2020 On Pettaquamscutt
Winter Speaker Series
View the
February 23
presentation
sponsored by
Friends of Canonchet Farm:
Mary Gannon:
The R.I.Bear Story
Design for Proposed
Linear Park
View January 2019
Presentation
Watch a short film on Habitat Restoration at Lake Canonchet
On Protecting Canonchet #1
The Master Plan
On Protecting Canonchet #2
Appropriate Uses
On Protecting Canonchet #3
Management of the Park
On Protecting Canonchet #4
Finance Issues
Photos:
Cleanup at Lake Canonchet
September 10, 2011
Charlie Lee Remembrance
February 6, 2011
Canonchet History
Who was Canonchet?
by Richard Vangermeersch
Canonchet Farm Master Plan
Town Council Holds Workshop on Planning Board Report
Our Response
October 21, 2010
Our Vision and Recommendations for Canonchet Farm
April 2009
Pictures
Guided Walks Fall 2010
Beech Grove Cleanup Complete
Cleanup - Day 4
October 31, 2009
Beech Grove
Cleanup - Day 2
October 9, 2009
Tom Wessels
Guided Walk
October 10, 2009
Other Links
Narrow River Preservation Association
Posted February 28, 2020
Canonchet Farm Events
This Spring
Every Saturday is Trail Improvement Saturday
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On Pettaquamscutt, March 29
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Guided Walk with Nancy Karraker, April 5
The size of the group is limited to 40 and advanced registration by email is required. Click this link to sign up: Registration for April 5 walk with Nancy Karraker. Please include your phone number. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please meet Nancy at 1:00 p.m. at the South County Museum, 115 Strathmore Street, Narragansett. |
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Archaeologist Jay Waller, June 7
Meet Jay at 1:00 p.m. at the South County Museum, 115 Strathmore Street, Narragansett. |
Join amphibian expert and URI professor Nancy Karraker as we explore the wonders of frogs and other amphibians on Sunday afternoon, April 5. This program is geared toward children and the child in each adult.
Don't miss a walk Sunday afternoon, June 7 with Jay Waller, Jay is the lead archaeologist for the Native American site at Salt Pond in Narragansett (RI 110). He will discuss how Native Americans would have used the natural resources found at Canonchet Farm as well as how an archaeologist surveys an area to determine the possibility of cultural remains.Removing Porcelain Berry, Posted March 24, 2019
Volunteers Make Quick Work of Invasive
On March 16, a crew of eight volunteers got to work removing a major infestation of porcelain berry from along the fence line behind the South County Museum, clearing vines that had grown through the fence, uprooting and removing the invasive plants, and completing what was expected to be a two-day task in a single Saturday morning session.
Trail Work, Posted January 30, 2019
Tap the picture to see what this crew has done.
Nine of our volunteers came to work on a cold winter day last Saturday (January 26) What a great day it was. The difference is amazing! There is only a short way left to go to finish our goal for this winter. Don't worry; there are plenty of invasive plants located in other areas of the trail for us to work on. We plan to begin work an hour later this Saturday, February 2, to allow the sun to warm up the air. The forest is always warmer than cleared land. We will meet at the trailer on the grounds of South County Museum at 10 a.m.. There are things for people to do with all levels of ability. Work the whole two hours or more, or less. We are flexible and welcoming. If it is your first time to volunteer, we will team you up with one of our pros. If you have any questions, call Kathie Kelleher 401-783-3951 or 401-556-6036.
See the Friends of Canonchet Farm Home Page in 2018
See the Friends of Canonchet Farm Home Page in 2017
THE FRIENDS OF CANONCHET FARM was created in 2007 by a group of Narragansett residents who recognized this forgotten parcel of land could be preserved as a natural space for the community to enjoy. The group has evolved into a partnership with the Town to provide funding and volunteers for enhancing the property. We are committed to help create a natural park for the enjoyment and education of Narragansett residents and visitors.
Today Canonchet Farm is a green space unlike any other in Rhode Island. Comprised of 175 acres of fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests,brooks, and ponds abutting Pettaquamscutt Cove on Narrow River, the land is habitat for a wide variety of birds, plants, animals, and insects. The John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge owns ten acres of the land, while the remaining 165 acres belong to the Town of Narragansett. The original open fields of farmland have, over the years, grown into a thick forest of native and invasive plants and trees. Visitors and members will enjoy learning about the area on our popular guided walks, led by experts in the fields of nature, culture, and the sciences. With 1.5 miles of walking trails and proximity to the South County Museum, Canonchet Farm is a perfect venue for a day's outing.
HISTORY
Canonchet Farm's earliest inhabitants were the Narragansett Indians, followed by the first colonial settlers and farmers of the area. In 1865 Governor William Sprague and his wife, Kate Chase Sprague, purchased the property and constructed a sprawling sixty-eight-room mansion. They called the farm"Canonchet" after the renowned sachem of the Narragansett tribe. In 1909 the mansion burned to the ground. Now,only the stone framework remains from the original stable, which burned in 1960's.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
With the ongoing habitat restoration program, made possible by the support of donations and volunteers, the ponds are becoming visible from Boston Neck Road. A proposed linear park along the shores of both ponds with a landscape design of native plants begins to take shape. We also plan to install educational signage, offer programs for children, and hold courses in forestry management.
BECOME A MEMBER
Whether your interest is a quiet walk through the forest or the hands-on experience of preserving the environment, we invite you to join Friends of Canonchet Farm, and help support the natural development of this unique place in Rhode Island.
Photos by Bill Krul
The mission of the Friends of Canonchet Farm
is to improve, manage and
preserve Canonchet Farm
in partnership with the public
for the enjoyment
of present and future
generations.
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