the site was unlikely to affect historical or archaeological resources. This clears the way for The Last Green Valley to give us the go-ahead to incur costs and count in-kind contributions specified in the grant we received. Time to get moving!

Beavers Beware

2010-06-16T14:31:00.003-04:00

On June 16 the French River Connection received a $500 donation from Wal-Mart to purchase wire to protect trees threatened by beavers. So far in 2010, we have already protected 100 trees with wire mostly donated by Home Depot. This will allow us to continue the program, which has proven to be a good way to introduce youth groups to the river.

Perryville Trace Gets an Upgrade

2010-05-27T10:41:00.007-04:00

On May 15, these members of the Shepherd Hill Environment Committee pitched in to make the Perryville Trace better for walkers and less attractive to beavers. Club members addressed a long-standing problem by constructing a causeway over a narrow strip between the river and an uncertified vernal pool, adding flat stones found on-site to make dry stable footing at high water. They also protected approximately 40 trees from beavers by wrapping them with welded wire.

We are always eager to work with young people; it was an enjoyable and productive day, and we are grateful for their help.

Earlier in the Spring, French River Connection members installed pipe under a section of the Trace that gets wet from Brookside Avenue runoff to carry the water away, and cleaned up trash from the riverbanks on both sides of the River above Perryville.

Last Green Valley Grant Received

2010-05-15T05:53:00.003-04:00

On May 14, we received a grant award from The Last Green Valley for development of Leovich Landing, in the amount of $6000. This will be matched by donations of material, equipment and labor. Work cannot start until we sign a contract with the grantor, which we hope will not be long. We also are awaiting a determination that we do not need a Chapter 91 Waterways permit for the launch, which is expected before the end of the month.

We're grateful to The Last Green Valley for selecting us; approximately one in four requests were funded. We couldn't have gotten to this point without J&D Civil Engineers doing the work (at a significant discount) to make us "shovel ready". We're also grateful to all who helped estimate the work and who have offered in-kind donations, and to those who wrote letters of support: The town of Oxford, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and state Senator Richard T. Moore.

Leovich Landing gets funds

2010-05-01T10:48:00.003-04:00

Wal-mart has awarded $1000 to the Dudley Conservation Land Trust for the Leovich Landing stewardship account, which will be used for development of the site. Thanks to Carol Colena for making this happen.

Bike Raffle Tickets Available

2010-04-09T11:55:00.006-04:00

We are raffling off a men's or women's Specialized Carmel 700 bicycle donated by Southbridge Bicycles.

Tickets are $5.00 or three for $10.00.

The winner will by drawn at the Dam Trail Race on August 7.

Read the bike spec and see a larger image.

Visit our website to purchase tickets and support our projects!

Agenda Set for Annual Meeting

2010-04-06T11:32:00.003-04:00

French River Connection Annual Meeting

April 14, 7pm

Black Tavern, Center Road, Dudley

Agenda

7:00 Grab a cookie

7:10 Welcome---Ken

7:15 Minutes of January 2010 meeting---Elaine

7:20 Treasurer’s Report---Sheila

7:25 Water Quality Monitoring Certificates---Ken

7:30 Brief Progress Summary---Ken

7:45 Guest Speaker: Delpha Very, Putnam CT Office of Economic and Community Development Ms. Very will describe her experiences developing the riverfront in Putnam CT. Her “lessons learned” will help us develop public riverfront.

8:15 Bike raffle kick-off---Ken

8:25 Election of Directors

3 year term--Tim Bell, nominations from the floor

3 year term--Ken Parker, nominations from the floor

1 year term--nominations from the floor, must be willing to serve

8:40 Other business

8:50 Adjourn for refreshments

NOTE:

There will be a short board meeting immediately following.

New members are invited to join at this meeting only at a 50% discount, and receive a screensaver

Notecards and bike raffle tickets will be available for purchase.

Leovich Landing Project Moves Ahead

2010-04-06T11:28:00.004-04:00

J&D Civil Engineers have completed engineering of Leovich Landing in Oxford. The site includes a canoe/kayak launch, parking lot, revegetation of the area cleared of invasives, a fence to delineate the parking lot, stormwater control, and a picnic area. J&D donated much of the effort for the plans. The plan was approved by the Oxford Conservation Commission on April 21

A grant request for part of the funding has been submitted to The Last Green Valley. We have been fortunate to obtain committments for donations of services and materials to match any grant award on a one to one basis.

We're Approved

2010-03-10T17:02:00.004-05:00

On Monday March 8, the Webster Conservation Commission approved our French River Park engineering plan with standard conditions, that is no modifications, simply the application of best management practices to protect the river during construction. On April 30, a plan to protect mussels in the river during construction was approved

On Wednesday March 10, MASS DEP approved our Water Quality Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan through 2012. There are document maintenance edits required every year, but real changes are becoming few and far between.

2010 Water Quality Monitoring Campaign Underway

2010-03-06T14:15:00.004-05:00

On March 6, the French River Connection began its sixth water quality monitoring campaign on the French River and its tributaries. We visit 15 sites once per month from March through November. This year we started with young volunteers who work with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Shown using the TROLL 9500 at Clara Barton Road are Oxford residents Nicole Giles and Adam Carrier. Dodging the photo was park ranger Jean Hixson

French River Park Grant Application Submitted

2010-02-13T10:59:00.002-05:00

On February 12, the Webster Office of Community Development submitted an application for the next round of Community Development Block Grant funding, which includes approximately $290,000 for French River Park. In order to demonstrate readiness to proceed, considerable engineering, cost estimating, and submission of permits was required in the last month by our engineers, Lenard Engineering of Auburn.

There is a very long list of people to thank for getting this far, but here is a good time to mention our membership and friends who have done the hard work over the last five years, whether related directly to the park or not, which has enabled us to show that this is a project which has gained community support and fits in with other goals. With the Office of Community Development also including funding for a downtown facade and signage program, there is a lot of synergy within the application.

While it is possible that the project will be done in 2010, that requires everything to fall into place optimally, so 2011 is more realistic.

We're Accepting Credit Cards

2010-02-03T11:17:00.003-05:00

The French River Connection is now able to accept credit cards on its website for payment of membership dues and donations. Visitors to the site may also pay through PayPal. Those who prefer may still put a check in the mail.

Here is the payment page: Membership and Donations

Another Step for French River Park

2010-01-12T15:10:00.002-05:00

On January 11, the Webster Office of Community Development held a public hearing to announce the projects for their next grant application due in February, among them French River Park. If successful, engineering would be completed in 2010 and a contractor selected to implement the park in Spring 2011.

Shoreline Survey Published

2010-01-12T14:50:00.002-05:00

The French River Connection has completed a Shoreline Survey of the river between Greenbrier Park in Oxford and the Connecticut line. The Survey results are implemented in Google Maps. Click on any section of the map to see a Narrative Description, Recommended Actions, and the Survey Data. The survey was begun in 2005. Thanks to all the surveyors, and to Tom Ryzewski and Andrew LaBonte for shaping it up for publication.

Land trust purchases more riverside land

2009-12-04T21:15:00.004-05:00

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust has entered into an agreement which will extend the Leovich Landing holdings to Charlton Street in Oxford. The trust will now own all the land between the railroad right-of-way owned by National Grid and the French River, between Dudley Road and Charlton Street, a distance of approximately 3000 feet on 10 acres. The new land offers beautiful views up the Little River as well as access to some wonderful open woodland along the French.

Another Water Quality Monitoring Season in the Books

2009-11-23T14:58:00.003-05:00

Another successful year of water quality monitoring , our fifth, concluded on November 15. The day was spiced up a little by finding a recently stolen vehicle on the way to the Little River. Our findings are consistent with what we have been seeing: A dip in dissolved oxygen at Dudley Road and Harwood Street during the warmest weather, low pH at Mill Brook Bigelow Road, and consistently low dissolved oxygen and high conductivity at Nancy Drive. In general, conductivity was lower this year (that's good) due to high water levels during mid-summer.

The state has just released its five year assessment of water quality in the French and Quinebaug watersheds. Significant findings from our program, and associated recommendations are included. To all who have volunteered for our program, (I count 35) thank you.

Leovich Landing Dedicated

2009-10-26T10:24:00.004-04:00

On October 24, members of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, the French River Connection, donors and friends met to dedicate Leovich Landing for public use. The event was attended by Senator Richard T Moore and three members of the Oxford Board of Selectmen. DCLT and FRC officers thanked donors who contributed to the purchase of the land, and the many people who have worked to clear it of junk and invasives.

French River Park Funding Received

2009-10-19T11:03:00.002-04:00

The French River Connection has received $30,000 from the Webster Redevelopment Authority to begin work on French River Park. Added to a previous donation, we now have $39,000 for the project. Over the last year, we have pretty much killed off the invasive knotweed on the property, and have been fortunate to receive consulting services from Bacon Engineering and the Green Valley Institute to do some conceptual planning. And, of course, we are very grateful to the owner for agreeing to a 15 year lease on the property.

Leovich Landing Dedication Scheduled

2009-10-08T14:14:00.003-04:00

Leovich Landing will be dedicated at 3pm October 24 at the site, 52 Dudley Road in Oxford. This is an occasion to once again thank our many generous donors, bringing the acquisition phase of the project to a close. In addition, we will review work already completed on the site and plans for the future.

French River Park Lease Signed

2009-10-08T14:01:00.004-04:00

On October 8, The French River Connection and the town of Webster signed an agreement to lease 1.66 acres of riverfront property in downtown Webster for at least 15 years from Holden Block LLC for $1.00. This will become French River Park, the anchor to the Webster Riverwalk which is an urban section of the French River Greenway. Execution of the lease opens the door to a grant from the Webster Redevelopment Authority to begin engineering, permitting, and construction.

French River Day is coming up

2009-08-10T10:06:00.003-04:00

Our annual French River Day picnic event is scheduled for Saturday September 12 3-6pm at Hodges Village, below the dam at Aggutebak Pond. We will furnish hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, etc, and attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Bring chairs. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, paddle on the pond, kick back.

To sign up, please contact Elaine

Dam Trail Race a Great Success

2009-08-10T10:02:00.005-04:00

The Dam Trail Race held Saturday August 8 at Hodges Village in Oxford was a great success. 117 runners finished the race, up from 104 last year. The weather was perfect and the runners were very pleased with the course laid out by race director John Grenier. Thanks to John and to the many volunteers, and to donations from local businesses of food and prizes, we were able to net $1500 for the French River Connection.

Leovich Landing Sale Closes

2009-06-10T15:11:00.004-04:00

The sale of the 4 acre parcel in Oxford to be known as Leovich Landing closed June 10, with the Dudley Conservation Land Trust now owning the property. Thanks to many generous contributions, over $5000 will be available for cleaning up the property and installing a parking lot and cartop paddling access point. There is still some administrative work to do to file the conservation restriction and get reimbursed by the state through the Conservation Partnership Grant.

Fundraising for purchase of the property was accomplished by a partnership consisting of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, the French River Connection, and an Oxford Citizens' Committee. In addition to many individual, business, and organizational donations and the state grant, funds were received from the Fields Pond Foundation, the Bafflin Foundation, and the town of Oxford.

Purchase of this property completes a long-standing French River Connection goal.

Leovich Landing Fundraising Goes Over the Top

2009-05-22T16:27:00.003-04:00

On May 22, The Bafflin Foundation awarded the partnership consisting of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust and the French River Connection a grant for $7500 which pushes us over our fundraising goal for the project. We will now be able to close on the property and plan stewardship tasks. Many thanks to all who supported us.

Oxford Contributes to Leovich Landing

2009-05-07T07:25:00.004-04:00

On May 6, the Oxford town meeting voted $5000 to purchase the Conservation Restriction for Leovich Landing. This brings total contributions and pledges to over $63,000, enough to purchase the property. We are still in need of contributions to pay closing costs and to support initial stewardship of the land.

Greenbrier Water Trail Dedicated

2009-04-20T08:22:00.008-04:00

On April 18, paddlers inaugurated the Greenbrier Water Trail in Oxford. A new launch site, constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers and French River Connection volunteers, was dedicated in a ceremony as part of the Last Green Valley's Source to Sea program. Naturalist Jean Hixson led approximately twenty boats on the three mile paddle. Here is a slideshow of the event

Parnership Receives Fields Pond Grant

2009-04-09T13:55:00.006-04:00

On April 9, we learned that the partnership made up of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, the French River Connection, and an Oxford Citizens' Committee has received a $10,000 grant toward the purchase of Leovich Landing. This brings the total, in hand or pledged, to $53,000 of the $70,000 needed. If you're reading this article and have yet to donate, please consider doing so by sending your tax-deductible contribution payable to the Dudley Conservation Land Trust to 169 Old Webster Road, Oxford MA 01540. Follow our progress on the scale at left.

Troop 66 Takes On the Beavers

2009-04-08T07:44:00.004-04:00

On Saturday April 4, Boy Scouts from Troop 66 in Thompson took part in a program organized by the French River Connection to protect riverside trees from an expanding beaver population along the French River. Using welded wire fencing donated by Home depot in Oxford, the scouts built cages around 41 trees in Connecticut south of Perryville Road. The cages prevent beavers from "ringing" large trees which inevitably kills them, reducing shade along the river and degrading the habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The task was the life project of scout Corey LaChance, center, in dark glasses.

Partnership Receives State Grant

2009-03-28T10:38:00.008-04:00

On March 27 we learned that the partnership made up of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, the French River Connection, and an Oxford Citizens' Committee will receive a grant from the state of Massachusetts for half the purchase cost of Leovich Landing. We are now over halfway to our goal, with more fundraising to do and two grant requests still outstanding. If you can help us acquire this wonderful piece of property for public use, your contibutions will be much appreciated. Please send your fully deductible check, made out to the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, to 169 Old Webster Road, Oxford, MA 01540.

Bird Walk Scheduled

2009-03-26T06:16:00.000-04:00

Paul Meleski of the Forbush Bird Club in Worcester has volunteered to lead a bird walk for us May 16. We will gather at the Lodge Restaurant on Route 16 in Webster at 7am. To see the early bird, you have to be one. Bring binoculars if you have them, water, and a snack, as we will not be back until around 11.

For those who enjoy the many bird species in our area, this should be a lot of fun, and a good way to get introduced to bird watching activities.

Just so I can get an idea, please email me back if you plan to participate.

Annual Meeting Scheduled April 8

2009-03-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

The Annual Meeting of the French River Connection is scheduled for 7pm April 8 at the Black Tavern on the corner of Center and Tanyard Roads on Dudley Hill.

If you haven't visited the Black Tavern this is a chance to see the only building in Dudley on the National Register of Historic Places.

We are fortunate to have as our speaker Colleen Abrams, President of Wachusett Greenways. Colleen is an inspiring leader, as the success of her organization attests.

At this meeting we will elect three directors to three-year terms. The terms of Sheila Veideman, Tom Ryzewski, and Elaine Parker are expiring. All have agreed to serve again. Nominations may be made from the floor, and if the nominee agrees to serve if elected, their name be added to the ballot.

Bring a guest! If they are not on our mailing list and join during the evening, it will be at half price, and they will receive our screen saver.

Refreshments will be served!!

Here's the agenda:

FRENCH RIVER CONNECTION ANNUAL MEETING

Wednesday April 8 at 7:00pm

Black Tavern, Dudley

7:00 Call to Order

7:05 Introduction to the Black Tavern: Ed Bazinet

7:10 Minutes of January meeting: Elaine Parker

7:15 2009 YTD Treasurers report: Sheila Veideman

7:20 2008 in review: Ken Parker

7:40 2009 activities: Ken Parker

7:55 Election of Directors

8:05 Guest Address: Colleen Abrams, President, Wachusett Greenways

8:30 Adjourn for refreshments and fellowship

The Board will meet for a few minutes after adjournment

Beavers: They're baaaaaack!

2009-03-15T16:07:00.004-04:00

In 2008, using mostly wire fence donated by Home Depot, The French River Connection was able to place wire around more than 100 large trees that were targets for beavers. This spring there has been scant beaver activity on the Perryville Trace, but just downstream near and over the Connecticut border they are having quite a picnic. There are many very fine trees in this area, and it is a good place to paddle. Three rolls of wire have been put in place there, and much more is needed.

Welcome to the French River Connection Blog

2009-03-04T14:45:00.002-05:00

In order to stay current with all the ways people now communicate on the web, we've added this blog. The blog is not intended to replace our website. It may prove useful for quick announcements of newsworthy events or as a place for comments and discussion. It will never replace emails or the newsletter. Let's see how it goes.

The last seven posts will be shown. Others can be accessed from the archive on the right.

Anyone can comment on a post.

Note the Google Calendar on the bottom. If you click on an event you will usually see a little more information and a map.