The Westport Summer Passport 2017 is an adventure that will take you to six of the most beautiful and interesting local spots. It is a free self-guided family-friendly activity that runs through July and August. All walks are less than 1.5 miles and cover flat ground or short moderate or steep inclines. You will visit:

• Brookside Conservation Area, 1013 American Legion Highway (north Westport)
• Forge Pond Conservation Area, 214 Forge Rd. (north Westport)
• Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Rd. (central Westport)
• Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station, 214 East Beach Rd. (south Westport)
• Mill Pond Conservation Area, 62 Reed Rd. (Head of Westport)
• Noquochoke Conservation Area, 421 Pine Hill Rd. (central Westport)

Westport Summer Passport is a partnership of the Westport Historical Society, The Westport Land Conservation Trust, the Westport Fishermen’s Association, and the Westport Education Foundation.

To download the passport go to http://westportlandtrust.org/westport_summer_passport/

Despite the intermittent rain, we had a great turnout at the WFA’s 13th annual “Run for the Water” with over 140 participants coming from ten states. In fact, a woman flew in from Michigan the night before to compete specifically in the 10K. She is doing a race in all 50 states this year and picked the WFA’s event because it supported a good cause. Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the WFA’s scholarship program and support our advocacy efforts.

This year we swapped out the 8K course for a 10K distance and Matt Moussamih from Swansea won it in 40:22. Lauren Galiardi of Cumberland, RI was the women’s winner,  coming in at 46:59. Top finishers in the 5K Fun Run were Dan Murphy of Westport and Katie Knapp from Brooklyn, NY.  Complete results can be found HERE.

Be sure to check out the Winter 2017 newsletter, which features a report on the results of this summer’s salt marsh study. The six  marsh sites that were evaluated show an alarming 46% decline in total area since 1934.

Advocacy updates, the latest new catch and photos from the clambake and boat show are also featured, along with columns from Cap’n Cukie and WFA President Jack Reynolds.

Bill and Susan Barker have generously donated an 11’6’’ Beverly Sailing Dinghy to the WFA in support of our efforts to protect the Westport River and its marine habitat.

• This roomy and well balanced sailing dinghy with a simple rig and ample flotation for safety is a popular all-round sailboat. The boat for sale was designed by Sidney DeW. Herreshoff and built in 2005.  When new the price was $4900.
• Length 11′ 6″
  • Beam 4′ 6″
• Depth 1′ 7″
• Weight with sail 207 lbs

We are accepting bids through the winter. Please send inquiries and offers to [email protected].

View from the HPLSS out to Gooseberry and some of the Elizabeth Islands

What a beautiful fall season we have been having! The Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station is still open through December on Wednesday afternoons from 12 to 4 PM. Come on down to 241 East Beach Rd. in Westport, MA to check out our little piece of maritime history and then enjoy the spectacular view over to the Elizabeth Islands. Don’t forget to stop in at the Visitor Center next door to view more historical artifacts and the latest information on our advocacy projects. Check out our merchandise: WFA branded T-Shirts (short and long sleeve) and fleece jackets and hoodies make great gifts and they are all on sale – 30% off! Take a break and come visit the HPLSS.

WFA Merchandise on sale at the HPLSS.