Fly-Fishing Merit Badge Workshop
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is excited to offer a two-day workshop for Scouts of America Fly-Fishing Merit Badge. The event will cover all the requirements listed for the badge, including fun activities such as fly-tying, casting, knot-tying, sampling aquatic bugs to match fishing lures, and even fishing. This unique opportunity will allow participants to gain hands-on experience and learn from expert fishermen from local organizations. Registration is required and costs $30 plus Eventbrite fees, which includes the Scouts Pamphlet on Fly-Fishing. The workshop will take place on two consecutive days, with the first day scheduled for Tuesday, April 15th at the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association in Hope Valley, RI. Depending on weather conditions, the second day may be rescheduled to either April 17th or 18th. Participants will be informed of the final date upon pick-up on April 15th. The workshop will be led by Kassi Donnelly, the Merit Badge Counselor of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, and expert fishermen from local organizations, including Rhode Island Trout Unlimited, United Fly Tyers of RI, Fly-Fishers International, and Rhody Fly Rhodders.
Wild and Scenic Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed is a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River System, and it offers outstanding fishing opportunities. The area is home to a diverse range of fish species, including trout, bass, and panfish. The watershed is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of birds migrating through the area. The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association’s Merit Badge Counselor, Kassi Donnelly, has created a video titled “My Kind of River” that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the watershed. The video can be viewed on YouTube by visiting the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuffMtvU5w4.
Navigation and Orienteering Workshop
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is also offering a two-part navigation and orienteering workshop. The first part of the workshop will take place on Thursday, May 1st, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association Campus in Hope Valley, RI. This class will cover topics such as reading map symbols and contour lines, matching the terrain to the map, taking and using bearings, orienting map and compass, declination, and determining your location and planning your route. The second part of the workshop will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter, RI. This field practice session will allow participants to put their new skills into practice, with the guidance of expert instructors. Registration is required for this workshop, and the cost is $29. The deadline for registration is April 28th.
Birdwatching and Kayaking Trip
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is also offering a birdwatching and kayaking trip, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th. Participants will join expert birder from the Ocean State Bird Club and naturalist and kayaking guide from the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association to explore the pristine river. All kayaking gear will be provided, and the group may meander up a tighter stretch of river. The event will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, and participants are encouraged to bring food, a water bottle, and dress for the early spring weather. The cost for this event is $45 for OSBC or WPWA members, and $55 for non-members. Limited to 20 participants, this event will provide an opportunity to hear the birds and experience the beauty of the watershed.
| Key Dates | Event | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 15th | Fly-Fishing Merit Badge Workshop | Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association | $30 (plus Eventbrite fees) |
| May 1st | Navigation and Orienteering Workshop | Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association Campus | $29 |
| May 3rd | Birdwatching and Kayaking Trip | Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association | $45 (OSBC/WPWA members), $55 (non-members) |
Contact Us
For more information, please contact Kassi Donnelly at kassi@wpwa.org or visit the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association’s website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!
“The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association is dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural beauty of our watershed.
