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PARTNERS | HEALTHY CITY | HOW HEALTHY | VISION | SUMMIT | PRIORITIES | FUNCTIONS | CITY OF FALL RIVER | ||
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Green Futures members and
Urban Ecology
Institute (UEI) ecologists conducted rapid ecological assessments of
seven sites along the Quequechan River over the summer of 2004. Results
were presented at a forum held on December 8, 2004 at the Fall River
Public Library.The presentation included an introduction to the concept of
urban ecology, a discussion of why ecological information may be useful
for Fall River, and a description of the methods used to assess each
area. Data were collected on a range of parameters, such as biodiversity
and soil density. UEI ecologist Olyssa Starry discussed her analysis of
each of the seven sites, highlighting species of interest. The forum was
sponsored by Green Futures and is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts
Environmental Trust titled "Re-Discovering the Quequechan River." The
grant has funded several activities related to the river, including a
Quequechan River festival, canoe trips on the river, bicycle and bus
tours, an arts competition and exhibit on the river theme, and various
publications, including a guide to the river, a river brochure, and a
coloring/activity book, among other activities.
Click here for a 2002 Charette report. | ||
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(Top row, left) UEI ecologist Olyssa Starry presents her findings the results of her ecological assessment. Also pictured: Al Lima of Green Futures (Top row, right) and Cassie O'Connor of the Urban Ecology Institute. Once the primary source of the Fall River's economic success, the Quequechan River is now polluted, choked with weeds, and all but forgotten. Restoring the river - the city's historic heart - is one of Green Futures' major goals. A healthy ecological community will foster vibrant social and economic communities, and outreach and education are critical for the protection of this degraded natural resource. The data from the ecological assessments can be used by residents and city officials to plan and implement a strategy to transform the Quequechan into a community asset. | ||
