Over the years, many many people have cared for Narrow (Pettaquamscutt) River. It would be impossible to know them all. But from time to time, we have reason to recognize individuals and, in doing so, summarize their contributions to the river in an article. We share those articles here while acknowledging that this brief list is incomplete at best.
Here’s an introduction to just a few of the many people who have cared deeply for and worked to protect and preserve Narrow River.
Click the images to read more about these great folks!
Jon Boothroyd
Jon Boothroyd was Research Professor Emeritus at the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences, the Rhode Island State Geologist, and a Narrow River Preservation Association Board member for over 20 years.
He was NRPA’s Vice President-Science, a trusted colleague, and what made him proud, the recipient of the 2000 W.E.R. La Farge Friend of the River Award. Jon passed away in 2015.
Shelagh Donohoe
Shelagh Donohoe has been the Head Coach of the URI Rowing Team since 2005. Her personal accomplishments as an athlete include winning a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 in the women’s straight 4. At URI, she has led the team to many victories on the water as well as significant academic success.
Shelagh has high hopes for the future. She has been working with the town and interested partners to offer a rowing program to high school students and the general public someday. Shelagh loves the fact that NRPA, the Town and the team all have the same goal: protecting and helping people enjoy Narrow River.
Richard Barker Grant
Since joining the NRPA Board of Directors in 1972, Richard Grant has been the driving force behind all of NRPA’s many fundraisers, increasing NRPA membership, engaging local sponsors, connecting with benefactors and cultivating relationships with other stakeholders.
Under Grant’s leadership, NRPA has become a resource for agencies and organizations who need information about Narrow River. Educational initiatives including What Lives in the River, NRPA’s osprey education program, Lesa Meng College Scholarships and Science Fair Awards have all been developed during Grant’s tenure as NRPA President. Always open to new ideas, Grant has welcomed these and other programs, including Art on the River, the Narrow River Turnaround Swim and the Pettaquamscutt Paddle.
W.E.R. La Farge
W.E.R. La Farge, poet, playwright, and environmentalist, was born in New York City on June 24, 1930. In 1978, he began to live year round at the River Farm, owned by his family since 1908. He passed away in 1994.
W.E.R. was a founding and active member of the Narrow River Preservation Association that, over the years has preserved so much of the river we all enjoy. W.E.R. believed in preserving watersheds, farmland and public access to recreational and scenic areas. He believed that we are all stewards of the land, inextricably bound to it and to each other.
