Our Mission
Westfield River Watershed Association (WRWA) is a volunteer-led non-profit, founded in 1952 to make the Westfield River Watershed in Massachusetts a better place in which to live, and to this end:
- to promote the restoration and conservation of the natural resources of the watershed
- to promote knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the river and its watershed
- to promote opportunities for responsible recreation on and around the river
- to promote and encourage an understanding among the citizens of the watershed of the need for such conservation
Where is the Westfield River?
The Westfield River drains the eastern slopes of the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, then joins the Connecticut River in Agawam. The river’s watershed consists of 516.5 square miles, entirely within the Commonwealth.
The watershed contains Massachusetts’ largest roadless wilderness area, the longest undammed section of river in the state, and is home to several endangered species. The river offers critical habitat for wildlife and waterfowl, and is one of the best cold water fisheries in the region.
The Westfield River Watershed is widely recognized as one of the highest priorities for biodiversity conservation in Southern New England and one of the healthiest tributaries to the Connecticut River. The watershed includes both urban and rural communities and provides scenic, historic, and natural resources as well as many opportunities for outdoor recreation.