Friends of Piscataquog River Park

Welcome Friends of Piscataquog River Park!

Friends of Piscataquog River Park is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Discover, Connect, and Preserve

🌿 About Us: Welcome to the heart of community conservation! Friends of Piscataquog River Park is a passionate group dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Piscataquog River Park in West Manchester. Our mission is to create a thriving, sustainable environment that fosters community engagement and appreciation for our local ecosystem.

🤝 Get Involved: Ready to make a difference? Join us as we work together to protect and enhance Piscataquog River Park. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or someone looking to lend a helping hand, we welcome you to be a part of our community. Visit our Volunteer Hub to learn more about upcoming events and how you can get involved.

📆 Events Calendar: Explore the beauty of Piscataquog River Park by joining our exciting events and activities. Check out our interactive Events Calendar for details on clean-up days, educational programs, and community gatherings. Let’s make a positive impact together!

📰 Newsletter Central: Stay in the loop with our latest news and updates. Browse through our Newsletter Archive to catch up on past issues and subscribe to receive future editions directly to your inbox. Knowledge is power, and together we can share and learn more about our beloved park.

🌐 Explore the Park: Take a virtual stroll through Piscataquog River Park with our Park Information section. Discover the park’s rich history, explore its unique features, and learn why it holds a special place in our community’s heart.

📷 Photo Gallery: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Piscataquog River Park through our captivating Photo Gallery. See the impact of our collective efforts, share in our successes, and celebrate the natural wonders that make our park extraordinary.

📞 Connect with Us: Have questions or want to get involved? We’re here for you! Visit our Contact page to reach out directly or connect with us on social media. Let’s build a stronger, more vibrant community together.

Thank you for being a Friend of Piscataquog River Park. Together, we’re creating a legacy of conservation and community spirit.

Winter Invasive Species Removal Days 2025

Roundleaf bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine native to China, Japan, and Korea and was brought to this country in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant. It can grow up to 15 feet annually and quickly infest an area. Bittersweet is now considered a serious invasive species because it poses a significant threat to native plants by winding around tree branches, making them weaker, and weighing them down until they fall over. Unfortunately, we have this invasive species in our park. While we may never be able to eradicate it, our goal is to reduce its current footprint, free native trees from their winding vines, and prevent new areas from being infested. 

This winter, the Friends of Piscataquog River Park are hosting two work days to help reduce the impacts of bittersweet in our park: Saturday, February 15 and Saturday, March 29 from 10 am – 12 pm. We are looking for volunteers to help us cut and remove bittersweet vines. Sign up for one or both days!

This is a free event! A small training will be provided along with tools, gloves, coffee, and snacks. We encourage you to invite your family and friends, but please leave your furry friends at home since we’ll be using sharp tools. We will also be working off-trail and on uneven terrain. Come help us improve the park and make it a place for all to enjoy!

Tools, work gloves, and food will be provided, but please bring a water bottle, warm footwear and clothing to be outside and off-trail for a few hours, and hats, gloves, and sunglasses, depending on the weather.

All volunteers under 18 will need to be accompanied or have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Sign up on Nature Groupie at https://naturegroupie.org/experiences/piscataquog-river-park-invasive-species-removal-days-2025