Lynne Hamjian, US EPA, and EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, MyRWAThe Mystic River Watershed received a grade of "D" for water quality conditions for the calendar year 2011 as part of the US EPA's annual Mystic River Report Card. The announcement was made at the 2012 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle held at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The grade is based on bacterial contamination, and the monitoring data is collected by MyRWA’s trained water quality monitors as part of the Baseline Monitoring Program. This grade indicates that water quality met swimming standards only 46 percent of the time, while boating standards were met 87 percent of the time.
“This year’s grade shows that persistent impairment of water quality caused by ancient sewer and stormwater systems continues to bedevil the Mystic River Watershed,” said EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association. “These water quality problems will be severely compounded by the increased flooding and larger numbers of severe storm cycles that are anticipated to occur as a result of New England’s changing climate. Fortunately the solutions to the problems we face are well understood and implementation of these solutions will produce honest work and good jobs for local residents. The Mystic River Watershed Association, through its Monitoring Network, is working to develop a clear understanding of the watershed’s current physical and environmental conditions. This understanding will insure that precious financial and human resources engaged to restore our area infrastructure and the local natural environment will be deployed effectively.”
Please join MyRWA on Wednesday, June 13 for a Citizen Scientist Training Workshop!
This Workshop allows interested volunteers to learn about water quality monitoring methods and concepts. By completing this workshop, you’ll be prepared to join MyRWA’s Baseline Monitoring Program. The Baseline Monitoring Program requires a monthly commitment between 6am and 8am. No experience is necessary - all are welcome!
You have to register for this event.
When: Wednesday, June 13th, 6:00PM – 8:00PM Where: Mystic Learning Center, 530 Mystic Ave., Somerville, MA
Space is limited! Please register today by emailing Beth@Mysticriver.org or call 781-316-3438.
5K racers are ready to go!Over 400 people headed to the banks of the Mystic for a beautiful day on the river. For race results and photos click here. The 16th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle was held on Sunday, May 20 at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. Events included a 5K road race, a 3-,9-, and 12-mile paddling race, a bicycle tour, and a play by youth from Somerville's Wild Tales program. The US EPA presented the 2011 Mystic River Report Card at 10am. Thanks to all who came out to support MyRWA and a healthy Mystic!
Organizations throughout the Mystic River Watershed came together to organize Earth Day related events on Saturday, April 21st and 28th, including clean-ups, trail clearings, and plantings. This successful day allowed many volunteers to help revitalize their communities - thanks to all who participated!
Event Details:
Malden
75 volunteers helped clean-up the Malden River Walk, Plaza 188 riverfront trail, and Northern Strand Community Trail areas along the Malden River on both Canal Street and Commercial Street in Malden. In total, the volunteers in the area removed more than 100 bags of trash, brush, and other debris from the area. A group of Malden Youth from the Wah Lum Kung Fu Center and Youth A.C.T. also painted wayfinding signs at the entrance to the Plaza 188 Trail and planted native shrubs at the entrances to the Plaza 188 riverfront trail and Northern Strand Community Trail. At the end of the event, the Malden Department of Public Works disposed of the trash, enough to fill 4 dump trucks. The event was organized by Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP), Bike to the Sea, Groundwork Somerville, and Cambridge Health.
Medford
Medford's Earth Day Celebration and Medford Square Cleanup
Medford's Green Awards 2012Mayor McGlynn and members of the Medford Energy Committee attended the Earth Day celebration and Medford Square Cleanup on Saturday April 28th. At the event the Mayor announced the creation of the Green Awards program which is being co-sponsored by the Medford Energy Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. The Green Awards is a program to recognize businesses (non-profits included) and residents who have implemented energy efficient and environmentally friendly initiatives. The application can be found at www.medford.org/greenawards. We are accepting applications until June 29, 2012. If you have any questions contact Carey Duques 781-393-2137 or cduques@medford.org.
Medford Clean UpThe Medford Square Cleanup was a huge success. Over 100 in attendance, including about 85 volunteers that participated in the cleanup, picking up trash and debris from various places around the Square, and planting the flowers in the large pots located along Riverside Avenue. Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts & Fitness Center had a large presence at the cleanup with over 30 students and parents helping with activities throughout the morning. Community service projects are a large part of Xtreme Ninja's curriculum and core values and students are taught the importance of giving back selflessly. One of the areas that was cleaned up was a municipal parking lot located off of Salem Street in Medford Square. The group filled approximately 10 bags with trash and debris that was removed from the lot.
Friends of the Mystic River CleanupFriends of the Mystic River held its 17th Annual Mystic River Spring Cleanup on April 28. Seventy volunteers, ranging in age from Boy and Girl Scouts to senior citizens, picked up trash at Mystic Riverbend Park, MacDonald Park, the Condon Shell Park, and adjacent to the river along Mystic Valley Parkway and Auburn Street in Medford.
Somerville
Groundwork Somerville's Earth Day Farm RaisingIn Somerville, over 50 volunteers including Mayor Joe Curtatone turned out to help Groundwork Somerville and Green City Growers build Somerville's first farm. The Groundwork Somerville Green Team built 13 raised beds, and volunteers filled them with soil and planted melons, lettuce and 12 other vegetables. The group also removed invasives species and prepared existing soil for perennials to be planted later in the month. The Green Team will be maintaining the farm throughout the summer and fall, and the public is welcome anytime to visit this unique site.
MyRWA and Gentle Giant Rowing Club had over 50 volunteers remove trash from the banks of the Mystic River at Assembly Row. A special thanks to Somerville's Boy Scout Troop #3 and MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. View MyRWA's photos here.
"WHEN FISH RUN: The Story of a Small Fry" is an original play (with music) written by children from the Mystic Learning Center in Somerville. It will be performed at the MyRWA's Annual Herring Run and Paddle to celebrate the return of the alewife and blueback herring fish to the Mystic River and Lakes. The show will be performed on SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse.
The play is about a small herring, named Alberto, who misses the annual herring migration to the ocean because of a terrible storm that separates him from his friends. In order to survive, he is forced to become part of the evil Bass King's gang. (Note: Bass eat herring!) When the herring return in the spring to the Mystic River, they think that Alberto has betrayed them by joining the Bass Gang. Alberto thinks he was left behind because he wasn't strong enough to make the migration. Both are very wrong! And when it becomes apparent that the Bass King's evil ways threaten all of the Mystic, Alberto and his best friend, Beatriz, journey beyond the giant fish ladder to seek advice from a wise creature that no one has seen for over 200 years! Come find out how Alberto and Beatriz save the Mystic River in "WHEN FISH RUN: The Story of a Small Fry."
"WHEN FISH RUN: The Story of a Small Fry" was produced by Wild Tales with a grant from the Somerville Arts Council. Wild Tales is a free program for all children ages 6 - 12 that teaches youth about urban ecology through creative play.
Karen McGuire (EPA), Patrick Herron, Curt Spalding (EPA Region 1 Administrator)Patrick Herron, MyRWA’s Water Quality Monitoring Director, received a 2012 Environmental Merit Award from the Environmental Protection Agency New England Region 1. Under Patrick’s guidance MyRWA put new attention on Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) as a major source of pollution in the watershed, launched the Herring Monitoring Program, and provided leadership on the water chestnut removal project to name a few accomplishments. Congratulations Patrick! Read the US EPA press release here.
Patrick Herron, Water Quality Monitoring Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association, has improved the lives of more than a half million residents living in Mystic River communities. The Mystic Monitoring Network, which uses volunteers to gather data, has been integral to the association's work for more than a decade. Patrick, a dedicated scientist, has used data collected through the network to raise awareness about discharges that pollute the Mystic River and other resources in its watershed. He drew attention to the problem of sanitary sewer overflows in the watershed because he believed that rain and snow were causing contamination of the river and neighboring waters. With help from university interns and dedicated volunteer monitors, Patrick monitored and calculated the impact of discharges on river ecology and water chemistry. He created an online sewer overflow reporting form that made data collected easily available. This information helped the association inform citizens and helped local officials identify overflow points. His conversations with local water and sewer officials influenced the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to study the pipe system and facilities in the Mystic River district to determine if they could prevent ongoing overflows. Patrick also created a Mystic River Herring Monitoring Network to be launched this spring, and advocated for installation of green infrastructure in the Mystic River Watershed. He has partnered with local officials, community organizations, environmental advocacy groups and a variety of academic partners in the watershed. Through these collaborations, he has brought hope and direction for the concerns of residents and decision-makers in the Mystic River watershed.
Patrick Herron, MyRWA’s Water Quality Monitoring Director, will receive the 2012 Environmental Merit Award from the Environmental Protection Agency New England Region 1. The award will be presented at Faneuil Hall on April 25 at a ceremony held from 1-3pm. Curt Spalding, US EPA Regional Administrator, will be at the program to greet all the honorees. Under Patrick’s guidance MyRWA put new attention on Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) as a major source of pollution in the watershed, launched the Herring Monitoring Program, and provided leadership on the water chestnut removal project to name a few accomplishments. All are welcome to attend.
Herring as seen from the viewing platform at the Mystic Lakes Dam, 4/18/12.MyRWA staff and volunteer Herring Monitors will be present to allow visitors access to the fish ladder at the newly renovated MA DCR Upper Mystic Lake Dam to (hopefully) see the migrating herring! Come learn about the incredible journey this fish makes. MyRWA staff will also have the American Eel monitoring box open for viewing. Free and open to the public. Drop by anytime during the time indicated.
Mystic Lakes Dam Open Houses Thursday, April 26, 3-7pm Sunday, May 20, 12-3pm Thursday, May 24, 3-7pm Upper Mystic Lake Dam, Medford (Head to the dam between the upper and lower Mystic Lake)
Magnolia WarblerEver wondered what birds are in the Mystic River Watershed?
On Saturday, May 5th from 8am to 10am MyRWA Board Member Michael Fager will lead a bird walk in DCR Torbert MacDonald Park, paying special attention to migrating birds. Please join us! All levels of birders are welcomed. Bring your own binoculars and a bird book if you have them. Please wear comfortable shoes. Meet in the parking lot.
Join MyRWA for the monthly Committee Meeting, from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday, April 3rd, for a special presentation. The interdisciplinary team of eight Tufts graduate students is working with MyRWA and four watershed communities to identify optimal locations for best management practices (BMPs) to effectively control polluted stormwater runoff. The team -- part of the Water: Systems, Science and Society (WSSS) certificate program -- is creating dynamic maps using geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, while also surveying and documenting the views of residents and local experts. The team consists of grad students from the planning, engineering and nutrition programs, as well as three advisors -- including a Ph.D. student and two Tufts instructors.
Free and open to the public!
When: Tuesday, April 3, 7-8pm
Where: Tufts University, Lincoln Filene Center, Rabb Room, Medford, MA (http://campusmaps.tufts.edu/medford/?fid=m015). Parking is available on campus, on Boston Ave. and in Dowling Hall.
Please join the Mystic River Watershed Association, in collaboration with Somerville Climate Action, for a free screening of the award-winning documentary film Bag It at the Somerville Theater on April 11th. Space is limited – please reserve your seat today!
Produced by Reel Thing Productions in association with the Telluride Institute, Bag It is a powerful look at the impacts of plastics on society. The film focuses on plastic as it relates to our throwaway mentality, our culture of convenience, our over consumption of unnecessary, disposable products and packaging – things that we use one time and then, without another thought, throw them away. But where is AWAY?? Away is over flowing landfills, clogged rivers, islands of trash in our oceans, and even our very own toxic bodies.
Featuring interviews with scientists and experts from around the world, Bag It is a first-person documentary in the style of Michael Moore, asking how we can incorporate healthy, more environmentally friendly practices into our lives, our cultures, and our communities.
“I didn’t expect a movie about plastic bags to change my life in such a deep and profound way. Gripping, funny, intelligent, and sure to change your life.” - Louie Psihoyos, Director of The Cove
Why: The Mystic River, a beautiful resource for many local communities, faces many environmental challenges. The Watershed Association is working hard to create a healthier river for the future and presents this movie to alert the twenty two communities in the watershed to potential river hazards. With Earth Day on April 22nd, this film inspires us to look more closely at the use of plastic in our lives, as well as the impact it has on our local waterways. The event is followed by Earth Day cleanups throughout the watershed on April 21st and April 28th (see www.MysticRiver.org for details).
This is the fourth in a series of events to celebrate Mystic River Watershed Association’s 40th Anniversary year - a year to highlight and promote the recreational opportunities of the Mystic, as well as the water quality testing and environmental policy efforts that the Mystic River Watershed Association has led over its forty year history.
The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) and Gentle Giant Rowing Club will host a river cleanup in celebration of Earth Day as well as MyRWA’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, April 28th from 10:00am until noon. Please join us at Assembly Row along the water front in Somerville (165 Middlesex Avenue, Somerville, MA). Parking is available in the Staples parking lot and volunteers are needed to remove trash along the banks of the Mystic. Find out more here (http://mysticriver.org/watershed-clean-ups/). At noon volunteers can join the City of Somerville at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on Shore Drive for a spring clean-up BBQ.
EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Marion Stoddart, Susan Edwards, Beth MacBlane, Patrick Herron.MyRWA hosted the award-winning film The Work of 1000 and a discussion with the film's central figure, Marion Stoddart, at the Capitol Theater on March 22nd. Ninety people attended the event, which was sponsored by Boreal Renewable Energy Development. Marion's success on the Nashua River served as inspiration for the work ahead in the Mystic River Watershed. Susan Edwards, film maker, attended the event as well.
After the documentary, the audience had a chance to ask Marion and MyRWA staff Beth MacBlane and Patrick Herron about their experiences and work underway. Marion reiterated the need to have vision and commitment in watershed clean-up efforts.
"What a difference one person can make!!" stated one attendee.
In recognition of her work, Stoddart has received many awards including the United Nations Environmental Programme's Global 500 Award (1987).
MyRWA's Beth MacBlane and Marion Stoddart at Medford High School.She was profiled in National Geographic (1995) and in an award-winning children's book A River Ran Wild by Lynne Cherry; she was a National Women's History Project Honoree as "One of the Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet" (2009); and has published an essay in Written In Water by the National Geographic Society (2010).
Earlier in the day, Marion and MyRWA's Beth MacBlane showed the film at Medford High School, followed by a Q&A.
The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a motivated, well-organized intern to assist in organizing an effort to remove the invasive species Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) from the Mystic River. Responsibilities include recruiting, scheduling and managing teams of volunteers to remove plants from the river by canoe. The effort to recruit partners would occur in the beginning of Summer 2012 with the majority of events occurring during the month of July and first week of August. (Exact dates are to be determined.) Intern will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently and as a member of a team. This is a full time position that requires strong commitment between the months of June and July. Intern will be compensated on an incentive based system for the amount of volunteers brought to the river and the amount of water chestnut cleared from the river. This is a great opportunity to be involved with a small non-profit doing work on behalf of the community and environment.
Qualifications:
An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged.
Having reliable transportation is required and mileage will be reimbursed.
Candidates must be 16 years of age or older.
Ability to navigate a canoe
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.
The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is celebrating its 40th 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 781-316-3438 for more information.
Did you know there is a fish that lives in the ocean and swims all the way to the Mystic Lakes in Arlington to lay its eggs each spring?
Help document the river herring’s migration by volunteering to be a fish monitor! The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) will begin a new program to monitor river herring at the Mystic Lakes Dam fish ladder in April. We need volunteer fish monitors to count herring and support our data collection so that we can estimate run size. No previous experience or knowledge is required. Volunteers should commit to attending a two hour volunteer training on March 17th and to counting for at least one ten-minute period per week from April 1st –June 1st.Monitors must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult. You must register for the training.
Mother Nature’s Child: Film Screening and Discussion
Wednesday March 14 from 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave. , Somerville
The film Mother Nature’s Child addresses the increasing need for all children—toddlers through teens—to have unstructured time outdoors. Mother Nature’s Child asks may important questions, including: Why is it imperative for children to have unstructured time outdoors in nature? How is play a form of learning? Why are teachers resistant to taking students outside? What does it mean to educate the ‘whole’ child?
After the film, we will have an informal discussion and meet representatives of the Growing Center to learn about their programs and how to get involved, from running your own group to using the garden as an outdoor classroom.
If you are concerned about children’s health (nature deficit disorder, child obesity, attention disorders, depression), holistic education, outdoor play and connecting children with nature, please join us on Wednesday March 14.
For more information on Mother Nature’s Child, please visit http://www.mothernaturesmovie.com/the-film/ Film sponsored by the Somerville Community Growing Center and the Children in Nature Initiative, an initiative sponsored by the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund.
EkOngKar Singh Khalsa Receives MAPC Data Day AwardAt 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.
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.
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 1st 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 1st for your complimentary T-shirt. REGISTER HERE.
The Mystic River Watershed Association seeks twoWater 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.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 03:33PM ;)
Lynne Hamjian, US EPA, and EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, MyRWAThe Mystic River Watershed received a grade of "D" for water quality conditions for the calendar year 2011 as part of the US EPA's annual Mystic River Report Card. The announcement was made at the 2012 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle held at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The grade is based on bacterial contamination, and the monitoring data is collected by MyRWA’s trained water quality monitors as part of the Baseline Monitoring Program. This grade indicates that water quality met swimming standards only 46 percent of the time, while boating standards were met 87 percent of the time.
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