Canada Geese Problem Addressed at Upcoming Workshops

PORTSMOUTH, RI—They're fun to watch and a gaggle of geese in aerial formation make an unmistakable sound.

But the presence of Canada geese in Rhode Island is increasingly problematic for homeowners and wildlife officials, who must contend with their increasing populations that consume—and poop—at a worrying clip.

Geese can wreak havoc on local farms and are considered a significant source of nitrogen, which leeches into ponds and other bodies of water. Too much nitrogen can trigger algae blooms, killing fish and frogs and sickening swimmers and pets.

The problem has left some property owners wondering what to do.

Rhode Island's Conservation Districts can help.

In the coming weeks, a series of workshops will be held in Bristol, Jamestown and Portsmouth to show property owners what they can do to help address the problem.

The workshops are free and will include information about the state's resident Canada geese population, biology and behavior and the impact on the local environment and economy.

The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center in Bristol. It runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

The second will be in Jamestown at the Philomenian Library at 26 North Road. It runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30.

The final workshop will be held at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Funding for the project is provided by the state Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program of the Clean Water Act.

To register or for more information, contact Sara Churgin at schurgin.ericd@gmail.com.