Join Roger Greene on June 5, 2025 from 10 am to noon to explore Simmons Mill Pond Management Area in Little Compton, RI.
We’ll take a walk along the historic laneways through this globally rare Oak/Holly woodland. In early June we will see the transition from spring ephemerals which will be fruiting and going to seed, to the emerging and unfurling of ten species of ferns leafing out, and identify eleven species of trees. Along the way we will find the Simmons Mill raceway, the old mill dam, an icehouse foundation, and the successful phragmites control project on Smith Pond. Control was achieved without the use of chemicals. Now six years later, the area that had been nearly solid with phragmites is a valuable wetland habitat with a large diversity of native plants.
Walk Leader Roger Greene worked for the RI Department of Environmental Management for about 30 years as a Principal Environmental Scientist. Since Roger retired from DEM, he and his wife Gail have been stewards of DEM’s Simmons Mill Pond Management Area, where they devote approximately 1,000 hours a year to managing a variety of habitats.
Come share your enthusiasm and knowledge. Beginners to experts welcome!
This walk is free and open to the public. Donations to help support our walks are appreciated. DONATE NOW
General walk guidelines
Wear clothing and sturdy footwear appropriate for the weather conditions and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. Bring a sufficient supply of water and nourishment for your needs.
Dogs are not permitted.
Cancellations
Should you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. office@riwps.org
We walk light rain or shine. In case of cancellations due to poor weather conditions, we will email you. We tend to wait until the day before the walk to make this call as weather forecasts can be changeable.
Registration is required
The number of participants is limited to maximize the ability for everyone to observe the plants and participate in the conversation.
Note: Only one person can register at a time. To register a second person, just repeat the process.
More specific location of the walk is provided upon registration.
