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 are key players in the ecosystem and also a vital source of cultural food for many local indigenous peoples. Join us for our annual celebration of fish migration to honor the herring with an afternoon of free, family fun!
Enjoy the spring weather, watch the fish migrate up the fish ladder, participate in a community art build, and eat from local food vendors! This year we also encourage you to bring a cotton t-shirt, tote bag or other clothes to make your very own print design!
Activities
Performances and a talk from the Wampanoag singers and dancers
Community art parade
Print your own clothes (Please bring cotton clothing to print on!)
Local food from farmers' market vendors
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. We encourage patrons to walk or bike to the event as parking may be limited.
Accessibility: This area is partially accessible with paved primary walking paths and some stalls being on uneven ground or packed earth.
LEARN MORE: 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. After years of study, it is finally time for DCR to make a decision about dam removal. We ask you to urge DCR to move forward with Removal.
To learn why removing defunct dams is critical to restoring the Charles, watch this video >>>