Paddle the Ipswich River
May 27th, 2010 | by Trish
Dr. Bob Petranek, who so generously donated his land and house to IRWA, cuts the ribbon.
Paddling the Ipswich River just got a lot easier. Now you can launch a canoe or kayak from the new dock at Ipswich River Watershed Association’s headquarters on County Rd in Ipswich. About 60 people attended the Canoe Dock Grand Opening on Sunday, May 23rd and enjoyed ice cream generously provided by DownRiver Ice Cream, paddling and a nature walk with Naturalist Jim MacDougall. Ipswich River Watershed Association members may use IRWA boats for free. Others may become IRWA members for $40 or more, or use their own boats. “The hill from the parking area to the dock is quite steep, especially when you’re carrying a boat uphill. I’d suggest joining Ipswich River. You’ll be glad you did. You can use our boats for free and help keep the Ipswich River out of danger,” says Development Director Trish Aldrich.
What could be better than a DownRiver cone after your paddle?
Franz and a boat load of kids paddle at Riverbend.
21 Painted Turtles
May 20th, 2010 | by Trish
On a three generation paddle beginning from our new canoe dock at Riverbend, Nate, Franz, Cynthia, Maeve and grandmother Joann had fun together enjoying the river and seeing 21 painted turtles, 1 pair of wood ducks, baltimore orioles, goslings, and more. Canoes are available for IRWA members to use for free. Let us know how many painted turtles you see! 
Mammals of Ipswich River
May 19th, 2010 | by Jim
Mammals are busy this time of year and a good time to see them. Â To help you with your observations, I attached a video of some of the different mammals you may see in our valley. Â Let me know what you think. Â Richard Wolniewicz of Mass Audubon took the great beaver video.
Reading UU Nature Walk = Diversity
May 18th, 2010 | by Jim
27 Members of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Reading explored the Reading Town Forest for biodiversity on Sunday, May 16. Organized by Andrew Grimes and others, the 8 families discovered butterflies, dragonflies, isopods and amphipods, snakes, frogs, fish, trees and flowers with some help from Jim MacDougall, IRWA Naturalist.
The beautiful day of discovery was followed by refreshments around a campfire.
