There is no denying that human health and the environment are connected. And it was through this concern about protecting human health that Minka became interested in her local environment.
Twelve years later, Minka donated $10,000 to the Mystic River Watershed Association. “Over the years I have seen momentum build for protecting this highly urban watershed,” said Minka. “We are really rushing now toward a beautiful, and accessible Mystic River in all our communities. I want my gift to help inspire others to care for this densely populated watershed.”
Beyond being a generous donor, Minka is a steadfast volunteer that started out removing litter along the river as part of our annual Earth Month cleanup. During her tenure, she has hoisted fish over the dam at Mystic Lakes prior to the ladder being built, removed invasive water chestnuts, served as interim Water Quality Monitoring Director, and brought her family and friends out to participate at the annual herring run and paddle event every year. She currently serves as treasurer on the Association board.
One of her favorite memories was taking her first kayak trip with the inimitable Roger Frymire from Alewife Brook to Little River and Little Pond in Belmont. “It was a magical moment where I realized that Alewife Brook was not just a name of a parkway but a natural habitat.”
Beyond getting out to her local Mystic Watershed from her home in Cambridge, Minka also enjoys hikes with her grandchildren up in the Middlesex Fells and playing in Spot Pond in Stoneham, also part of the Mystic watershed.
“With my real estate hat on, I always introduce new homebuyers to the concept of a watershed and encourage them to become involved,” said Minka. She has further committed to donating $650 from her real estate commission for anyone who buys or sells property in our watershed with her services.
Thank you Minka for being such a champion!
