This five-part series explores the Pawcatuck River — its history, recreational uses and tendency to flood — from its beginnings in South Kingstown, R.I., to its stretch along the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island, to its ultimate destination, Little Narragansett Bay.

Part 1: Big Plans for the Pawcatuck

To re-establish fish migrations to the sea, Worden Pond, where the Pawcatuck begins, is being stocked with herring and shad.

Part 2: Kenyon to Carolina — 3.5 miles of water and human history on the Pawcatuck River

Kenyon Industries is the last mill still using the river for its operations. Downstream, at the historic mill village of Shannock, a new fish ladder stands beside the Horseshoe Falls dam. Further downstream are the partially restored ruins of the Carolina Co. mill.

Part 3: Carolina to the state line — the green heart of the Pawcatuck 

Establishing Wild and Scenic status for the river from the National Parks Service focuses here, home to canoes, kayaks and fishing holes.

Part 4: Flood-prone watershed is focus of nearly $1M project

Beyond Potter Hill dam, it’s an urban river shared by Connecticut and Rhode Island and two water treatment plants. Resiliency to flooding is the priority.

Part 5: The river's influence on the bay

Low oxygen and high bacteria levels plague the river on its way to Little Narragansett Bay. Shifting Sandy Point has been closing off the bay to tidal flushing.