RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Back In The Boat: A Q&A with Lee Cole-Chu, Rower of the 2026 and Inaugural 1965 Head of the Charles Regatta
In 1965, at just 16 years old, Leeland “Lee” Cole-Chu competed in the first-ever Head of the Charles (HOCR). It was the same year CRWA was founded, and The Standells released their iconic song “Dirty Water”. Now, 61 years later, Lee returns to the Charles to compete in the world’s largest three-day regatta once again. We sat down with Lee ahead of the 2026 HOCR to learn more about his lifetime of rowing.
Letter to the Editor: Magazine Beach plan is problematic for the Charles River Watershed Association too. (Cambridge Somerville Independent)
We’re grateful to the Cambridge Somerville Independent for publishing our Letter to the Editor in response to MWRA’s recent proposal to take away Magazine Beach sports field for a stormwater tank.
Meet Our Fall Interns
We’re excited to welcome our fall 2026 cohort of interns at CRWA!
Welcome, New Staff!
We are pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members to our growing team.
Inaugural Clean Charles Convening November 19
We’re excited to announce the inaugural Clean Charles Convening, a free, interactive opportunity to hear from the scientists, resource managers, and advocates working to understand, protect, and improve the Charles River ecosystem.
CRWA Talks Sustainability with EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper
On September 29, CRWA’s Executive Director Emily Norton joined fellow environmental advocates and Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper and her leadership team for a discussion on the progress made toward a sustainable, healthy Commonwealth over the last few years and how we can collaborate to accomplish more in the future.
Snapshots from Across the Watershed
This month, we hosted eight free ‘Meet Your Watershed’ events, providing residents with opportunities to explore the Charles River and its watershed in new ways or deepen the relationship they already have.
9,700 Pounds of Water Chestnut Removed
Over the last three summers, CRWA has helped manage the invasive water chestnut (Trapa natans) presence in the Redwing Bay area of the Charles River in Dover and Needham. This summer, regrowth was severely reduced at the start of the season, allowing us to clear both coves completely after only the first few weeks.
Cheers to the Charles! Sunset Soirée
On September 22, we celebrated the friends and supporters who make our work possible while cruising through Boston Harbor at sunset.
September 22, 2026: Cyanobacteria Bloom Advisory Lifted!
On September 22, the Cyanobacteria Bloom Advisory in the Lower Basin of the Charles River, downstream of the Boston University Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences Building (aka “Jenga Tower”), was officially lifted.
Release: Charles River Watershed Association Announces New Staff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is pleased to announce the addition of several new staff members to its growing team.
Running for a Clean Charles
We are excited to announce that for the second year in a row, CRWA has been named an Official Charity Partner of the 131st Boston Marathon®, presented by Bank of America.
Letter to the Editor: Region's water supply needs our attention as we face a drier future (Boston Globe)
Thank you to the Boston Globe for highlighting drought and water management issues in Massachusetts and for publishing our letter to the editor on September 12.
"Cut The Crap" Water Advocates Rally for Sewage-Free Rivers (Boston Sun)
On September 8, we gathered with fellow clean water advocates on the banks of the Charles for a Cut The Crap rally demanding sewage-free rivers. We are grateful to the Boston Sun and other outlets for covering it.
Show up for clean water! Upcoming CSO Hearings
This fall, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the cities of Cambridge and Somerville are hosting three public hearings. We urge you to attend and share why you want sewage-free rivers. This is our last push to make our voices heard!
Release: “Cut The Crap”, Water Advocates Rally For Sewage-Free Rivers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Clean water advocates gathered on the Charles River Esplanade today for a rally demanding sewage-free rivers.
Watch Now: Cheesecake Brook Restoration Video
Since 2020, we have worked with the City of Newton to improve water quality, stormwater infiltration, and biodiversity at Cheesecake Brook. Check out this 2-minute video about the green infrastructure improvements made at the brook this summer.
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.