RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Life in Cheesecake Brook
Earlier this month, we hosted a “BioBlitz” biological survey at Cheesecake Brook. We also joined the Native Fish Coalition (NFC) on a “fishing trip” at Cheesecake and were able to confirm that the brook can sustain aquatic life!
Charles River Watershed Reenters Significant Drought
It’s been just announced that most of the Charles River watershed is in a significant drought. But when we look at precipitation, we see that rainfall isn't far off the year-to-date average; in fact, statewide, 2025 has been rainier than average. In Boston, we are about 3 inches behind the cumulative average for this time of the year. So why are these typical variations from the average leaving us with completely dry riverbeds?
Canterbury Brook Restoration Kick Off (on wheels!)
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Chez Vous in Dorchester for rollerskating and pizza as we kicked off a long-term, community-driven vision plan for the restoration of Canterbury Brook and its surrounding land.
Welcome, Pradeep!
We are excited to welcome Pradeep Gwayali as CRWA’s Senior Finance and Operations Manager.
Dedham Strengthens Wetland Protections
The Town of Dedham’s Conservation Commission voted unanimously to strengthen local Wetlands Protection Rules & Regulations, the first revision of these protections since 2003!
It Ain’t Easy Being Green: Lower Basin Cyanobacteria Bloom
For the entirety of August, a cyanobacteria bloom in the lower basin has made it unsafe to recreate in the Charles downstream of Harvard Bridge. Become a visual monitor to help!
Charles River Watershed Association Removes Over 53,000 Pounds of Invasive Plants from Red Wing Bay (Press Release)
Twice a week throughout the summer, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) led hand–pulling efforts to remove invasive water chestnuts in Red Wing Bay of the Charles River. The organization held its last invasive pull of the season on Monday, August 18, and compiled its final count of invasive water chestnuts removed: 53,589 pounds!
ACTION ALERT: Speak Up Once More for Climate Adaptation Research in the Northeast
Once again, our partner is under attack. CRWA and thousands of others rely on NE CASC research to accurately respond to climate change, but their funding is frozen as Trump tries to reappropriate their $14M budget to unrelated projects.
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.
CRWA on Jim & Margery: "We need to be angry that we can't swim in the Charles River"
On Wednesday, August 20, Senior Stormwater Program Manager Max Rome was a guest on Boston Public Radio to discuss the water quality of the Charles River
CRWA’s Volunteer Monthly Monitoring Program Turns 30!
August is National Water Quality Month, and this year we are celebrating the anniversary of CRWA’s Volunteer Monthly Monitoring (VMM) Program.
Boston Takes On Dirty Stormwater — Sierra Club Magazine
A new Sierra article highlights the most significant challenge we’re experiencing regarding a clean Charles River: stormwater.
‘New initiatives aim to make Charles River and Mass. beaches more swimmable” —Read More in The Boston Globe
CRWA featured in a new Boston Globe article highlighting state-wide initiatives to increase waterbodies’ swimmability.
Stormwater Infiltration Basin Installed at Crafts St in Newton
Earlier this month, the City of Newton completed installation of a 50,000 cubic foot subsurface infiltration system along Cheesecake Brook at Crafts Street.
MA Appeals Court Defends Common-Sense Outdoor Watering Restrictions During Droughts (Press Release)
BOSTON, MA– The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a ruling today that will allow state regulators to continue limiting non-essential outdoor watering during periods of drought, a critical tool to protect rivers and streams from running dry.
Cyanobacteria Bloom Reported in Lower Basin of Charles River (Press Release)
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) this afternoon confirmed a significant cyanobacteria bloom in the lower basin of the Charles River and recommended a public health advisory.
Meet Your Watershed Rose Mallow Kayak Tour
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Rose Mallow Kayak Tour led by Boston University plant biologist Richard Primark!
Sick of Sewage in the Charles? It’s Time to Cut the Crap
Sick of sewage in the Charles River? Us too. Join us in telling officials to Cut The Crap. Sign our petition and send a pre-written message at cutthecrapcharles.org
Meet Your Watershed Plant Identification Walk in Dedham
On July 17, Russ Cohen led a walk in Dedham for community members to learn about local edible plant species found in the Charles River watershed.
Successful BioBlitz at Fuller Brook in Wellesley
On July 16, 2025, we hosted the first of two community science environmental surveys. How many observations do you think we logged?