French River Connection

VISION:

The vision of the French River Connection is for the French River and its shoreline to become a resource that is used, enjoyed, and treasured by residents and visitors to the French River region. The river's natural and cultural heritage will be appreciated and protected, recreational gatherings along the river will be encouraged, and the economic benefits of a healthy, active riverfront will be realized.

Visit our blog for the latest news!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2010 GENERAL MEETINGS (locations to be announced):

Annual meeting: Wednesday April 14 7pm

General meeting: Wednesday June 9 7pm

General meeting: Wednesday November 10 7pm

WATER QUALITY MONITORING 2010 CAMPAIGN

The Water Quality Monitoring Schedule can be found on the VOLUNTEER page.

VISIT THE PERRYVILLE TRACE:

A trailhead sign marks the beginning of the Perryville Trace, a half-mile riverside walk in the woods opened in July 2008 and extended approximately 100 yards in 2009. The Trace is located where Perryville Road crosses the river in Webster.

THE GREENBRIER WATER TRAIL IS NOW OPEN:

Here is a map of the area. If you select F11 you will get a bigger map. You can drag the map around with the mouse, or change the scale. If you click on a symbol on the map or on the legend on the left you will see a description.

Before You Go: There are beaver dams and snags to be negotiated on the trip which are located and described on  map.   This is definitely a one way trip if you decide to go down the river. When you get to Hodges Village, it's a 1200 foot walk to the parking area where you would leave your car.  The Army Corps has graciously  offered to open the gate so you can drive down to the water to pick up your boat, but would like you to call and make arrangements ahead of time. So if you don't want to carry your boat that far, contact Tim Russell at Buffumville Lake at  (508) 248-5697 to make arrangements.

 

FRENCH RIVER PARK IS BECOMING A REALITY

At left is a preliminary design of  French River Park, a 1.66 acre parcel in downtown Webster intended to anchor the Webster Riverwalk portion of the French River Greenway.  On October 8, 2009, the French River Connection and the town of Webster signed a 15-year lease agreement with the owner. On October 19, we received a $30,000 donation from the Webster Redevelopment Authority for the project.  On January 11 2010, The Webster Office of Community Development announced in a public hearing that the park will be included in the next grant application.  See a larger image.

On October 24, 2009, members of the French River Connection, Dudley Conservation Land Trust, donors and friends met to dedicate Leovich Landing to public use. The 4 acre site on Dudley Road in Oxford not only preserves a priority habitat, but provides a cartop access point on the French River and a trailhead for the proposed French River Greenway

At left, Peter Leovich, previous owner of the property, and son Peter watch the festivities.

         The site overrun by knotweed                                                            Work Party October 10                                                                      No more knotweed

          Junk from all the way to the Little River                                                 The sign goes up                                                                     The hole gets filled

SHORELINE SURVEY COMPLETED

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