Map of Canonchet Farm Property
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 January 17, 2022
Our Continuing Stewardship of the Land
With Tom Hoagland and Alan Woodmansee
Sunday, January 23, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for The Friends of Canonchet Farm: Our Continuing Stewardship of the Land is the final 15th Anniversary Month trail. Meet up with Tom Hoagland, President of the Friends of Canonchet Farm, and Alan Woodmansee, Chair of the Trails Committee, at the Narragansett Town Beach North Parking Lot directly across Boston Neck Road (Scenic 1A) from Anne Hoxsie Lane.
From this vantage point, we’ll learn about the proposed Linear Park around Lake Canonchet. We’ll cross Boston Neck Road and proceed along the Nature Trail to the South County Museum.Tom and Alan will highlight the evidence of habitat restoration and invasives removal. We’ll see examples of the extensive restoration by Friends of Canonchet volunteers that have cleared historic stone walls, introduced native plantings, opened up views of the Narrow River, and removed thousands of invasive plants along the Nature Trail.We will return to our starting point via Anne Hoxsie Lane with views of the magnificent trees in the upper meadow.
Participants will receive a copy of our 15-page illustrated guide to the most common invasive plants in South County. Don’t miss this fitting wrap-up to our January Anniversary programs! Click the green button to register for this free event:
No need to print a ticket. Just register and come!
Posted January 7, 2022
A Talk and Walk on the Canonchet Farm Geology Trail Remembering Jon Boothroyd
Sunday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. with Beth Laliberte
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Join our celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Friends of Canonchet Farm! Dr. Beth Laliberte, Teaching Professor in the Geosciences Department at URI, will give a brief presentation about the geologic history of Rhode Island and then lead a walk along the Canonchet Farm Geology Trail. The trail was initially developed by Dr. Jon Boothroyd (1938-2015) an acclaimed field geologist specializing in coastal geology, braided river processes and glacial environments.
Posted December 28, 2021
Woodlands in the
Heart of Narragansett
A Walk with Tom Fortier
Sunday, January 9, 2022, 1:00 p.m. (Sold out)
Join naturalist Tom Fortier for a trail walk starting near the orchard at the South County Museum in Narragansett. Tom was instrumental in the fight to keep Canonchet Farm a natural preserve. In 2015, he and Kathie Kelleher were recipients of the Independent Spirit Award for their efforts to organize volunteers and clear the Canonchet trails we enjoy today.
As he leads us on the trails, Tom will point out the features that show how this area, once farmed, has struggled to return to natural woods.
This free event begins at the South County Museum parking lot. And, yes, there will be coffee and donuts! Click the Register button today to sign up for the walk and join us the 9th. See you there.
Posted December 22, 2021.
The 2007 Fight to Save Canonchet,
A Walk with Bill Bivona
Sunday afternoon, January 2 starting at 1:00
Join Bill Bivona for the fascinating background story of the fight he and others waged to preserve the natural beauty of Canonchet Farm. Bill was awarded "Man of the Year" by the Narragansett Times for his dedicated efforts to protect this land.
He will start with the background story of how Canonchet avoided becoming, among other things, a polo field -- the equivalent of three football fields! He will then re-create the same walk he led 15 years ago, guiding the Narragansett Town Council and others on the trails he fought to save.
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July 23, 2011 - Bill Bivona of the Narragansett Tree Society cuts the ribbon (re)opening the Canonchet Farm Trail, after work by Troop 1 Narragansett Boy Scouts and the Tree Society restored an existing trail that had become overgrown. (Photo by Ashley DiMeo as seen on Patch) |
This free event meets at the Narragansett Community Center on Mumford Road. Yes, there will be coffee and donuts! So click the Register button and join us on January 2.
Posted December 28, 2021
Woodlands in the
Heart of Narragansett
A Walk with Tom Fortier
Sunday, January 9, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
Join naturalist Tom Fortier for a trail walk starting near the orchard at the South County Museum in Narragansett. Tom was instrumental in the fight to keep Canonchet Farm a natural preserve. In 2015, he and Kathie Kelleher were recipients of the Independent Spirit Award for their efforts to organize volunteers and clear the Canonchet trails we enjoy today.
As he leads us on the trails, Tom will point out the features that show how this area, once farmed, has struggled to return to natural woods.
This free event begins at the South County Museum parking lot. And, yes, there will be coffee and donuts! Click the Register button today to sign up for the walk and join us the 9th. See you there.
Posted November 20, 2021. Updated December 22, 2021.
The Woodlands in December
with Scott Turner
Sunday, December 5, at Canonchet Farm
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We are delighted to host naturalist and storyteller Scott J. Turner and share Scott's enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world as he led us to explore the Canonchet Farm Trail in early December.
The former nature writer for the Providence Journal is the author of Beauty in the Street: Nature Tales from the Neighborhood, which contains a chapter on Canonchet Farm!
"Turner's engaging prose reminds us how important it is to pay very close attention to nature and appreciate the lessons it can teach us."
-- Frederic Reamer, host of "This I Believe: New England"
"His observational intensity and precision energize us to appreciate the wonders all around us."
-- Robert Whitcomb, President of The Boston Guardian
Posted October 28, 2021; Update November 20, 2021
November Events |
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Canonchet Farm History
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Frosty Drew Presents
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Posted October 1, 2021
Read our Fall Newsletter
Posted September 28, 2021
Native Plants Through the Years
Saturday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m. South County Museum
Friends of Canonchet Farm is pleased to host David Vissoe, URI Master Gardener and Project Leader for the Kettle Pond Visitor Center. David will present a colorful and informative video program inside the South County Museum and then will lead a walk around the Native Plant gardens on the Museum grounds. He will share his extensive knowledge of the growth cycle of plants from initial planting to developing a mature garden. Meet at the South County Museum, 115 Strathmore Street in Narragansett.
Click on this link to register for this FREE program:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/david-vissoe-native-plants-through-the-years-tickets-175033248157
Posted July 1, 2021
Town Council Approves Ten-Year Agreement
with Friends of Canonchet Farm
At its regular meeting on June 6, 2021, the Narragansett Town Council approved a ten-year extension of the co-operative agreement between the Friends of Canonchet Farm and Narragansett Parks and Recreation for the maintenance and improvement of Canonchet Farm.
View Tom Hoagland's presentation to the council at the begining of the meeting.
Watch a new video about removing invasive plants at Canonchet Farm.
Posted July 1, 2021
New Map of Canonchet Farm
In cooperation with Narragansett Engineering Department, Friends of Canonchet Farm now has a comprehensive, up‐to‐date map of the Canonchet Farm property at trail kiosks next to the Community Canter and at the West Beach Parking Lot on Anne Hoxsie Lane.
Posted June 18, 2021
Removing Knotweed
In three work sessions this spring, Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers uprooted this year's growth of Japanese Knotweed from the southern edge of Lake Canonchet along Narragansett Avenue, and carted away multiple truckloads of the inavsive bamboo-like plant. Work will continue throughout the summer along Lake Canonchet including maintenance of the previously restored area across Boston Neck Road from the Narragansett Town Beach. You are welcome to join us; email Tom Hoagland for more information. (Photos by Amanda Moss)
Read the Friends of Canonchet Farm
Spring 2021 Newsletter
Posted April 18, 2021
Watch the 2021 On Pettquamscutt Presentations
| The Stories of Point Judith's Commercial Fisherman | Ospreys of Narrow River |
Posted February 28, 2021
Register now for the March 28 On Pettaquamscutt presentation when Craig Wood of the Narrow River Preservation Association and the Narrow River Land Trust will use footage from the live osprey webcam at Garrison House Acres to tell us about The Ospreys of Narrow River. The presentation starts at 1:00 p.m. The registration confirmation will include your link to the presentation via Zoom.
Posted January 8, 2021
Remembering Mike Lapisky
The Friends of Canonchet Farm mourns the loss of long-time member, Trustee and great friend Mike Lapisky, who died on January 4, 2021, at the age of 76. Mike shared his encyclopedic knowledge of plants and wildlife, offered wise council always with good humor and inspired us with his dedication to protecting the natural habits of Canonchet Farm and all South County.
Mike Lapisky shows pelts during his presentation on the
"Wildlife at Canonchet Farm" for the February 2012
On Pettaquamscutt Winter Speaker Series.
Read Mike's obituary at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home.
Read the Friends of Canonchet Farm
Fall 2020 Newsletter
New Trail Guide Highlights Eleven
Points in Canonchet History
Posted September 5, 2020, Revised September 24, 2020
View October 22 presentation about
the Native Plant Garden Project
New Planting Schedule:
October 5, 6 and 7
The region’s long dry spell makes for less than ideal planting conditions; therefore, the work days have been postponed until the grounds are more agreeable for the new natives plants that will put the finishing touches on the Friends of Canonchet landscaping project at the South County Museum. Basically, the dry weather rained on our parade….for now. NEW DATES: October 5, 6 and 7, from 9:00 a.m to noon. We do hope you consider digging in with us then! Send us an email at southcountymuseum@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.
Friends of Canonchet Farm Volunteers Rehabilitate South County
Museum Grounds
South County Garden Club grant will fund
native plant renewal
The Friends of Canonchet Farm has been awarded a South County Garden Club grant to fund a major enhancement to the grounds of the South County Museum on Canonchet Farm this month. The grant leverages the work of volunteers to remove invasive vegetation and plant selected native plants.
This month, Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers have been removing burning bush, Japanese barberry and other invasive vegetation from the museum grounds. Then, during the week of September 21 to 26 they will be joined by URI Master Gardeners and South County Museum volunteers to selectively re-plant native plants purchased with the South County Garden Club grant. Additionally, the long-neglected Native Plant and Moon Gardens to the east of the museum will be rehabilitated and replanted with colorful, pollinator-friendly Rhode Island grown native plants and flowers. When completed, signs will identify the new plants and the gardens will serve both as an exhibit for museum visitors and as a showpiece for the invasive removal and native plant replacement work performed by volunteers on the grounds of the museum.
Invasive burning bush in the South County Museum
parking lot will be removed.
Volunteers will replant the now overgrown native plant garden
(circular garden adjacent to the Robinson Cemetery)
with
Rhode Island native plants.
Project is part of a major restoration effort
Every winter on suitable Saturday mornings a hardy crew of Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers load up at the tool trailer located on the grounds of the South County Museum and go to work clearing invasive knotweed, privet, bittersweet, porcelain berry, Japanese barberry and burning bush along the 1.3 mile Canonchet Farm Trail that connects Narragansett Elementary School and the Narragansett Beach west parking lot on Anne Hoxsie Lane. The trail winds through the woods behind the museum, sometimes only a few yards from the museum grounds. Paradoxically, the landscaping along the lanes and next to some of the museum’s most-visited buildings includes more than 20 burning bush (euonymus alatus) shrubs and five Japanese Barberry (berberis thunbergii). These plants are native to Asia and are highly invasive in southern Rhode Island and trail volunteer work crews have removed many from the trail over the past four winters.
The Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers are engaged in a multi-year effort to remove invasive plants from the trail. When completed, an extensive and intricate system of colonial stone walls, farm roads, stone bridges, stiles and quarries will be revealed after many years of dense vegetative cover. Trail usage has been rising steadily as trail conditions improve. We want to provide interpretive education to our trail users about the landscape they are walking through and there are brochures available that describe both the history and geology of Canonchet Farm.
All the invasive plant removal work on the property is done by Friends of Canonchet Farm volunteers, many of whom are also URI Master Gardeners and Coastal Invasive Managers certified by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Council.
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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