April is Earth Month, and there’s no better time to explore, connect with nature, and inspire your family to care for our local waterways. The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA) is offering three incredible, family-friendly programs this month that are free and open to the public—perfect for curious kids, nature-loving parents, and everyone in between.
Whether you’re looking to walk and talk with a naturalist, find poetry in the landscape, or get up close with aquatic critters, HooRWA has something for you.
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Ripples: Earth Day Walk Along the Hoosic
Thursday, April 17 | 5:00–6:00 PM
The Spruces, Williamstown (garden-side parking lot)
Celebrate Earth Day with a mindful walk along the Hoosic River led by HooRWA’s Executive Director and naturalist educator, Arianna Alexsandra Collins. This is a gentle stroll where conversation flows as easily as the river—an opportunity to share your concerns, hopes, and wishes for the watershed. Bring your questions, your thoughts, and your walking shoes. It’s a great pre-dinner activity that gets you moving while connecting with the land and community.
Poetry in Motion
Thursday, April 24 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Mohican Recreational Path, Syndicate Road Trailhead, Williamstown
Poets, writers, and creative thinkers of all ages are invited to a special Earth Day celebration along the Hoosic bike path. This guided poetry walk offers inspiration from nature, optional writing prompts, and a supportive space to share your words. Even if you’ve never written a poem before, this event invites you to slow down and listen to what the river has to say.
This free program is supported by a grant from the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire and is limited to 16 participants. Pre-registration is required.
Turning Stones: A Presentation on Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Tuesday, April 29 | 7:00–8:00 PM
Griffin Hall Room 3, Williams College, Williamstown
Ready to dive into the fascinating world beneath the surface? This indoor program is ideal for families with curious kids. Aquatic ecologist Declan McCabe—author of Turning Stones: Discovering the Life of Water—will share an engaging, kid-friendly presentation with live aquatic critters on display. Learn about the unique life found in rivers and lakes, how water supports all living things, and ways you can explore and protect local waterways right from your backyard.
McCabe’s passion for river life is contagious, and his presentation makes complex science accessible and fun for audiences of all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged.
Why Attend?
These programs are a chance to slow down, observe, and celebrate the biodiversity right in our Berkshire backyard. Whether you're walking the trail, crafting a poem, or peering into a bucket of water teeming with tiny life, each event offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with nature.
More Info & Registration:
Visit hoorwa.org for full details and to register.
Don't forget your walking shoes, notebooks, and sense of wonder. Let’s celebrate Earth Month together—one step, one poem, one ripple at a time.
