Neponset Beetle Ranchers featured on Curious George! Wed., Feb. 22

Mark your calendar! On Wed., February 22, children's television show "Curious George" will feature young Neponset Beetle Ranchers in "Feeling Antsy." Check out the well-made short film that airs in the middle of the animated PBS cartoon show. Starting Feb. 8, search program times.

Conversations in the Meetinghouse: Will the Shad Run in Sharon, Again? Jan. 6, 2012

Neponset Watershed Association Executive Director Ian Cooke presented at the Unitarian Church of Sharon - How much do you know about your water and the health of local water waterways and wetlands? Where does the water come from? Where does it go to? What do we need to do to protect our water, to restore the Neponset River, and to minimize our contribution to the crisis in the oceans, globally?

Milton Lower Falls Geology Walk, Milton, Oct. 2011

Geologist Les Tyrala led a geology walk for the Neponset River Watershed Association along the lowermost reaches of the Neponset River. View photo's.

Neponset River Cleanup, Hyde Park, Sept. 2011

Just under 20 volunteers hauled from the Neponset River, at the B St. / Easton Ave. pedestrian bridge, dumped shopping carts, bikes, broken furniture and fallen logs. These items had been obstructing and endangering wildlife and river users. The Neponset River Watershed Association and City of Boston Conservation Commission organized this hands-on cleanup, and the MA Department of Conservation & Recreation picked-up and disposed of the debris we excavated. Many thanks to all who participated! View photo's.

Canoe the Neponset River! Milton, July 2011

We paddled the Neponset River through the lush woodlands and marsh of the Fowl Meadow, in the Neponset River Reservation. Along this calm ribbon of water, we spotted Silver maples, dragonflies, cottonwood trees, Trembling aspen, damselflies, viburnum, native dogwoods, alder, exotic, invasive buckthorn shrubs, native elderberry, American goldfinches, and we heard Yellow warblers, waxwings,  and more! Canoes, paddles and life-jackets were provided by the MA DCR. View photo's.

Meet the Neighbors: Who's in Our Wetlands? Milton, July 2011

Looking for frogs? Butterflies? Birds? We took a tour of the Fowl Meadow wetlands with Carly Rocklen, Restoration Manager at the Neponset River Watershed Association, to see critters - and learn about NepRWA & DCR-Blue Hills' effort to boost native biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat by releasing a beetle that helps control an exotic, invasive plant. This event was organized by Friends of the Blue Hills.

NepRWA Annual Meeting, Foxboro, June 2011

Invasive species pose a greater threat to our Commonwealth than ever! Attendees learned how to identify and help control two of the most aggressive invasive species found in Massachusetts, the Mile-a-Minute vine and the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB). Mile-a-Minute grows quickly and can cover large areas, including plants, trees, and structures. ALB causes high mortality among many hardwood species, including maple, birch and elm trees. It has the potential to devastate New England’s maple sugaring, tourism and forest product industries, and significantly damage our state forests, parks and street trees. Organized by The Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Neponset River Watershed Association. 

Press Conference, Canton, November 2010

Clean Water Action, a non-profit citizens group, announced that it has reached a settlement with a Walpole scrap metal facility. In addition to implementing best management practices to clean stormwater on their site, as mitigation of the alleged violations, the company will pay $25,000 to the Neponset River Watershed Association. There was a "big check" presentation, as well as comments from representatives of Clean Water Action, the Neponset River Watershed Association, and attorney Nora Chorover. Read the Press Release.

Neponset Estuary Cleanup a Success! Dorchester, July 2010

On Sunday, July 18, 2010, almost 30 volunteers - of all ages and from a a spread of Neponset Watershed communities - joined NepRWA to clean up the Neponset River Estuary in Dorchester. Over the course of a Sunday morning, we filled 32 large trash bags with litter (you name it, we found it - from an assortment of early 1900s glass containers, to more modern throw-aways like 100s of plastic, glass and styrofoam cups, bottles, and containers, yards and yards of nylon fishing wire and accompanying rusting metal hooks, discarded tires, random automobile pieces, a giant sewer pipe ring, a plastic cooler, plastic toys, frisbees, balls, a perfume bottle, cigarette boxes, and various metal scraps. To support the Commonwealth’s new Bottle Bill, volunteers sorted this trash, first removing the recyclables (for recycling!) and then extruding into separate piles the deposit vs. non-deposit bottles & cans. In total, we found more than twice as many (almost three times!) non-deposit containers versus deposit containers. Clearly, the deposit improves recycling! Learn more here. We’d like to thank our donors for their generous support: Radio Coffeehouse, Brueggers Bagels, The Currach, and Home Depot, and the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation for picking up and disposing of the trash we removed from the Estuary. Most of all, thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers. Your hard work, even in humid, sunny, 90+-degree weather, made it possible to clean up a beautiful and important Neponset landscape! View photo's.

NepRWA 2010 Annual Meeting, Canton, June

Friends of the Neponset River Watershed Association gathered for thoughtful discussion, delicious food & drink, the fun camaraderie of fellow Neponset environmental enthusiasts, and a thought-provoking presentation by Featured Speaker Curt Spalding, the newly appointed Regional Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England District and former long-time Executive Director of Save The Bay - Rhode Island. The Annual Meeting was held in Meditech's stunning indoor tropical garden. Learn more.

NepRWA 2009 Annual Meeting, Canton, June 2009

100 Friends of the Neponset came together for delicious food and great company as we explored the health of migratory fisheries in Massachusetts and the significance of the Neponset River to their future, with Featured Speaker Kristen Ferry. Ms. Ferry highlighted the restoration stories of some of the Commonwealth’s most recognizable migratory fish. Executive Director Ian Cooke discussed NepRWA’s current projects, a kayak and rain barrel were raffled off, and new Directors were voted to the NepRWA Board of Directors. Learn more.

NepRWA shows timely film "Liquid Assets," Dedham, May 2009

A special film screening with complimentary coffee and pastries. Water, essential for life, is sometimes taken for granted in this day and age. Magically appearing when we turn the tap, this critical compound is delivered through over 2 million miles of pipes in this nation, many of which have been underground for over 100 years. This PBS documentary explores the history, engineering challenges, and political and economic realities of the water cycle and our current delivery system. Learn fascinating facts and valuable lessons on how to best preserve this precious resource, and discover impacts on the local Neponset River. Sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association and generously hosted by the Dedham Community Theatre and State Rep. Paul McMurtry. Learn more.

NepRWA at Energy Fair, Westwood, May 2009

NepRWA hosted a table at this festival organized by the Westwood/Walpole League of Women Voters, with an array of environmental activities. Location: First Parish Church, Clapboardtree St., Westwood. See activities and times.

CAC Celebration! River Restoration & Proclamation, Milton, May 2009

Legislators, state and local officials and 20+ neighborhood groups signed new community-based recommendations for restoring the Neponset's herring and shad runs. 

NepRWA at Dedham/Westwood Green Fair, Dedham, May 2009

NepRWA tabled at this town-organized festival with an array of exciting environmental activities and displays by local organizations. Location: Dedham Middle School, 70 Whiting Ave., Dedham. Learn more.

NepRWA at Walpole Day! Walpole, May 2009

NepRWA tabled at this town-organized festival. The day began at noon with an old-fashioned parade including a grand marshal, marching bands, and fabulous floats all competing for a grand prize. After the parade, the festivities continued with a food court including local restaurants and caterers. Vendors and crafters displayed their wares. School and town groups had fundraising activities like face-painting, crafts, kids games, rides, and more. The music was performed by a Teen Band Showcase and other favorite rocking local groups. The day ended with a street dance and BBQ! Learn more: http://blackburnhall.org/Walpole_Day.html. Location: downtown Walpole.

Community Conversations at the Sharon Public Library, March 2009

The Sharon Public Library hosted an EqualAccess Program for town residents to learn more about the Town of Sharon Water Department, including the importance of water infrastructure for public health and the economy, complexity of the local water system, how watersheds are shared by local communities, implications of future development, and conservation. Guest speakers included Eric Hooper, DPW Superintendent, and Ian Cooke, Director of the the Neponset River Watershed Association. A 15-minute overview of the highly acclaimed documentary, "Liquid Assets, the Story of our Water Infrastructure" was shown, followed by discussion. See the event flyer.

Spring Walk through Fowl Meadow, March 2009

More than 20 people went for an early spring jaunt through the wetlands of Fowl Meadow, adjacent to the Neponset River. The Fowl Meadow Area of Critical Environmental Concern ("ACEC") is home to a wide array of wildlife and plant species. We walked along the Burma Rd. path, and learned about the history and natural history of the Fowl Meadow from DCR Assistant Forester Ale Echandi and ACEC Inland Coordinator Beth Suedmeyer. We also discussed the Purple loosestrife biological control project underway, with NepRWA Restoration Manager Carly Rocklen. This event was free and organized by the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). See the flyer.

Annual Neponset Spring Cycle, March 2009

Cycling and Neponset enthusiasts joined this bike ride along the Neponset River Greenway and learned about the Neponset River's history and its present from Board Members of the Neponset River Watershed Association, the Boston Natural Areas Network and MassBike. This 15-mile ride is a BNAN- and MassBike-organized spring tradition, and ended with tasty soup and bread at the Wakefield Estate in Milton, one of the event sponsors.

Authors & Artists: A Family Festival Overlooking the Neponset, September 2008

Families spilled onto the treed grounds of the Forbes House Museum in Milton on the sunny afternoon of Saturday, September 20, while the classic rock of local band Murphy’s Kitchen flowed over the rolling lawn and into the street, and children and parents bopped to the beats while engaged in arts and crafts activities. At this Fall Family Festival, families gathered around the NepRWA information booth for a demonstration of hydrology and the flow of pollutants through the watershed. Professor Wing-kai To gave a lecture on the history of Chinese-Americans in Boston, and local historian Anthony Sammarco led tours of the historic Milton neighborhood. The Forbes House Museum was open for touring, and Phyllis Forbes Kerr signed copies of her new book Cabin Boy. Local environmental advocate, naturalist, author, photographer and NepRWA Board Member Tom Palmer led a nature walk through adjacent Governor Hutchinson’s Field and down to the Neponset River, and DCR staff and NepRWA volunteers facilitated canoe rides along the river.

Sharon Energy & Water Fair! Sun., September 2008

Walpole River Cleanup, July 2008

Friends of the Neponset cleaned-up a section of the Neponset River in Walpole, where it intersects with curvy Plimpton St. The trash we removed from the river corridor was kindly picked-up by the Walpole Dept. of Public Works, and Dunkin Donuts provided the volunteers with snacks. See pictures from this event!.

NepRWA Annual Meeting 2008 with Featured Speaker Tom Wessels, June 2008

More than 100 people gathered for a lively discussion at the river's edge with educator and author Tom Wessels. We delved into current thinking on economic success, examining it in terms of its sustainability, effects on natural resources, and comparison with the ideals of the USA's early residents. A kayak from Eastern Mountain Sports-Canton was raffled off, a rowdy water conservation quiz was run - with prizes donated by generous local arts and recreational institutions, new Board members were voted in, and Ian Cooke gave an overview of NepRWA's current and future projects. Thank you to all for your support of this once-a-year Neponset Watershed celebration! Learn more.

Bio Blitz, Canton, May 2008

While exploring the new Signal Hill Reservation in Canton, attendees recorded all of the plant and animal species they saw, with the help of local naturalists. See the list of species observed in the May 17 Bio Blitz @ Signal Hill, Canton Wildlife & Plant Blog Entry.  Event pictures (thank you to Wendy Ingram, Paul Lauenstein and Ed Bristol!):  1) Bio Blitz site; 2) Boston on the horizon,  2) Examining species by the Neponset River; 3) Neponset River; 4) Considering Groundcover; 5) Identifying species by the stone wall: 1 &  2; 6) Distinguishing species. This event was hosted by the Neponset River Watershed Association and The Trustees of Reservations. Thank you to NepRWA Members Paul Lauenstein and Wendy Ingram for organizing this event.

Earth Day Ride, April 2008

See pictures from this bike ride along the Neponset River! MassBike organized this bike ride along the Burma Road dirt path in the Fowl Meadow wetland, to the Bridge to Nowhere, then along beautiful Elm St. in Canton, ending with views to the City from the Signal Hill Trustees of Reservations property!  This event was cosponsored by MassBike - Metro Boston Chapter, Boston Natural Areas Network and NepRWA. Contact Doug at dmink@cfa.harvard.edu to learn more about future bike rides.

NepRWA Open House, February 2008

Thanks to the generosity of Orchard Cove Hebrew SeniorLife, NepRWA held its annual Open House in the well-appointed Orchard Cove Ballroom. 45 people attended and learned what the Neponset River Watershed Association is all about. Discussion about projects and environmental issues ensued, bouncing back and forth between attendees and NepRWA staff. Ways to get involved with NepRWA were also discussed.  

Neponset River Cleanup, October 2007

River Art Fall Family Festival, September 2007

On a blue-skied, early fall afternoon, festival-goers explored the natural and cultural history of the Neponset River Watershed on the scenic grounds of the Forbes House Museum in Milton, in adjacent Governor Hutchinson's Field, in the deciduous woods bordering the Neponset Estuary, and in the brackish waters of the Estuary itself! Visitors perused the skillful work of artisans and fine artists, accompanied naturalist Tom Palmer (NepRWA Board Member, President of the Friends of the Blue Hills, photographer and author) on a guided nature tour overlooking the Neponset Estuary, toured the historic rooms of the Forbes House Museum, participated in canoe rides on the Estuary, introduced children to nature- and craft activities, listened to live music by Murphy's Kitchen and watched plein air art demonstrations. View River Art pictures.

River & Ocean Management Challenges: Introducing the Work of The Rushing Rivers Institute, July 2007

One-quarter of all species endangered worldwide are in freshwater. They are disappearing five times faster than those on land, and at a faster pace than that of the great animal extinctions of our planet's past. The mission of the Rushing Rivers Institute is to prevent further destruction of our powerful and beautiful riverscapes by raising public awareness and providing modern technologies from river scientists to resource managers and conservationists. Protecting rivers protects the sea. Location: New England Foundation for the Arts, 145 Tremont St., Boston, MA. (Top floor, overlooking the Common.) Light refreshments served. Sponsored by The MA Ocean Coalition and the Ocean River Institute, along with The CT River Watershed Council, the Ipswich River Watershed Council, the Jones River Watershed Council, They Mystic River Watershed Council, The Neponset River Watershed Association, the River Management Society, and Trout Unlimited. Learn more at www.rushingrivers.org. RSVPs requested; please respond to Lauren Goldrich, lgoldrich@rushingrivers.org or 413-537-4667.

NepRWA's 40th Anniversary Celebration! Canton, June 2007 

More than 100 NepRWA Friends celebrated NepRWA's 40th Anniversary during a festive Annual Meeting at the modern, light-filled Reebok Headquarters complex in Canton. We enjoyed 2 featured presentations, awards, a raffle, and hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Highlighting the evening were two featured speakers, noted local historian Anthony Sammarco and Chief of Environmental and Energy Services for Boston, Jim Hunt. Read more about it. View pictures!

Great Parks Pursuit @ Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, May 2007

Thank you to all who participated in the NepRWA-led exploration of benthic macroinvertebrates at this exciting DCR-hosted event. Visitors participated in a variety of family-oriented activities organized by organizations from throughout the area. The Great Parks Pursuit continues to take place throughout a number of state parks across MA, through June 23. This is a great opportunity to get to know our state's parks! For details, visit www.mass.gov/dcr.

Quincy Shore Cleanup, Quincy, April's Earth Day Weekend 2007

Friends of NepRWA and the Quincy Environmental Network (QEN) joined together for a spring cleanup of the Neponset River shoreline along Commander Shea Blvd., between the MBTA bridge and Boston Scientific, in Quincy.

Canton Earth Day Fair 2007, Canton, April's Earth Day Weekend 2007

Thanks for visiting the NepRWA booth! 100s of Fair-goers celebrated the natural world while browsing displays on alternative-fueled cars, backyard composting, community supported agriculture, home chemical use, hybrid cars, the Neponset River Watershed, recycling, and solar energy! People visited live animal exhibits, participated in nature walks and enjoyed live music. Jack Clarke of Mass Audubon gave a featured presentation on global warming and wildlife. This event was organized by the Canton Interfaith Clergy Association, with the participation of Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, Blake Planetarium of Plymouth, Burke, Inc., Friends of the Blue Hills, MassAudubon, MASS Bike, Mass. DEP, NepRWA, Solar Systems, Inc., and South Shore Science Center, among other organizations. Learn more: visit www.cantonearthday.org.

NepRWA Open House, February 2007

Attendees learned about NepRWA's current projects, from advocacy for dam removal to local water conservation, septic system maintenance to the restoration of wetlands and shorelines, water testing to volunteer and internship opportunities. Mini-presentations were made by NepRWA staff, including Ian Cooke, NepRWA Executive Director; Steve Pearlman, Advocacy Director; Carly Rocklen, Outreach Director/Restoration Manager; Laura Hallowell, CWMN Assistant/Willett Pond Manager; Bill Guenther, Environmental Scientist; and Kristina LaFrance, Administrative Assistant. A variety of handouts were available in addition to NepRWA T-shirts, totebags, notecards and memberships!