As I am wrapping up my last week at NepRWA, I have been busy training NepRWA’s new Environmental Scientist, Chris Hirsch.  In between explaining the Citizens’ Water Monitoring Network (CWMN) and our Neponset Stormwater Partnership I have also been reflecting on my time at NepRWA.

Over the past two years, I have been lucky enough to work with a great group of staff, board members, and volunteers.  I feel like we have been able to accomplish a lot of good for the Neponset River in the past couple of years: two successful seasons of sampling 41 points on the watershed, six times per year; the start of the Neponset Stormwater Partnership; a “Soak up the Rain” campaign in Westwood; and successful grant applications for cleaning up stormwater in Dedham, Stoughton, and Milton.  I look forward to coming back to visit in the future and hearing all the great things that NepRWA will do!

I am so impressed by the work that NepRWA is able to complete, even with a small staff and limited resources.  The number of volunteers who return year after year and dedicate their time to protecting the Neponset River and its watershed land is truly an accomplishment.  The Neponset River is lucky to have so many friends, and I am grateful to be one of them.

Although I am moving away from the Neponset River, I know I will be back to visit some of my favorite places in the watershed: Pope John Paul II Park, Fowl Meadow, and Ponkapoag Pond.  Thank you to everyone who has worked to protect these places and will continue to do so.

Sarah Bounty, Environmental Engineer

April 2016