RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
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.
Introducing the Watershed Restoration Plan
CRWA’s River Restoration team has developed a watershed-wide restoration plan that identifies and prioritizes opportunities to improve aquatic connectivity.
Watch it Now: Reconnecting Rivers
We’re excited to announce the public release of Reconnecting Rivers, a short film exploring dam removal efforts in the Charles River watershed and beyond to restore ecosystem health, wildlife habitat, and Indigenous sovereignty.
Partner Spotlight: X-Cel Conservation Corps
We want to take a moment to congratulate our partner, X-Cel Conservation Corps, on the release of its very impressive 2025 Program Report.
Governor Healey Launches Nation-Leading Biodiversity Initiative
Earlier this month, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a nation-leading 25-year biodiversity initiative that will help restore rivers, forests, and habitats across the state.
Mid-Season Water Chestnut Removal Update
Two months into the invasive removal season, and our canoe-based efforts to remove water chestnut, focused on Red Wing Bay in Needham/Dover, have been extremely successful. So far, we’ve removed 35,297 pounds of invasive water chestnuts from the Charles River (1,680 baskets) thanks to the help of our incredible volunteers!
Herring Migration and Festival Coming to Charles River — Waltham Times
“The number of herring making the annual run is an indicator of whether the river is running as it should. To help determine that, the Charles River Watershed Association will work with volunteers to monitor the migration.”"
Looking forward to big changes for Cheesecake Brook!
Last week, CRWA Senior Stormwater Program Manager Max Rome met with staff from the City of Newton, Weston & Sampson, and R.A.D. Sports for a pre-construction meeting on improvements to Albemarle field and along Cheesecake Brook. He has exciting news about what to expect in the coming year:
Muddy River: The Heart of Fenway Webinars — Key Takeaways
In collaboration with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy (ENC) and the Consensus Building Institute (CBI), CRWA hosted two fall webinars about the iconic Muddy River.
Invasives Removal Community Update
CRWA co-hosts the second-annual invasives species community update at the Cambridge Boat House!
CRWA Applauds Healey-Driscoll Administration for $5.6 Million for Defunct Dam Removal–Including $250K for Natick!
Charles River Watershed Association applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for expediting $5.6 million in state funding to protect communities from the hazards of catastrophic dam failure. This includes $250K for the Town of Natick to advance the removal of the Charles River Dam in South Natick.
Aquatic Invasives Treatment is Underway!
American Rivers Calls for Dam Removal!
National organization American Rivers has joined with Charles River Watershed Association and fifteen other state and local partners to call for the swift removal of Watertown Dam to restore the river.
Dams & Migratory Fish
Thank you to all who attended our webinar about dam removal & river restoration in the Charles River watershed! In case you missed it, watch the full recording.
All About Daylighting & Restoring Streams
Thank you to all who attended our webinar about stream restoration in the Charles River watershed!
Connecting with Community at Wrentham’s Eagle Dam
What a fantastic turnout at our Eagle Dam site walk in Wrentham!
CRWA Accelerates Work to Restore the Charles River
Charles River Watershed Association is pleased to announce the organization will accelerate its work to restore the Charles River watershed, thanks in part to a recent $1M anonymous grant.
Dam Removal Moment
More Support for Dam Removal! Read letters from Watertown City Council, Watertown Con. Com, Waltham Con. Com., Weston Con. Com, and Dedham Sustainibility Committee!
Consider the Culverts
Planting trees, conserving water, transitioning to renewable energy…and culverts? When we talk about climate solutions, culverts are rarely at the top of anyone's list.
As Governor Baker put it, culverts "are not sexy" and "don't generate a heck of a lot of votes.”
But, these little-known, often overlooked features of our built environment can actually play a huge role in our watershed’s resilience to climate change.
Natick Select Board Votes for Dam Removal & River Restoration!
We are so pleased to report that Natick Select Board voted 4-1 in favor of dam removal and restoration of a free-flowing Charles River for future generations.