Medford, MA (June 1, 2026) – At its Annual Champions Breakfast this morning, the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) gathered with federal, state, municipal, corporate, and community partners to honor and acknowledge the contributions of two champions of the Mystic River – U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, who received the Mystic Champion Award, and the City of Woburn, which received the Mystic Leadership Award, presented to Mayor Michael Concannon and City staff.
“We are literally witnessing positive change in our watershed in a way that would have been hard for me to envision a decade ago when we started this breakfast,” says Patrick Herron, Executive Director for MyRWA. “From a new fishway in Woburn, to the Clippership Connector in Medford, to the Blessing of the Bay Park, to Draw Seven Park and a new pedestrian bridge, and the incredible work being done by GreenRoots to acquire the Forbes site — there is so much to celebrate in this watershed. You have all made it possible – as partners, funders, practitioners, and friends creating a healthier, more prosperous, future for our residents.”
Woburn Mayor Michael Concannon, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, and MyRWA Executive Director Patrick Herron at the Champions Breakfast. Credit: Daria Santollani
U.S. Congresswoman and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark received the Mystic Champion Award for her longstanding support of the work of the Mystic River Watershed Association and the many cities and towns across the watershed that she represents. Since 2013, Congresswoman Clark has proudly represented Massachusetts’ vibrant Fifth District, which stretches from the coastal communities of Revere and Winthrop through the northern Boston suburbs to the thriving towns of MetroWest.
“At a time when the fight for action on climate and our environment can seem so daunting, I’m proud to be fighting alongside the remarkable advocates at the Mystic River Watershed Association to make a real difference here at home,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “Together, we’ve brought home millions to protect our watershed and build a future more worthy of our children. The winds of history are behind this movement, and I’m looking forward to all the good work that still lies ahead.”
Congresswoman Clark’s visionary leadership has transformed the Mystic River watershed, securing a historic $39.2 million to drive clean water initiatives and climate-resilience projects. These included the Malden River Works project, a community-led effort to build a resilient, inclusive riverfront park on Malden’s only city-owned riverfront site, and extensive work in Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parks all along the Mystic River. Marcia Manong, Chair of the Steering Committee for the Malden River Works project, and Kendra Amaral of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation gave remarks highlighting Congresswoman Clark’s impact in the watershed.
Kendra Amaral, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, and Marcia Manong. Credit: Isaiah Johnson
“Without your leadership, your shared values, and your commitment to climate resiliency, we would be stuck. Instead, because you fought for us, Malden River Works is actively under construction right now,” says Marcia Manong, Chair of the Steering Committee for the Malden River Works Project. “The outcome is going to be magnificent. We are talking about reduced pollution, beautiful new green spaces, and new waterfront access. But most importantly, we are talking about people. Because of your investment, this river will be filled with families and youth, creating a ripple effect of community health and joy for generations to come.”
Ryan Malaquais, Catherine Pedemonti, Daria Santollani, Mayor Michael Concannon, and Alex Rozyki. Photo: Isaiah Johnson
The City of Woburn received the Mystic Leadership Award for its visionary leadership in open space improvements, ecological restoration, and climate resilience work across the City. Woburn is well on its way to completing improvements at Hurld Park, transforming the former Hurld School lot and neighboring land with a focus on accessibility, flood mitigation, extreme heat resilience, and stormwater management through nature-based solutions.
Woburn has also been a long-time partner on the Horn Pond Fish Passage at the Scalley Dam, which is planned for construction later this year. The new fish passage will allow river herring to reach spawning habitat at Horn Pond and will feature an accessible viewing window so that community members can get closer than ever to an ecological marvel right in their backyard.
“MyRWA has been an incredible partner. From concept design, all the way through construction, they have been an instrumental partner. Throughout the process, they have been pros at engaging our community through education and community clean-ups,” says Woburn Mayor Michael Concannon. “It’s particularly rewarding to see the fish passage at Horn Pond take shape. The finished project will serve as a valuable education tool for raising awareness and inspiring generations of nature lovers.”
“Not only is Mayor Concannon championing some of our coolest projects, but any volunteer event we hold, the Mayor is there,” says Daria Santollani, Senior Engagement Manager for MyRWA. “He has come to our events at Shaker Glen, Horn Pond, and the Middlesex Canal. Through his support of community engagement and action, the Woburn community is empowered to come together for efforts to help one another, their environment, and their watershed neighbors.”
“And while Mayor Concannon is the captain of the ship, he is definitely not doing it alone. The City of Woburn is the ‘dream team’ to work with,” says Catherine Pedemonti, Senior Climate Resilience Manager for MyRWA. “We hold bimonthly project team meetings, and everyone comes like it’s a party. We get engineering, recreation, conservation, and the Mayor’s office. For three years now. Religiously. Because it does in fact take a village.”
