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 getherings along the river will be encouraged, and the economic benefits of a healthy, active riverfront will be realized.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MEETINGS:

General Meeting: Wednesday January 14 at 7pm at a location to be named

Annual Meeting: Wednesday April 8 at 7pm at a location to be determined

General Meeting: Wednesday June 10 at 7pm at a location to be determined

General meeting: Wednesday Novemebr 11 at 7pm at a location to be determined

SOURCE TO SEA EVENTS (TENTATIVE):

Greenbrier paddling event and access point dedication: April 18 8am

Agguteback Pond to North Webster paddling event: April 26 9am

Perryville Trace walk and site interpretation: May 2 10am

Watch for more on Source to Sea!

MORE ABOUT THE PERRYVILLE TRACE

Twenty paddlers wave at the end of a six-mile paddle from Hodges Village, an event sponsored by the French River Connection as one of the Last Green Valley's Walktober events on October 4, 2008.

A permanent trailhead sign announces the beginning of the Perryville Trace, a half-mile riverside walk in the woods opened in July 2008.

THE UPPER FRENCH RIVER CANOE TRAIL IS NOW OPEN:

There is now a legal car top access boat launch at Greenbriar Park in Oxford thanks to the hard work of the US Army Corps of Engineers and French River Connection members.  This opens a beautiful three mile paddle through a magnificent wildlife area. Or you can just paddle around Lower Wellington Pond. There are beaver dams and snags to be negotiated on the trip which are located and described on the linked 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. Here is a Google map showing this area:

FRENCH RIVER GREENBRIAR TO HODGES VILLAGE

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. You should definitely read about the obstacles before deciding to go.

Part of the volunteer team who completed clearing a riverside parcel in downtown Webster October 11 of invasive knotweed poses in front of their handiwork. The 1.66 acre parcel is destined to become a green space and boat launch, and anchor the Webster Riverwalk

Above left, a trio of ghouls sell snacks at the Dark of the Moon Celebration held at Buffumville Park on October 18. On the right, the undead storyteller beckons listeners. The event, held October 18 in conjunction with the US Army Corps of Engineers, included fires on the beach with marshmallows, two eerie ghost  walks, spooky stories, a pumpkin carving contest, and stargazing on a crisp evening.