Expanding public access to the Neponset Watershed and River is an important way to share the beauty of the landscape and grow a coalition of stewards to protect the area.
Our most extensive work has been to increase access along the lower Neponset River and Estuary in Mattapan, Dorchester, Milton, and Quincy.
Neponset River Greenway Trail
In Boston and Milton, miles of the Neponset Greenway Trail have been constructed and are used by thousands. This multi-use, flat, paved trail is off road, and is perfect for families and all abilities. View photos of the Neponset Greenway construction.
Quincy RiverWalk Trail
The Watershed Association also opened the 2 mile long Quincy Riverwalk in September of 2014, after many years of negotiations with other Greenway advocates, local politicians, businesses, and land owners.
Expanding public access may take the form of:
- protecting undeveloped land on the water’s edge from development,
- building trails and walkways on public land,
- convincing developers to dedicate their waterfront to “public purposes” such as public walkways and boat launches,
- educating the public about opportunities for exploring the river watershed,
- restoring the water flow that has been greatly reduced by wasteful water use,
- and restoring boating passage by removing or modifying obsolete dams.
Learn more
Learn more by contacting Executive Director, Ian Cooke at 781-575-0354 x305 or cooke@neponset.org.