RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
A Look At Last Spring’s Herring Run
Each spring, thousands of migratory fish return to the Charles River to spawn from the ocean. 2026 marked the third year of CRWA’s fish monitoring program, a vital volunteer initiative that helps us understand migratory fish populations and patterns in the Charles River. The numbers are in; it’s time to take a look at the 2026 herring run!
CRWA in the News: Gov. Healey joins conservation advocates at Hammond Pond rally for Question 6 (Fig City News)
Thank you, Fig City News, for featuring CRWA in a recent article on the August 30 Nature 4 MA Rally.
Welcome, José!
We’re excited to welcome José Eguigure as CRWA’s first-ever Director of Donor Engagement.
Cyanobacteria Advisory in Lower Basin Expands
On August 28, the Dept. of Public Health expanded the warning area to more areas upstream of the original limit of the bloom on the 21st. The current bloom impacts all points downstream of the Boston University Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences Building (aka "Jenga Tower") to the mouth of the Charles.
Legislative Update
The 2025-2026 legislative session is still going (unlike past years when it would have ended July 31), and there are two key bills we are focused on.
Release: Cyanobacteria Bloom in Lower Basin of Charles River
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommended a public health advisory due to a significant cyanobacteria bloom in the Lower Basin of the Charles River downstream of the Harvard Bridge (a.k.a. Mass Ave Bridge).
CRWA Discusses Conservation with US Rep Pressley
CRWA Climate Resilience Engagement Associate Joanna Argudo and summer intern Shivangi Basu attended an Urban Farmers and Environmental Stewards Convening with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources on August 13th at the Everett Community Growers’ Tremont Street Community Garden.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $750K to Charles River Watershed
We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for awarding ECO One Stop funds to support climate resilience and restoration projects across the watershed!
Rapidly Spreading Aquatic Invasive: What To Know
There have been multiple reports of dense growths of aquatic plants along the shoreline and inside docks in the Charles River Lower Basin, including in Sunset Bay and from the Cambridge Boat Club to the Head of the Charles finish line. CRWA has been in contact with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which has identified the plant as Najas minor or “brittle naiad.”
Good News! July Showers Bring Drought Improvements
We’re happy to announce that after above-average rainfall in July, drought conditions have improved from the previous Level 3, “Critical Drought”, classification to Level 2-Significant Drought.
Young Professional Board Hosts Sunset Social
Raise a glass for restored rivers! Thank you to the 150 river lovers who joined us for CRWA Young Professionals Board’s first Sunset Social on July 30.
Release: Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $100K to Restore Rivers and Wetlands Across Greater Boston
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2026
BOSTON, MA – Charles River Watershed Association and Neponset River Watershed Association will receive a $101,305 grant to establish the Metro Boston Partnership and advance watershed-scale ecological restoration and climate resilience projects across the 428-sq-mi Charles and Neponset River watersheds.
Phosphorus in the Charles River
After a year of more consistent sampling for phosphorus at four sites on the mainstem of the Charles – in Waltham, Wellesley, Dover, and Medway–we have preliminary results to share.
An Update on South Natick Dam
Dam removal is underway in South Natick! This update comes four years after the Natick Select Board voted in favor of removing the spillway and restoring the river back in 2022. Last week, water levels in the impoundment were drawn down in anticipation of spillway removal, which is expected to begin on July 16th. Water levels are being lowered through the use of the sluice gates, which have been opened to allow for draining.
Cheesecake Brook Meadow Maintenance Day
On June 17, following the Cheesecake Brook Public Meeting, a Meadow Maintenance training was held by CRWA staff, guided by Eric Highers, Environmental Engineer for the City of Newton; and Ahron Lerman, Newton’s Director of Parks and Open Space.
Thanks for joining us! Second Boston Green Infrastructure and Climate Social
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second Boston Green Infrastructure and Climate Social on June 1.
Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Big Storm? New Digital Tool Maps Local Flood Risks
Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Big Storm? New Digital Tool Maps Local Flood Risks
Explore Godfrey Brook!
On Friday, June 26th, CRWA published a comprehensive StoryMap highlighting the history, current conditions, and future restoration opportunities along Godfrey Brook in Milford.
Welcome, Summer Interns
Meet the interns of CRWA's summer 2026 cohort!
What’s happening at Cheesecake Brook?
On Wednesday, June 17th, CRWA hosted a public meeting highlighting our work along Cheesecake Brook. As a part of the larger Cheesecake Brook Community Celebration, Newton residents were invited into an informative presentation detailing the lifespan of the 2-year project and its significance for the Charles River and its watershed.