Events

WILD & SCENIC® FILM FESTIVAL 2023 FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY
OARS 3 Rivers is once again hosting one of the largest environmental film festivals.

2023 ANNUAL MEETING. RECONNECTING WATERSHEDS: Innovative Approaches for River Connectivity & Restoration

Featuring a presentation by Chad Sumner
Chad is Principal and CEO of SumCo Eco-Contracting, LLC (“SumCo Eco”), a self-performing heavy-site civil construction firm. Founded by Chad and his brother Travis in 2006, the company has completed hundreds of ecological restoration projects across the Northeast, including dam removals and rehabilitations; river, wetlands, and marsh restorations; coastal resiliency and climate adaptation; invasive species management; and more. His work addresses diverse ecological, environmental, and infrastructure challenges posed by climate change.

Come visit us on South Street in Hudson this weekend for the Hudson Community Fest!!

Located on South Street, in the heart of Hudson’s Historic District, the Hudson Community Fest is an old-fashioned street fair that includes entertainment, a food court, family-friendly activities, and over 120 vendors. Weather permitting, it draws approximately 5000 patrons. The Fest is rain or shine.

RAIL TRAIL WALK ALONG THE ASSABET RIVER

Saturday, July 1st, 4 PM, Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, W. Concord

Naturalist Peter Alden, author of the Audubon Guide to New England, will lead a 2.5-hour walk focusing on birds and plants on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail from West Concord toward White Pond. Meet at the beginning of the Rail Trail in West Concord (Rt. 62).

Registration is appreciated but not required.

RSVP HERE: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023/rail-trail-walk-along-...

SUNRISE PADDLE

Sunday, July 2nd, 5:15 PM, Bedford Boat Landing (Route 225), Carlisle

Join Alan Ankers for a 2 to 3-hour paddle along the Concord River through the Carlisle, Bedford and Billerica sections of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, with a stop for a hearty breakfast at a
casual riverside restaurant. Bring your canoe/kayak, life jacket (required), binoculars if you have them, and water. Meet at the Bedford Boat Landing (Rte. 225).

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

HISTORY PADDLE

Saturday, July 8th, 9:00 AM, Route 20 boat Launch, Wayland

Travel in time as you paddle with Brian Donahue, Brandeis University history professor and expert on
the Sudbury River. Paddle to Sherman’s Bridge through the wide meadows that prompted the founding of Wayland and Sudbury and hear stories of a fascinating and sometimes lurid past. Meet at the Rte. 20 boat launch. Bring your canoe/kayak and life jacket (required). Cars will be available at Sherman’s Bridge Rd. to ferry you back. For more information: 508-358-2980.

THE NATURE OF STORIES: THE HIKE

Saturday, July 8th, 10:30 AM, The Old Manse, Concord

A group of friends go for a hike in the woods, explore the natural world around them and record their findings in a journal. After the storytime, make a nature journal of your own. The Old Manse (269
Monument Street) 10:30am

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

More information on RiverFest can be found here: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023.php

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SUDBURY RIVER WALK

Sunday, July 9th, 12:00 PM, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy the wonderful vistas of the meandering Sudbury River at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge with Neela de Zoyso, botanist and instructor at the Native Plant Trust. Be introduced to the glacial sculpting of Weir Hill and the Native American history of the location. Learn about the floodplain trees,

Addressing New Stormwater Regulatory Pressure Through Asset Management & Grant Funding

When: Thursday, July 13th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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Topics Covered: ​Direction for the next MS4 permit, regulatory compliance costs, grant funding opportunities, and asset management for municipal stormwater projects.

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Speaker Info & Presentations:

Newton Tedder, Senior Permit Writer, Stormwater Section, US EPA

BIRDING THE ASSABET RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Friday, July 14th, 8:00 AM, Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Maynard

Mass Audubon Senior Director of Conservation Science, Jeff Collins (OARS Board of Directors member) , on a 2-hour birding stroll around the Refuge in Stow and Maynard. We’ll search for birds of forest, wetlands, and fields, and learn to identify various bird species by sight and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them, bug spray, and water; wear long sleeve shirt and pants (for mosquitos).

Registration by July 12 required.

LOWELL FAMILY FESTIVAL

Saturday, July 15th, 10:00 AM, Muldoon Park, Lowell

The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust is partnering with the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Mass Audubon, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s Assabet National Wildlife Refuge to host 3 Family Outdoors Days this summer. Lowell is designated as an Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership City (one of only 29 in the US) by the US F&WS. This date is in honor of Latino Conservation Week, an initiative of the Hispanic Access Foundation.

THE NATURE OF STORIES: WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS

Saturday, July 15th, 10:30 AM, The Old Manse, Concord

When a black snake threatens to poison earth’s water, a young girl joins her community in protecting their
water. Following the storytime, create cool illustrations with watercolors and wax. The Old Manse (269 Monument Street) 10:30am

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

More information on RiverFest can be found here: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023.php

WHAT IS YOUR WATERSHED ADDRESS?

Saturday, July 15th, 11:45 AM, The Old Manse, Concord

Rivers connect us! Through hands-on activities, learn about your watershed and how you can protect it. Designed for children 6-12. The Old Manse (269 Monument St.)

This is one of our Junior River Ranger programs, designed for children 6-12. Explore and learn about our rivers with us or on your own and complete the Junior River Ranger Booklet to earn a Junior River Rangers badge and certificate.

WRIGHT WOODS WALK

Sunday, July 16th, 10:00 AM, Wright Woods, Concord

RECREATION ON OUR RIVERS

Sunday, July 16th, 1:00–4:00 PM, Concord River

Exploring on and along our rivers is the most fun way to learn about them. Learn how to do so safely and with respect! Participants will have the opportunity to paddle in a canoe on a Wild & Scenic River! Details will be emailed to you.

This is one of our Junior River Ranger programs, designed for children 6-12. Explore and learn about our rivers with us or on your own and complete the Junior River Ranger Booklet to earn a Junior River Rangers badge and certificate.

BIRDING THE LINCOLN’S CODMAN CONSERVATION LAND AND FARM MEADOW

Tuesday, July 18th, 8:00 AM, Lincoln

Join Lincoln Conservation Director, Michele Grzenda, on a 2-hour birding stroll around Codman Estates, Farm Meadow, and North Codman Conservation Area. Meet 25 bird species commonly found in our
neighborhoods, wetlands, and forests, and learn various field identification techniques by sight
and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them, bug spray, and water. Wear long sleeve shirt and pants
(for mosquitoes).

Registration by July 16 is required.

FAIRHAVEN BAY NATURE PADDLE

Saturday, July 22nd, 10:00am, Fairhaven Bay, Lincoln

Join Lincoln Conservation Ranger Will Leona on leisurely 2-hour paddle along the scenic Sudbury River. Enjoy a brief history of the area and be on the lookout for local wildlife along the way. Sightings may include great blue herons, beaver lodges and dams, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, white-tailed deer,

THE NATURE OF STORIES: KALA AND THE BEES

Saturday, July 22nd, 10:30 AM, The Old Manse, Concord

The typically brave Kaia has one fear: bees. When her father gets beehives to go on the roof of their apartment, Kaia must face her fear and learn about these important insects. After the storytime, make bee hotels to create habitat for bees in our own neighborhoods. The Old Manse (269 Monument Street).

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

WALK WITH THOREAU ALONG THE MIDDLESEX CANAL

Sunday, July 23rd, 10:00 AM, North Billerica

Join experienced guide Marlies Henderson for a 3-hour exploration of extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, from the Billerica Falls to River Neck Road, Chelmsford, and back, reading passages from reading passages from Henry David Thoreau’s Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. High boots recommended.

Space is limited. Registration by July 21 required.

RSVP HERE: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023/walk-with-thoreau-alon...

PADDLE THE CONCORD RIVER

Sunday, July 23rd, 2:00 PM, N. Billerica

Enjoy this 3-hour easy flatwater paddle, with leader Marlies Henderson, from just below the Billerica Falls toward the Lowell Centennial dam. Bring your own canoe/kayak and life jacket (required).

Space is limited, Registration by July 21 required.

RSVP HERE: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023/paddle-the-concord-river

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

Capitalizing on Federal Funding & Considering Stormwater Utilities as a Sustainable Funding Solution

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Monday, July 24, 2023

When: Wednesday, July 26th from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775 (breakfast & snacks included!)

Parking is available in the on-site parking lot.

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Cost: Free!

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PHOTO WALK AT HEARD FARM

Wednesday, July 26th, 6:00 PM, Heard Farm, Wayland

Join Wayland photographer Henrik Broekman for a stroll around the 86-acre Heard Farm Conservation Area. Woods, open fields, wetlands, over 200 species of birds, and the Sudbury River shoreline make Heard Farm a remarkable place with over three miles of trails, many of them old cart paths. Hendrik will provide tips for successful photography with your camera/phone. All ages and abilities are welcome Meet at the parking lot at the end of Heard Road off Pelham Island Rd.

OARS 2023 COMMUNITY WATER CHESTNUT REMOVAL
Help clear the Concord River of water chestnuts!

Join us for a fun day out on the Concord River on Saturday, July 29th to remove invasive species and help restore our rivers!

FAMILY FISHING & FESTIVITIES AT GREAT MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Saturday, July 29th, 10: 00 AM, Center of Activity in Sudbury: Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities. Bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the beautiful Sudbury River. Rain or shine at the Refuge Headquarters. 73 Weir Hill Rd. For information call 978-443-4661.

Calling All Anglers, 10:00 AM

SAXONVILLE HISTORY

Sunday, July 30th, 2:00 PM, Central St. Bridge over Saxonville Falls & Dam, Framingham

Join the Framingham History Center for an immersive 75-minute walking tour of Saxonville as we explore the rich tapestry of its history, land, and waterways. This tour will shed light on the business, social, and civic life of this vibrant neighborhood while also delving into the natural features and waterways that helped shape this historic community and that of Framingham. Central St. Bridge over the Saxonville Falls and Dam (across from the Saxonville Mills).

STURGEON MOON PADDLE

Tuesday, August 1st, 6:00 PM, Sherman's Bridge Landing, Wayland

Join leader Roger Beatty (OARS Board of Directors member) for a paddle on the beautiful Sudbury River. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our rivers, and enjoy the wildlife that come out just before sunset, on this first full moon of August. The paddle from Sherman’s Road Bridge to Pantry Brook is about 3 miles round trip. Bring your own canoe/kayak and life jacket (required).

RIDE FOR THE RIVERS

Saturday, August 5th, 9:15 AM, Old Manse/Robbins House, Concord

Join Nashoba Valley Pedaler leaders, Mike and Allan, for a ~30-mile ride, (expect ~3+ hours, including a stop for ice cream at Erickson’s in Maynard!) on roads crisscrossing the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Email mduclos1@icloud.com or call 978-793-3189 for more information, or in the event of

STORIES, DANCE, ART, AND HISTORY AT THE OLD MANSE

Saturday, August 5th, Center of Activity: Old Manse, Concord

Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day of entertainment at the
historic Old Manse at 269 Monument Street. Rain or shine.

Plein Air Painting, 10:00 AM

KIDS BIKE FOR THE RIVERS.

Sunday, August 6th, 2:30 PM, West Concord

Join Art for All to decorate your bike with a river theme, then ride along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in W. Concord with a short stop to learn about the wetlands and look for wildlife.

Intended for children 6-10. Helmets required and a parent/guardian must attend.

Space is limited. Registration by August 4 is required.

RSVP here: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023/kids-bike-for-the-rivers

THE NATURE OF STORIES: BIRD COUNT

Saturday, August 12th, 10:30 AM, The Old Manse, Concord

A young girl and her mother go out to see how many birds they can count in a single day. After the storytime, you will make a birdhouse out of recycled milk cartons. The Old Manse (269 Monument St.) 10:30am

RiverFest is a summer of celebration on and along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.

More information on RiverFest can be found here: http://sudbury-assabet-concord.org/riverfest-2023.php

CARLISLE TRAIL WALK

Sunday, August 13th, 1:00 PM, Foss Farm, Carlisle

Enjoy a 3.5 mile walk (~3 hours) through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord
River, starting at the Foss Farm conservation land and passing through Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge
and the O’Rourke farm on the way to scenic Greenough Pond in the Greenough conservation land. Be
prepared for wet conditions underfoot, bring drinking water and insect repellent. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the walk. Dogs are not permitted in the Refuge. Meet at the Foss Farm

Collaborative Approaches to Establishing Stormwater Utilities

When: Tuesday, September 12th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

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Cost: Free!
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Topics Covered: Establishing pathways to collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and community buy-in for stormwater utilities.

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Target Audience: Massachusetts municipalities, and non-profits working directly with communities, with interest in securing short- or long-term funding for stormwater management.

SEPTEMBER IS A GREAT MONTH TO CLEAN UP OUR RIVERS!

Our 37th annual cleanup brings together volunteers from across the SuAsCo watershed each year to pick up litter and help maintain put-ins along the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Come volunteer with OARS to participate in the cleanup of our rivers and their banks on foot or by boat via a self-guided Team-Up Cleanup or by joining us on Saturday, September 23rd, for our Cleanup Day!