Organized and led by Shannon Walker
I am a 4th generation Newporter, born and raised, failingly leaving for a short time at college before returning home to roost. As a lovingly referred-to "Native Newporter," I hold the history and stories of Newport dear and have seen the landscape change. I grew up with Easton's Pond as my front yard and have a deep love and appreciation for its history, preservation, access, and bounty of biodiversity. Having recently founded the Friends of Easton's Pond group, with some help I was able to get a resolution passed to bring transparency to present and future projects as they relate to the taxpayer funding Newporter's voted for in the November 2024 election. Professionally, I am a realtor with Hogan Associates Christie’s, a long time teacher of yoga, mom of teens, and obssesed with my Australian Shepard, Hanzo.
Easton's Pond; Past, Present & Future
Saturday May 3, 6:30pm-7:30pm
A tour at twilight by a "plate of fire" as the poet Mary Oliver wrote. With Spring in its glory and bloom, we watched the Great Blue Herons, Night Heron, and Egrets roost for the evening. Snapping turtles were beginning their mating season, and goslings and ducklings were in the moat. We began awhile before the sunsets, gathering at the entrance to the Pond at Braga Park, with an overview of the Pond's history in its natural state as an estuary, before it transitioned into a farm, a dump, and to its incorporation to Newport Public Water Works. Our walk guided us south towards the beach, to allow for conversation, and on our return home, lead into silent contemplation and appreciation. We came with a warm layer, a journal, and a friend!
Walk Reflections
Shannon first shared a brief history of Easton’s Pond, including her relationship to it having grown up there and still living there. She then invited us look for all kinds of animals and views as we took in the most beautiful sunset. We spotted many kinds of birds and snapping turtles while imagining the future of the Pond, knowing that changes were coming.
The biggest surprise: the peace the walk brought for the rest of the night.
