| Our mission | Protecting, preserving and enhancing the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy and the law. |
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Charles River Watershed Association
| Ways to help | Canoeing for Clean WaterThrough the Charles River Watershed Association's Canoeing for Clean Water program, volunteers set out on the river in canoes and pull invasive water chestnuts for an extremely rewarding experience. Volunteers have a great time exploring the Charles while helping restore the river's natural ecosystems.Invasive Plant RemovalsAs a highly developed region, the Charles River Watershed is vulnerable to advanced invasive plant infestations. The destruction of native habitat makes us more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, making it essential to address this growing threat. Invasive plant species threaten our watershed's ecosystems by degrading water quality, reducing biodiversity, and minimizing flood storage capacity. CRWA has developed projects to monitor environmental changes brought on by invasive plant growth-- and ultimately-- address the underlying issues threatening the Charles River.Volunteer Monthly MonitorsOnce a month, more than eighty community scientist volunteers gather at multiple sites along the Charles River to collect water samples, record river conditions, and measure depth and temperature. Our data and analyses helps us study the health of the river and also assist municipalities, environmental agencies, and organizations who work to minimize stormwater impacts and reduce sewage contamination in the river.Clean Charles CrewAre you a young person (or young at heart) with a passion for the environment who works in the environmental, non-profit, legal or tech sectors in Greater Boston? If so, we need you for our Clean Charles Crew! The Crew is a space for discussion around the Charles River, climate change, and environmental issues. Clean Charles Crew members have exclusive opportunities to support CRWA’s work in a variety of ways, meet new people, and form new connections.River AmbassedorOur River Ambassador volunteer program is focused on creating environmental stewards who can help us raise awareness about local environmental issues through outreach and education. With 35 communities in the watershed and a small hard working staff of only 10 people, we need your help to broaden our reach! River Ambassadors represent CRWA at festivals, fairs, summer concerts, and more, where they speak to local residents about our mission, projects, and how people can help keep the Charles clean. |
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| How you help | CRWA's volunteers help us employ practical and sustainable solutions for protecting and restoring the Charles River and its watershed. |
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| About us | One of the country's oldest watershed organizations, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has figured prominently in major clean-up and watershed protection efforts, working with government officials and citizen groups from 35 Massachusetts watershed towns from Hopkinton to Boston. Initiatives over the last five decades have dramatically improved the quality of water in the watershed and fundamentally changed approaches to water resource management. |
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Boston officials close Jamaica Pond after finding toxic algae that can make people, pets sick https://www.masslive.com/boston/2022/05/boston-officials-close-jamaica-pond-after-finding-toxic-algae-that-can-make-people-pets-sick.html @masslivenews #HarmfulAlgalBloom
As climate change increases temps, local
initiatives & investments in neighborhoods with heat islands can keep residents cool, expand tree canopy coverage, increase shade locations, and make it easier to access and use green space and parks. #HeatPrep2022 @MAPCMetroBoston
Thank you AG Healey for going after the polluters that have poisoned our drinking water as well as 28 rivers in Massachusetts including the #CharlesRiver with toxic, carcinogenic #PFAS.
Manufacturers looked the other way as hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of PFAS-laced water contaminated our soil & drinking water — as toxic chemicals wreaked havoc on our communities.
I’m suing to make PFAS manufactures pay to clean up this mess, not our cities & towns. https://twitter.com/bostonglobe/status/1529477149631062016
THREAD: Do you think you're an expert on the Charles River?? Try out your river knowledge & join @CharlesRiverCRC tonight. You might even see us from @charlesriver there! 🌊
📝Are you prepared for tonight's #trivia with @CharlesRiverCRC? Let's see...
Planting #trees can make a big difference in neighborhoods with lots of pavement & fewer green spaces.
Trees can improve air quality, provide cooling shade on hot days, decrease costs to residents, & reduce the overall temps your community. #HeatPrep2022
@MAPCMetroBoston
