WESTPORT — Workers are putting the finishing touches on the new Westport River Watershed Alliance River Center. The Alliance will move in during the week of September 23.

“It has been a long process, but we are very enthusiastic about moving into our new headquarters. And, we look forward to welcoming all of our friends and supporters to see the newly renovated building,” said the Alliance in this week’s newsletter.

Highlights include:

• The building is very energy efficient, with high R value insulation, and LED lighting throughout. There will be solar panels on the roof which will provide over 90 percent of the electrical needs. Composting toilets are installed to minimize impact on river water quality. Much of the wood salvaged from the old attic has been put to new uses including wainscoting.

The first floor "public space" will feature aquariums with local species, and a special seahorse tank. Local artist Barbara Healy is painting the floor with a map of the Westport River watershed. There will be various audio-visual attractions throughout the year, as well as information and illustrations about the watershed and opportunities and challenges that we are addressing.

The final phase will be the grading and landscaping of the landing area, which is underway by a contractor hired by the Town of Westport and funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Seaport Economic Council.

Open house Saturday, Oct. 19

An Open House celebration 2ill be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1-3 p.m. The River Center is at 493 Old County Road in Westport.

The Alliance will be launching a volunteer docent program to welcome visitors to the River Center. Email outreach@wrwa.com if you are interested in volunteering.

“We are so grateful to all our generous donors, our general contractor Page Building Construction Company, DSK Architects and Planners, and the talented workers who have worked so hard all this year to bring us near to completion of this wonderful project! We are very close to our fundraising goal” and donations are welcome (visit the website for more).