SALT PONDS COALITION INC

Pond Watching Program: Water samples are collected in the RI coastal salt ponds on a bi-weekly basis from May through October at 28 sites across the six major salt ponds, including one on a nearby river. This work is done by approximately 35 volunteers. At the end of 2025, after another local non-profit disbanded we agreed to test two more sites on the aforementioned river which has a direct connection and greatly impacts one of the salt ponds. SPC test for a variety of indicators of waterbody health including bacteria, nutrients, temperature, and pH; and our samples are analyzed by a local quality-controlled lab. Results are made available to the public, including our membership which totals over 580 households, as well state agencies and local municipalities. Cost of analysis and staff time is included.

Education and Outreach: SPC works to connect people of all ages to their local environment and specifically the salt ponds by hosting field trips for local schools and other outreach activities. In Spring 2025, SPC hosted various age groups from pre-school up through middle-school students from multiple schools on pond-side outdoor activities as well as at a local nature center. Additionally, throughout the summer SPC worked with children at various summer camps providing outdoor educational programing, as well as our own free and open to the public Salt Pond Safaris which is a catch and release education program for geared to engage children and their families. Finally, we provide programming for adults as well in the form of paddle trips, bird walks, an art-focused program, and presentations from local experts in regards to salt pond issues and improvements, water-quality, and birding. In addition to these education programs, we hosted a beach clean-up, and had outreach tables at multiple farmer's markets, town-sponsored events, neighborhood meetings, and events hosted by our local indigenous tribe. All of our events last year reached out to over 750 people. Much of this work is completed with the help of volunteer retired educators. Additionally, we print and distribute education materials on our website, social media platforms, email blasts, and through printed media. Our distribution list for our emails alone is over 600 households and our social media channels have a combined 3,000+ followers.