SPEND MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ON THE CHARLES

The Charles River, with its pastoral meanderings in the upper watershed to its splendid views of Boston and Cambridge, is a great place to be this Memorial Day. Read the recent Boston Globe article on a kayaker’s account of his paddle through the Charles River Lakes District.

CRWA’s Charles River Canoe and Kayak Guide is a must for anyone interested in exploring the Charles River. It’s packed with useful information including boats launches, paddling spots, and scenic opportunities along all 80 miles of the river. Read more about our Guide or purchase at the CRWA Store.

SPORTS COMPLEX ON RIVERFRONT PARKLAND?

CRWA fought to stop legislation passed in 2012 which authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to enter into a lease for the development of 7+ acres of Charles River parkland into a high intensity sports complex by Simmons College. The DCR Commissioner has promised a robust public process before signing any lease.

The project is undergoing state environmental review and comments are due May 24th. CRWA will comment extensively and work with others concerned with the disposition of public trust parklands.

Get involved

HELP PULL INVASIVE WATER CHESTNUTS

Charles River Watershed Association is partnering with Charles River Canoe & Kayak and CANOE (Citizens Alliance for NOxious weed Eradication) to remove invasive water chestnuts from the Newton and Waltham area of the Charles.

Volunteer hand pullers and a mechanical harvester will contain the water chestnuts and keep key channels open for recreation.

HERRING RETURN TO THE CHARLES

Blueback herring, alewives and American shad have been spotted near the BU bridge and the Watertown Dam as they leave the Atlantic Ocean and swim upstream to lay their eggs in the Charles River.

Interested in a good place to catch a glimpse of the herring on their journey? Try the Watertown Dam or the docks on the Charles River Esplanade.

CRWA WORKS WITH COMMUNITY TO PLANT VEGETABLE GARDEN

Next week CRWA and Chelsea Collaborative will work with residents of the Mace Apartments to create a community vegetable garden at the Mace Apartments in Chelsea.

This garden will be planted in conjunction with a project with the City of Chelsea, Chelsea Housing Authority and Chelsea Collaborative to provide environmental improvements for the apartments' parking lot at the end of Crescent Ave.

Upon completion, the project will treat stormwater runoff before discharging to the adjacent Mill Creek. Additionally, the project will add greenspace and beauty to the area and reduce impervious (paved over) areas.

For more information on this project, click here

IN THE NEWS