2011 Water Quality Monitoring Comes to an End

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.