(802) 763-7733 info@whiteriverpartnership.org PO Box 705, South Royalton, VT 05068

Upcoming events

Sunday, September 20 at 10am: End-of-season river cleanup

The WRP is seeking interested volunteers to help us “Sweep the White” by removing trash from the White River following another busy recreation season.

Meet at the Royalton Academy Building at 10am (4266 VT Rte 14, Royalton village) to sign a waiver, grab trash bags, and head out to cleanup sites on foot or by car. Free t-shirts and snacks provided.

For more information about getting involved, contact christian@whiteriverpartnership.org.

Stay posted: WRP social media

The WRP posts information about on-the-ground watershed improvement projects, events, and volunteer opportunities on Facebook and Instagram. We invite you to “Like” or “Follow” us in order to stay posted on our work to improve the long-term health of the White River and its watershed.

Stay posted: WRP e-newsletter

The WRP distributes a regular electronic newsletter to share information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, project updates, and more. We invite you to sign-up to receive our e-newsletter by completing the form on the right-hand side of this webpage.

Support us: Get involved

The WRP depends on volunteers and stewards to accomplish much of our important work. Follow this link to learn more about opportunities to get involved and to help improve the health of the White River!

Support us: Make a donation

The WRP depends on contributions of time and money to support our on-the-ground work to improve the White River. Please support our good work by making a donation today!

Select the “Donate” button on the right-hand side of this page to donate via credit card or PayPal.

Or print and return our WRP Membership Form with a check.

Contact us: For more information

Please contact us for more information about our projects, upcoming events, or other ways to get involved!

2026 Trout in the Classroom education program

About the White River TIC program

TheĀ Greater Upper Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GUVTU) and WRP work together to coordinate a White River Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program each year. TIC is a national program, coordinated in Vermont by VINS.

The White River TIC program is open to any school in the White River valley (see White River valley map here) via a registration process each September.

TIC calendar

The TIC program runs annually from October through June. Key dates include:

  • October: WRP drops-off (new participants) or inventories (returning participants) TIC equipment
  • November: VINS leads an in-person training for all participants
  • December: Teachers and students set-up their TIC equipment and supplies
  • January: WRP and GUVTU drop-off 100 brook trout eggs to each TIC aquarium
  • January – May: Teachers and students maintain a healthy ecosystem for brook trout
  • May – June: Teachers and students release brook trout in a state-approved stream
  • June: Teachers clean/store equipment and share data

Follow this link for the full TIC calendar.

White River valley TIC liaison

The WRP serves as the primary TIC liaison for participating teachers in White River valley schools. Roles include:

  • Providing FREE TIC equipment via the WRP Lending Library
  • Coordinating purchase and distribution of annual TIC supplies (see more info below)
  • Delivering brook trout eggs
  • Connecting teachers with support resources as needed
  • Assisting with brook trout release as needed
  • Conducting year-end inventory and storage of WRP Lending Library equipment

Please contact WRP Executive Director Mary Russ for more information: maryATwhiteriverpartnership.org

TIC equipment & supplies

The TIC equipment (tank, chiller, filter, etc) will be part of a Lending Library managed by the WRP and can remain at the school as long as the school intends to participate.

We ask that each participating White River valley school commits to providing annual funding support – approximately $100/year – to cover the cost of TIC supplies (see TIC supplies list here).

For returning schools, the WRP will purchase the annual TIC supplies on your behalf and deliver the supplies along with an invoice.

Interested in learning more?

TIC is a national program – visit the Trout Unlimited TIC website to learn more! Or contact Mary to learn more about the White River TIC program: maryATwhiteriverpartnership.org.

2026 Freshwater Snorkeling education program

News

We are pleased to welcome 375 students and teachers from 13 White River valley schools to our Freshwater Snorkeling program on September 8-18, 2026! For general information about the program, scroll down to the “2026 overview” section below.

All registered participants need to bring two completed forms:

And please note these key communication reminders:

  • Weather cancellations – We will communicate about a weather cancellation by noon on the day before your scheduled program.
  • Emergency contact – There is no cell service at the Snorkeling site, but there is direct radio communication with the Rochester Ranger Station front desk. The Ranger Station phone number is 802-767-4261.

2026 overview

The US Forest Service and White River Partnership are pleased to host our Freshwater Snorkeling school education program again this fall.

Here are the program highlights:

WHEN: Weekdays, September 8-18, from approximately 9am-2pm; program is weather-dependent (see weather decision matrix here)
WHO: up to 50 students/day, grades 4-6, from White River valley schools (see White River valley map here)
WHERE: West Branch Restoration Site on the Green Mountain National Forest (2924 Brandon Mountain Road, Rochester, VT)
WHAT: explore the impact of land use on water quality and biodiversity through hands-on snorkeling and waterbug collection activities; utilize the accompanying curriculum before or after the event (optional)
HOW: all participants must sign a waiver and photo permission form; equipment provided to snorkel and to collect waterbugs; porta-potties and changing tents available; dress to get wet, including close-toed water shoes if possible; bring your own lunch, towel, and change of clothes

For more information

Registration is closed for the 2026 Snorkeling program. Please contact WRP Executive Director Mary Russ for more information: maryATwhiteriverpartnership.org