MyRWA Receives Excellence in Capturing Local Knowledge Award

At the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's (MAPC's) Data Day on January 27th, MyRWA's Executive Director was awarded the Excellence in Capturing Local Knowledge award.

Below is the description of the award:

Excellence in Capturing Local Knowledge
EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Mystic River Watershed Association
As the Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association, EkOngKar (“Ek”) Khalsa oversees the organization’s mission to protect and restore the Mystic River, which includes a wide range of public outreach, scientific monitoring and research, and policy advocacy. Facing a lack of hard data about water quality in the river, Khalsa and his staff launched the Mystic Monitoring Network in 2000. Through this program, a team of trained volunteer citizen scientists collect data on a range of water quality indicators at locations throughout the Mystic River watershed. This data has enabled the group to produce baseline reports tracking water quality in the river across a 10-year period. Made available though printed reports and innovative online maps, this project combines scientific rigor with local knowledge and participation to protect public health and guide restoration of an important natural resource.

Thank you MAPC!

MAPC and Northeastern assisted in the development of a poster about MyRWA's Baseline Monitoring Program. See a video of MyRWA's Beth MacBlane describing the Program below.

Bicycle Tour Announced for Herring Run and Paddle

HERRING RUN BICYCLE TOUR OF THE MYSTIC BASIN TRAIL NETWORK

The Mystic Basin has a large and growing network of trails that provide exciting opportunities for recreation, bird watching and bicycle commuting in a dramatic urban setting.

Join us to explore by bicycle the hidden wilds and developing trail network in this segment of the Mystic River just a stones throw from Boston. Enjoy an approximately 8-mile relaxed pace group ride that will be mostly off-road. Departing from the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse at 11:15 a.m., the ride will take about one and one half hours. Bring your own bike; helmet required. Co-sponsored by Bike to the Sea.

We will first head west along the Mystic River following the paddling race then cross over the river and loop back east following the DCR path system to the developing trail connection behind the Wellington Train station. From Wellington station we’ll cross over the Malden River and head north exploring the recently built Everett section of the Northern Strand Community Trail.  We will then return to the Boat House via Rt.28 and if time permits explore the trail system near Assembly Square and Draw 7 Park.

There is a $10 donation to MyRWA to register for the ride. If you register by May 1^st a t-shirt is included. The Mystic River Watershed Urban Trail Map and Guide will be available for purchase for $5, highlighting much of the bicycle tour route.

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012, departing at 11:15am

Where: DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville, MA

What: 8-mile recreational bicycle tour of Mystic River trails. Bring your own bike and helmet.

Cost: $10 donation to MyRWA, register by May 1^st for your complimentary T-shirt.

Seeking Two Water Quality Monitoring Interns for Summer 2012

The Mystic River Watershed Association seeks two Water Quality Interns to assist in a water quality monitoring program from June through early September. Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. Among these efforts MyRWA characterizes water quality problems in the Mystic River Watershed, informing stakeholder efforts to reduce pollutant inputs and thereby improve water quality.

Water Quality Interns will gather data on Cyanobacteria populations and key water quality parameters from approximately ten water bodies to safeguard the public health of residents who live in the watershed. The data is shared with all interested stakeholders including the public, municipalities, Department of Public Health and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Interns will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently and as a team. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of two days a week during the Monday through Friday work week that are agreed upon between the two interns. Primary duties include monitoring local water bodies, collecting water samples (training provided), analysis of samples and data entry. Additional duties may include assessment of habitat for anadromous fish. Interns will learn about the scientific tools applied to monitor water quality and the efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements based on this information.

An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged. Having reliable transportation is preferred and mileage will be reimbursed.

Candidates must be 16 years of age or older.

Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. These are unpaid positions.

The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please send your resume to WQInternship@MysticRiver.org. No phone calls please.

Flatbread Pizza Fundraiser Set For March 13

On Tuesday, March 13 head to Flatbread Pizza at Sacco's Bowl Haven in Davis Square for a MyRWA fundraiser. That’s right, the more flatbread you eat the more money will be raised to support the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) and our efforts to protect and restore the Mystic River Watershed!

Eat at or get take-out from Flatbread Pizza, 45 Day Street, Somerville, between 5pm and 11pm and a portion of your flatbread will automatically be donated to MyRWA.

We'll have a RAFFLE as well!

Enjoy bowling at 2 lanes from 5-9pm!

Reservations are accepted for groups of 10 or more.

RSVP to this event on Facebook.

Download the flyer here.

Polar Plunge Kicks Off 40th Anniversary

Over 55 people attended the first-ever Mystic Polar Plunge, held at Constitution Beach in East Boston on Saturday, January 28th, 2012. 21 people braved the icy waters on the mild winter day to kickoff MyRWA's 40th Anniversary year - a year to celebrate and promote the recreational opportunities of the Mystic as well as the water quality testing and environmental policy efforts that MyRWA has led over its forty year history.

Read news coverage of the event here:

Polar Plunge: 21 people dive into Mystic River for 40th anniversary, Somerville News

Polar plunge in Mystic reinvigorates watershed association, Boston. com

Q&A: Somerville environmentalist takes a 'plunge' into the Mystic, WickedLocal Somerville

Annual Mystic Winter Bird Walk Announced

Annual Mystic Winter Birding Walk with Friends of the Mystic River and the Menotomy Bird Club

Saturday, February 4, 2012,  10:00 a.m. - Noon
 
Take a two-hour trip along the Mystic Lakes and Upper Mystic River to discover what birds can be found in the middle of winter. Each year hundreds of birds winter on and around the Mystic River and Lakes, as long as open water is available. We'll be looking for raptors, such as a possible eagle or Red-tailed Hawk; waterfowl, including Common and Hooded Mergansers; and much more.
  
Dress appropriately for the weather. (In very cold weather, this means in layers with hat or cap, gloves, water resistant boots with tread.) Meet on Saturday, February 4 at 10 a.m. in front of West Medford Congregational Church at 400 High Street (Route 60), Medford. Canceled in case of rain or icy conditions; will go in snow as long as parking is open at the Mystic Lakes. Bring a birding field guide and binoculars if possible; there will be car pooling and limited walking. Co-sponsored with the Menotomy Bird Club.

For more info call Paul Roberts at 781-483-4263 or email phawk254@comcast.net or mystic02155@hotmail.com

http://www.fomr.org/  

6 Mystic communities receive a total of $2.9 million for park upgrades

According to the Boston Globe article (1/19/2012) the following Mystic River Watershed communities will receive grant monies derived from two initiatives of the state’s energy and environment department:

•  Chelsea -- Washington Park Redevelopment Project — $500,000 for the introduction of active recreation opportunities to the site, additional seating and gathering areas throughout the park, a linear trellis, additional plantings, new walking paths, retaining wall repairs, lighting, an irrigation system and the addition of 4,500 square feet of open space.

• Medford -- Hormel Stadium Athletic Field - $500,000 for the installation of new, high quality and well-draining soils, storm water management systems, high performance synthetic turf system and field markings.
• Revere -- Gibson Park Renovation Project — $140,000 for the addition of two new tennis courts, resurfacing of two existing courts, addition of an ADA accessible ramp from the parking lot, installation of ADA compliant sidewalks, replacement of fencing around tennis courts, replacement of a baseball backstop and the addition of a half basketball court.
• Somerville -- 15-25 Cross Street East Park Construction — $500,000 for the development of a new park that will include a social gathering space, play structures for older and younger children, a water play feature and a half-court basketball court.
• Woburn -- Whispering Hill Woods — $500,000 for the development of a new park that includes a multi-purpose natural turf field, a parking area and the restoration of an existing garage into a storage facility.
• Everett -- Glendale Park Renovation — $500,000 for the installation of a new synthetic field, athletic and pedestrian lights, irrigation and drainage systems, benches and trees, the rehabilitation of the walking paths, reconstruction of the entrance and tot lot.
• Everett — Northern Strand Community Trail -- $235,000 for the production of design and construction documents for the trail from the Malden line to Route 16 in Everett and a conceptual plan for the remainder of the path to the Everett-Chelsea line.

MYRWA BUILDS RAIN GARDENS IN ARLINGTON AND EVERETT

MyRWA is working with the Town of Arlington, City of Everett and local community groups to design and build one to two rain gardens in each city. Community involvement is key to the success of these gardens - please plan on attending the next Community Meeting!

Arlington

• Community Meeting #1 - Tuesday, January 17th at 7pm, Robbins Library community room, 700 Mass. Ave. (Introduction to the rain garden project & what is a rain garden?) FLYER here.

Everett

• Community Meeting #1 - Date to be determined

The goal of this work is to restore water quality and habitat by raising awareness of stormwater and implementing rain garden structures. Rain gardens reduce stormwater runoff which carries significant levels of pollutants into the river system including nutrients. The rain gardens that will be built in this program will contribute to the reduction of pollutant loads from two sources - impervious surface runoff and failing sewage/stormwater infrastructure. The high percentage of impervious cover allows fertilizers, pet waste, and vehicle detritus to be picked up by rainwater and quickly transported to the river. In the case of failing infrastructure, a significant amount of rainwater is leaking from the surface into the sewer system causing the sewer system to overflow and introduce pollution to the Mystic River or other bodies of water. The rain gardens will allow rain water to be directed to areas that will permit the rainwater to infiltrate into the ground. The infiltrated water thus will not flush pollutants toward the river nor enter the sewer system at capacity.

Funding for this project courtesy of National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's 5 Star Restoration Program.

Polar Plunge Scheduled for Sat. January 28

Start the new year with a splash!

MyRWA invites you to the first-ever Polar Plunge, featuring Association staff, volunteers and others to be recruited, to dive into the Mystic River as the kickoff for MyRWA's 40th Anniversary year - a year to celebrate and promote the recreational opportunities of the Mystic as well as the water quality testing and environmental policy efforts that MyRWA has led over its forty year history. Come take the plunge or to spectate. Hot drinks will be served. Shoes are required.

This event is at your own risk.

Please PRE-REGISTER here (recommended). 

January 28, 2012 - Polar Plunge in the Mystic!
1:00PM at Constitution Beach, Coleridge Street, East Boston *Updated 1/19/12

Make your end of year donation today!

Support your watershed association with a tax-deductible end of year donation today. MyRWA works hard to document and improve environmental conditions for the 76 square mile Mystic River Watershed - but we can't do it without your help! A donation of any size is greatly appreciated.

Now is a great time to donate through PayPal or Network For Good.

Benefit and Celebration Performance - Save the Silver Maple Forest

A benefit concert will take place on February 4th, 2012 to celebrate the Belmont Uplands Silver Maple Forest in Belmont and to help raise funds to preserve the threatened Massachusetts small river floodplain forest in Cambridge, Belmont, and adjacent to Arlington, for community health and well being.

Event Details:

Saturday, February 4, 2011 - 7:30 pm
First Parish Arlington
Unitarian Universalist Church
630 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA
corner of Pleasant Street, Arlington Center
Get your TICKETS and find out more here.

Featuring The Jim Scott Ensemble
Former Winter Consort guitarist, composer Jim Scott
Jose Piensacola, bass and Mark Kohler, percussion

Special Guests Jazzman Extraordinaire Stan Strickland, sax, flute
Celebrated Songwriter Rev. Fred Small
Native American Flautist Elke Johns

Tickets are $20 at the door, children under 12 are free, students $10.

Proceeds will be used by the Coalition to Preserve the Belmont Uplands.

Sponsored by: Coalition to Preserve Belmont Uplands, Cambridge Climate Emergency Group, Green Cambridge, The Friends of the Alewife Reservation, Arlington Land Trust, Belmont Land Trust, Sustainable Belmont, Sustainable Arlington, First Parish Green Sanctuary, GreenPort Cambridge, Mystic River Watershed Association.

 

Save the Date for Work of 1,000 film

Please join us!

MyRWA is screening "The Work of 1,000" on March 22, 2012 at the Capitol Theater in Arlington. We will be joined by Marion Stoddart to hear about her journey in cleaning up the Nashua River first hand.

Work of 1,000 is a documentary about the parallel journey of two characters, one a young woman discouraged at her future as a suburban housewife, the other a river - once beautiful and teeming with wildlife - now a hopeless, toxic sludge pit.

Chronicling an important episode in U.S. environmental history, this inspirational story examines the human side of acclaimed environmental pioneer Marion Stoddart.

Marion Stoddart proved that with vision and commitment, an "ordinary" person can accomplish extraordinary things. This film will reveal the secrets of her success and her methods for inspiring change.

Learn how Marion's story can be used here in the Mystic River Watershed!

Get your tickets today - suggested $10 donation to help cover the costs of this event.

For more information click here.

Use GoodShop to raise funds for MyRWA!

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Malden River “Design Forum” 12/14/11

Taken from Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. press release:

On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, the Malden River will be the subject of a free public “design forum” at the Malden Public Library, located at 36 Salem Street.  Students from the Boston Architectural College (BAC) will present their designs for improvements to the Malden River corridor.  Malden Youth who worked at Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP) during the summer to study the Malden River will also be on hand to share their design work.  Representatives from the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) will display information about how these innovative designs fit into the larger context of the Mystic River Watershed, of which the Malden River is a part.

The informal “gallery-style” event will run from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the original wing of the Malden Public Library.  Attendees should enter the library from the Salem Street entrance, and the handicapped-accessible Park Street main entrance will be open, as well.

BAC students and professors will be present to discuss their work from 5:00 - 6:30 PM.  Professors from the BAC and the youth from Tri-CAP will make brief remarks to frame and explain their design projects at 5:30 PM.   Light refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Malden Redevelopment Authority.  

Throughout the semester, the students from the Boston Architectural College were asked to consider the culture, social structure, history, and natural systems surrounding the Malden River and speculate on a proposal to tie the river back into the fabric of the community.  The students have responded to this charge with a wide range of potential projects that seek to reinvigorate the relationship of the river and the community.

The Malden youth from Tri-CAP spent the summer learning about the Malden River and stormwater pollution, a major cause of impairment to the Malden River.  This project was part of Tri-CAP’s Mystic River Watershed Environmental Justice Initiative and was funded in part through the City of Malden’s Summer Youth Employment Program.  The youth’s work included conducting stormwater surveys of neighborhoods in Malden, developing potential redesigns that could improve stormwater runoff at three sites in Malden, building a green infrastructure installation (i.e. rain garden and rain barrel system) that will improve stormwater runoff at a house owned by Tri-CAP, and creating potential new public engagement opportunities for the Malden River.

Those interested in attending can RSVP to ncohen@tri-cap.org or (781) 322-4125 X237, but an RSVP is not required to attend. 

History Research Assistant Sought

Research Assistant Internship
(Deadline for application: Dec 31, 2011)

Internship period: January 15 – June 1, 2012

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2012. As part of this effort, MyRWA is gathering information about the history of the Mystic River Watershed in both written and oral form. The goal of this work is to collect information to be included in a guide to the Mystic River, which may be an electronic and/or written guide. MyRWA is seeking a research assistant for this initiative, which would include performing research on local history (cultural and ecological) as well as conducting interviews. The intern would be responsible for identifying and contacting people and organizations with knowledge of the river, other key sources including town historical societies, museums (e.g. Middlesex Canal), birding groups, fishing people and groups, etc.

The intern will be supervised by MyRWA staff member Beth MacBlane and Professor Rick Beinecke of the Suffolk University Institute for Public Service.

Candidates must be 16 years of age or older. The candidate must be able to work independently.

Exact dates and hours can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply please send your resume to beth@mysticriver.org.

About MyRWA:
The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is an environmental non-profit that works to protect and restore the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands. MyRWA has three water quality monitoring programs, a policy committee to address permits and developments within the 76 square mile watershed, and an active outreach committee that plans events and works to engage the public in our work.

For more information please visit www.mysticriver.org.

Herring Monitoring Internship Available for Spring 2012

Herring Monitoring Internship
(Deadline for application: Dec 15, 2011)

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a Herring Monitoring Intern to assist in a scientific study on habitat and river herring populations from January 15 through June 1.

The Herring Monitoring Intern will assist in the implementation of a new volunteer Herring Monitoring Program that will gather data on one of the most significant spawning runs for river herring in Massachusetts. The program is designed to collect the presence, absence and temporal data that yields needed information on population size and health. Primary duties include herring monitoring at the Mystic Lakes Dam in Medford, collecting water samples (training provided) from shore and canoe, analysis of samples, data entry and interaction with the volunteer monitors. The intern may also develop education and outreach materials for the program and organize and recruit volunteers to monitor the stream sites.

Interns will learn about the scientific tools applied to monitor water quality and the efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements based on this information. The intern will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently and as a team. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of two days a week during the Monday through Friday work week.

An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged.
Having reliable transportation is preferred and mileage will be reimbursed.
Candidates must be 16 years of age or older.
Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

 Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please send your resume to HMInternship@MysticRiver.org. No phone calls please.

For more information about the Mystic River Watershed Association please see www.mysticriver.org.

Somerville's Blueback Herring River Route

Follow these signs along the Blueback Herring River RouteIn 2009, the City of Somerville was awarded funding from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to develop the Blueback Herring River Route. Partnering organizations included the Mystic River Watershed Association, Groundwork Somerville, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Somerville Arts Council.

The Blueback Herring River Route serves to link people from the popular public park, Foss Park, and the Mystic River at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse. Despite their proximity - about a half mile - few residents take advantage of the Mystic River as a valuable source of recreation and relaxation. The Blueback Herring River Route aims to increase community knowledge and useage of the Mystic River.

The walking route is marked with signage placed on existing light and signage poles as seen to the right. Kiosks at Foss Park and the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse will designate the route as well. This easily recognizable design scheme can be used to further develop River Routes in other parts of the Mystic River Watershed.

Healey School children enjoy the walk to the river in Nov. 2011

The Mystic River Watershed Association is thrilled to be a partnering organization for the Blueback Herring River Route!

2012 Calendars for Sale!

2012 MyRWA Calendars for sale!Give a local gift to enjoy all year long! This spiral-bound full size calendar was created from the winning photographs of the 2011 Photo Contest.

To purchase: $16 (includes shipping and handling). Payable in person at the MyRWA offices with cash or check, by mail or online through Network for Good or PayPal (please add “calendar” to the notes section). Checks are payable to “MyRWA”. Estimated shipping date is December 12^th.

List of Supplemental Environmental Projects Now Available

MyRWA is working to assemble a list of Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) that may fulfill needs by corporations, institutions or community organizations required to or who wish to fund projects to restore environmental conditions in the Mystic River Watershed. These projects may serve as SEPs for State or Federal environmental regulations.

Submit your project and learn more here.

Help MyRWA Celebrate!

MyRWA’s turning 40! In anticipation of MyRWA’s 40^th anniversary in 2012, MyRWA is planning a series of fun events to celebrate. Event planners, volunteer coordinators, local fans and activists are encouraged to get involved in the planning! We have much to undertake and many great ideas about how to celebrate 40 years of dedication to our local rivers. You can play an important role in the future of MyRWA and we hope you get involved today!

Contact Beth@MysticRiver.org or call Beth at 781-316-3438 for more information.