Somerville Community Growing Center Shows Film: Mother Nature’s Child

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, contact Paula Jordan at paulajordan@yahoo.com.

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.

MyRWA Receives Excellence in Capturing Local Knowledge Award

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.

View the VIDEO of EK receiving the award here (at minute 13).

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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?)

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