Celebrating Four Decades of River Restoration, Community, and Connection
Since 1986, OARS 3 Rivers has protected, improved, and celebrated the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers, together with YOU!
As we mark our 40th year, we’re honoring the people, places, and moments that have shaped our 3 rivers’ comeback story. Join us throughout the year for special events, stories, and opportunities to explore, learn, and give back to the rivers that connect us all.
Join us for a year-long celebration of our 3 rivers! From the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and River Music event to art shows, science talks, river cleanups, and our Annual Meeting, there’s something for everyone who loves the rivers.
Our Story: 40 Years of River Revival
OARS began with a handful of passionate residents who refused to give up on their rivers.
In the 1980s, the Assabet and Concord were heavily polluted—fish were scarce, algae blooms frequent, and many stretches were unsafe for recreation. Over the next four decades, OARS volunteers, scientists, and advocates changed the course of our rivers’ story. Together, we are removing dams, monitoring water quality, educating thousands of students, and building a community devoted to keeping our 3 rivers clean, connected, and thriving.
Stay tuned as we share stories and photos from OARS’ early days and the people who started it all.
River Voices
Meet the people who shaped OARS
from our early advocates and long-time volunteers to new supporters helping carry our mission forward
SARAH NELSON
Water Quality Intern 1996 to 1997
As a water quality intern with O.A.R. from 1996–1997, Sarah Nelson discovered how field science, collaboration, and curiosity could shape a career. Today, as Director of Research at the Appalachian Mountain Club, she leads community science efforts that reconnect people with rivers across the watershed. Explore Sarah’s River Voices story.
PAUL GOLDMAN
Board of Directors 1999 to 2023
From Board service and water sampling to founding the Water Wise Workshops, Paul Goldman has left a lasting mark on OARS’ education programs. His story shows how curiosity, commitment, and a belief in early learning can ripple outward for decades. Explore Paul’s River Voices feature.
SUE FLINT
OARS Staff Scientist from 1999 to 2019
From launching StreamWatch to building OARS’ earliest water quality systems, Sue Flint spent two decades shaping the science behind our restoration work. Her story reflects the dedication and curiosity that move our rivers forward. Read her full River Voices feature.
LEN RAPPOLI
Water Quality Monitoring Volunteer, 1996 to date
For decades, volunteer geologist Len Rappoli has played a key role in OARS’ water quality monitoring, contributing skill, time, and unwavering commitment to the health of our rivers. His story celebrates the volunteers who make real, lasting change possible. Read his full River Voices feature.
Have a story to share about the rivers or your connection to OARS? We’d love to hear from you.
Celebrate With Us All Year Long
40 Years 3 Rivers events
Sounds of Science at Concord Art
March 14 - March 14, 2026
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:30-8:00pm WHERE: Concord Art, 37 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA What does a river sound like when you really listen? Join OARS for an …
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18th Wild & Scenic Film Festival
April 22 - April 25, 2026
SAVE THE DATE Wild & Scenic Film Festival More information coming soon
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2026 Annual Meeting
June 02 - June 02, 2026
SAVE THE DATE 2026 Annual Meeting More information coming soon
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Merch Zone: Wear Your River Pride
Show your river love and support our work!
Every purchase helps fund the science, restoration, and education that keep our rivers healthy.
40 Places for 40 Years
Follow us on social media, @OARS3Rivers, as we journey through all 36 municipalities and 4 iconic landmarks of the SuAsCo watershed.
Each post celebrates a unique corner of our rivers—its history, ecology, and the people who call it home.
See the stories unfold on TikTok and Instagram.
Parallax Image photo Credit: Sterling Worrell