Outdoors in RI: Christmas Trees for Trout – First Day Hikes – Archery Deer Season

Photo, top:  RIDEM

Turn Your Christmas Tree into Fish Habitat

Spruce up wildlife habitat this holiday season! For the eighth year, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) team up for “Trees for Trout,” recycling donated conifer trees to restore habitat for wild brook trout and other aquatic life. Drop off your trees Saturday, Jan. 10, between 10 AM – 3 PM at the Arcadia Check Station, Wood River Arcadia Management Area, 2224 Ten Rod Rd, Exeter.

Tree guidelines;

• Real trees only, no artificial or fire-retardant trees
• Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, and stands
• Only whole conifers (no trimmings)
• Trees over 5’ preferred
• Bulk drop-offs (5+ trees) must be arranged in advance with RI TU: rhodeislandtu@gmail.com

Launched by RI Trout Unlimited in 2018, the program uses donated Christmas trees to restore fish habitat. DEM and Trout Unlimited volunteers turn trees into “conifer revetments” that stabilize riverbanks, reduce erosion, trap sediment, and create shelter for aquatic life. The trees also help streams remain deep, healthier, and more fish-friendly year-round.

Never dump Christmas trees in waterways or on beaches – it’s illegal without permits. Learn proper disposal options at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s webpage here.

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Start the New Year Outdoors: First Day Hikes in Rhode Island and Nearby Massachusetts

Fresh air, scenic views, and an active start to 2026 await Rhode Islanders and visitors with First Day Hikes — a free, family-friendly way to kick off the new year with nature.

In Rhode Island, the state park system’s official offering is a First Day Hike at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, 1011 Pt. Judith Road in Narragansett – on Thursday, January 1, 2026 – 10am to 1pm

Participants can enjoy a ~1-mile self-guided loop with optional scenic side trails through wooded and coastal terrain. The route is suitable for all ages, including families with strollers, and leashed dogs (6 ft max) are welcome. Commemorative pins are available while supplies last, and a food truck offering refreshments is expected on site. Winter layers, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended. Massachusetts Government

For those willing to travel just over the border, Massachusetts also offers a regional First Day Hike experience on Cape Cod as part of First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2026, an annual collaborative celebration of outdoor recreation organized by local conservation partners:

• When: Thursday, January 1, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

• Where: Bryant Farm, Golf Shots Parking Lot, 123 Sandwich Rd, Wareham, MA

• Details: Hosted by the Wareham Land Trust, this guided hike explores peaceful forest paths at Bryant Farm, where hikers may see signs of winter wildlife along ~1-mile gently rolling terrain. Participants should dress in warm layers and bring water; the walk is free and open to all. Wareham

The Wareham hike is part of a larger First Day Hikes Cape Cod series that runs throughout the day across the region, featuring guided walks, nature experiences, and opportunities to explore coastal, woodland, and wetland landscapes on New Year’s Day. Barnstable Land Trust

Starting the year with an outdoor walk — whether near home in Rhode Island or on Cape Cod — is a healthy, low-cost way to enjoy nature with family and friends, shake off holiday indulgences, and set a positive tone for 2026. These events align with a nationwide tradition of First Day Hikes that began in Massachusetts in 1992 and spread across all 50 states.

What to Bring for a First Day Hike

Whether you’re heading to the coast in Rhode Island or into the woods of southeastern Massachusetts, a little preparation goes a long way on January 1.

Recommended basics:

• Warm layers (hat, gloves, insulated jacket)

• Sturdy footwear with good traction (some paths may be icy or muddy)

• Water (even in cold weather)

• Small backpack for hands-free walking

• Dog leash (6-foot max where permitted)

• Phone or camera for winter scenery

• Optional: trekking poles, hand warmers, binoculars for birdwatching

Families with young children may also want snacks, extra layers, and a stroller suitable for gravel or paved paths.

Weather Outlook: New Year’s Day

Early January hikes in southern New England are typically brisk but manageable, especially with sunshine and light winds.

Typical conditions for Jan. 1:

• Highs: upper 30s to low 40s

• Lows: upper 20s to low 30s

• Conditions: partly cloudy to mostly sunny is common; coastal areas may feel colder with a breeze

• Trail notes: shaded areas can hold ice; paved or gravel paths tend to be the safest

Coastal locations like Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground often feel cooler due to wind, while wooded inland routes such as Bryant Farm can feel calmer but colder under tree cover.

Participants are encouraged to check the final forecast the night before and dress in layers that can be adjusted while walking.

A Simple, Healthy Tradition

First Day Hikes are hosted by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and are designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and accessible.

For many Rhode Islanders, it’s an easy way to start the year moving — no resolutions required.

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RIDOH and DEM Conclude Cyanobacteria Monitoring for the 2025 Season

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have concluded cyanobacteria monitoring for the 2025 season and will resume monitoring in the spring. At this time, Scott Pond in Lincoln, Almy Pond in Newport, and the Roger Williams Park Ponds in Providence will remain under advisory due to continued visual evidence of blue-green algae.

HABs are generally less active as seasonal changes reduce light and temperature in the winter. However, the possibility of recurring blooms or toxins represent potential risks, even in iced-over conditions. Regardless of the season, the public is reminded to avoid contact with any body of water that is bright to dark green with thick, floating algal mats on the surface. The water may look like green paint, thick pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water.

To report suspected cyanobacteria blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen. For phone inquiries, please call 401-222-4700.

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Echo Lake Poised for New Life as Outdoor Recreation Destination

Tucked into the woods of Burrillville, Echo Lake — also known as the Pascoag Reservoir — is gaining fresh attention as a future hub for outdoor recreation in northern Rhode Island.

Once home to a longtime family campground, the surrounding property was acquired by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management after the campground closed several years ago. Since then, state officials and outdoor groups have been exploring new ways to open the land to the public while preserving its natural character.

Among the most talked-about plans is a proposed mountain biking trail system, being developed in partnership with New England Mountain Bike Association. The concept includes machine-built “flow trails” — designed with smooth curves and gradual elevation changes — which would be a first of their kind in Rhode Island if completed.

Echo Lake itself remains a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and quiet enjoyment of nature, offering a different pace from the state’s coastal destinations. Advocates say the combination of water access, forested land, and carefully planned trails could make the area a year-round outdoor destination for families, athletes, and nature lovers alike.

For Burrillville and the surrounding region, Echo Lake represents a hopeful example of how former private recreation land can be reimagined for broad public use — blending conservation, outdoor activity, and community access.

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Outdoor Recreation Grants for Local Communities

In 2025, the Governor and Department of Environmental Management announced $5 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants to help Rhode Island cities and towns develop and improve parks, trails, and recreation facilities across all 39 communities — a boost for increasing outdoor access statewide.

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Archery Deer Season Continues Through January in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s archery deer season remains open through January 31, giving hunters additional time to participate in one of the state’s longest-running and most regulated outdoor traditions.

Managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the extended archery season plays a key role in controlling deer populations, reducing vehicle collisions, and protecting forest health. Archery hunting is allowed in designated areas statewide, including some suburban and managed lands where other forms of hunting may be limited.

Unlike firearms seasons, archery hunting is generally quieter and more localized, making it compatible with other outdoor uses when safety rules are followed. DEM reminds hunters that all regulations — including land access permissions, tagging requirements, and zone restrictions — remain in effect throughout January.

For non-hunters, officials encourage awareness when using shared lands during the winter months. Wearing bright or fluorescent clothing while hiking or walking dogs on state land can improve visibility, even though archery equipment has a much shorter effective range than firearms.

Revenue from hunting licenses and permits directly supports wildlife conservation, habitat management, and public access programs across Rhode Island, helping maintain outdoor spaces used year-round by hunters, anglers, hikers, and families.

For many participants, January archery season is valued for its quieter woods, winter scenery, and deep connection to conservation-based hunting traditions that continue to shape Rhode Island’s outdoor heritage.