The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a series of free recreational clamming workshops this summer. The workshops, led by DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program, are opportunities for participants to learn how to dig for clams and the management strategies that have kept Rhode Island in the clamming industry for so long.

The workshops are a perfect for families to spend time together, and all equipment and materials will be provided.

“DEM’s clamming workshops are some of our most popular offerings to the public and once again we will be holding them in the East Bay, West Bay, and South County to make them as accessible as we can,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “Historically and culturally important, a staple of local food traditions, clamming brings families and friends together. That’s first and foremost. These workshops also remind us, however, that Rhode Island’s monumental, decades-long efforts to clean Narragansett Bay are paying off.”

DEM encourages people of all ages to participate. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Kimberly Sullivan at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
 
The following public workshops are scheduled:
 
Saturday, June 16 from 3 to 6 p.m.; Colt State Park, Bristol
Thursday, July 12 from noon to 3 p.m.; Rocky Point State Park, Warwick  
Friday, August 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Colt State Park, Bristol
Tuesday, August 14 from 3 to 6 p.m.; North Kingstown Town Beach, North Kingstown  
Monday, August 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.; Rocky Point State Park, Warwick
Saturday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Rocky Point State Park, Warwick