A FISH MIGRATION CELEBRATION!
Each spring, the Charles River becomes a vital spawning ground for diadromous fish species such as the Alewife, Blueback Herring, and American Shad. These fish, beyond their cultural significance, are key players in the ecosystem. Join us for our annual celebration of fish migration for an afternoon of free, family fun!
Enjoy the summer weather, watch the fish migrate up the fish ladder, and participate in a community art build! CRWA Senior Restoration Manager Lisa Kumpf will host dam tours for anyone interested in learning more about the Watertown Dam and the challenges it faces.
PLEASE NOTE: To enter the Festival space, please navigate to DCR’s Dealtry Memorial Pool Parking.
Fish migration is hindered by defunct dams, leading to a decline in their populations. The Watertown Dam removal project is a crucial step towards restoring their habitat and supporting biodiversity in the river. The 2016 inspection report deemed the Watertown Dam in "poor" condition. CRWA, in collaboration with the Department of Ecological Restoration, conducted the Watertown Dam Removal Feasibility Study, released in June 2021, demonstrating the urgency and feasibility of removing the dam and restoring the river.
To learn why removing defunct dams is critical to restoring the Charles, watch this video >>>