Heavy rains and flooding are now common events in our region. As a coastal area already coping with rising sea levels, the challenge of stormwater management adds another layer of complexity. What solutions are available and how can we, as a community, keep limit the damage from inland and coastal flooding?
We’ve invited a panel of experts to examine the issue of stormwater management from many perspectives. Join us on Monday, April 7, at 7 pm at the Barrington Public Library in the Salem Family Auditorium for a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. The panel will be moderated by Cindy Elder, Executive Director of the Land Trust.
Meet the Panel
Michelle West
Michelle West, P.E. is a Senior Associate with Horsley Witten Group. She has more than 20 years of professional experience with watershed planning, green stormwater designs, natural resource restoration, and public outreach. With a background in both engineering and natural resources, she is passionate about using her skills to restore the natural world while improving the human experience.
Brandon Blanchard
Brandon Blanchard is a Vice President and Civil Engineer with Pare Corporation, based in Lincoln, RI. He has been with Pare for 22 years and leads water, wastewater, and stormwater projects within the firm’s Environmental Engineering division. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Rhode Island as well as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Brandon has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University and a M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Brandon resides in Barrington with his wife and two kids.
Rebecca Reeves
Rebecca Reeves is the Education and Outreach Manager with the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC)/Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Working in collaboration with the SIC’s many partner organizations, she is responsible for professional training and event coordination, school programming, and community outreach.
Sara Sampieri Horvet
Sara Sampieri Horvet is a Research Associate and the Analytical Laboratory Manager of the Coastal Systems Program at the UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology. Her research focuses on water quality and the effects of nutrient enrichment on estuaries and freshwater ponds. Sara has been involved in numerous stormwater management projects across Southeastern Massachusetts. She also serves on the board of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust and volunteers with the Barrington Terrapin Conservation Project. Sara is dedicated to protecting and restoring natural habitats so her children and future generations can enjoy the same beautiful places.
Herb Durfee
Herb Durfee is Barrington’s Director of Planning, Building & Resilience. A native of Vermont, he has held several positions in municipal government, including town planner, community development, and town manager. Before joining Barrington’s town government in 2024, he served as the town planner for Warren, RI.