2025 Annual Meeting

Join us for an inspiring evening at OARS’ Annual Meeting, where we’ll dive into the future of our 3 rivers. Our team will share the latest on our River RATs paddles and 86 Miles Club—exciting ways to get more people out on the water—and the growth of our Water Wise Workshops, bringing hands-on science to even more young learners. Plus, hear from Kim Kastens, Chair of the Green Acton Water Committee, as she sheds light on the severe impacts of road salt on our rivers and streams.

The evening will begin with a short business meeting and BoD elections.

Light refreshments will be served.

Board of Directors Nominee Details

For Election

	Paul Anderson Paul is a retired environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience in ecological and human health risk assessment. He has developed water quality monitoring programs, set environmental criteria, and served on water reuse expert panels with the National Water Research Institute. Paul is a member of the Berlin Economic Development Commission and has served on the town’s Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He holds a BS in Biology from Boston University and an MS and PhD in Evolutionary Ecology from Harvard University. In his spare time, Paul enjoys fly fishing, hiking, woodworking, and gardening.
	Carolyn Gouchoe Carolyn is a retired Biotechnology Manager who most recently developed and implemented comprehensive training courses tailored to application scientists. In addition, she also created the college internship programs at Agilent Technologies. Carolyn received her PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Boston University. She was a manager of entry-level sales and marketing professionals in the biotechnology industry for many years. Earlier in her career, she was an undergraduate biology professor. Currently, she is a nesting and habitat monitor for Mass Audubon’s Brewster Woods Sanctuary and Drumlin Farms. Carolyn’s other interests include conservation biology and science education.
	Linda Hansen Linda looks forward to bringing her education, experience, and policy background to the OARS Board of Directors. Growing up along the Mississippi River in Iowa, she earned her Master’s in Chemical Oceanography from the URI Graduate School of Oceanography, where her thesis focused on trace metal concentrations in the North Pacific Ocean. Linda’s career spans academia, industry, and government, including roles as a lab manager at Yale University and 15 years as an environmental consultant leading site characterization projects for Superfund sites. After 9–11, she transitioned to conservation administration, serving nine years in Maynard and now in her eighth year in Wayland. Linda is excited to complete the full circle with a non-profit organization.
	Carol Lurie Carol is a lifelong paddler and hiker with a passion for preserving natural resources. With extensive experience leading environmental and sustainability planning projects, she has managed complex, multidisciplinary environmental permitting for major infrastructure projects, primarily airports. Her expertise includes environmental planning, permitting, and strategic planning, along with leading stakeholder outreach for complex projects. Carol holds a Master’s in City Planning from MIT and a BS in Town and Regional Planning from WITS (South Africa). Now working on-call, she looks forward to giving back to the community through OARS.
	Patrick Van Der Voorn Pat is Vice President and Chief Environmental Counsel of The Mosaic Company, a diversified agricultural nutrients company. In that role, he advises Mosaic on wide-ranging environmental issues affecting the company throughout North America. He is an avid outdoors person who fishes local waters, including the Assabet and Sudbury rivers. He also bikes and skis and has earned membership in the White Mountain Four Thousand Footer Club. He and his family live in Sudbury with their two dogs.

For Re-election

Holly Clark

Holly is a Director at Boston Scientific, leading a global team with extensive experience in auditing and environmental compliance. She holds a BA in Economics and Accounting from the University of Michigan and an MPA in Natural Resource Management and Policy Analysis from Indiana University. Holly recently completed the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions certificate program. Her passion for natural places has shaped both her career and volunteer work, including serving on the Stow Conservation Commission and as the first Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters.

~30%

of the SuAsCo rivers watershed is wetlands, crucial for wildlife habitat and water quality

~30%

of water samples in the SuAsCo rivers watershed contain PFAS, leading to increased monitoring and remediation by local authorities and environmental groups

~70%

of dams in the SuAsCo watershed are over a century old, requiring extensive upkeep and presenting obstacles to river restoration and fish passage

>40%

of the land within the watershed is publicly accessible, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and birdwatching to the community

~15%

of the land in the SuAsCo rivers watershed is covered by impervious surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. This contributes to stormwater runoff and water pollution issues

>40%

of the land within the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers watershed is publicly accessible, providing endless opportunities for paddling, hiking, and wildlife exploration.

2025 Annual Meeting

Charting the Course: Expanding Access, Education, & River Health

Help us shape the future of our 3 rivers. Join us for an evening of action and insight.

Board of Directors Nominee Details

For Election

For Re-election

REGISTER FOR ANNUAL MEETING

2024 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

This event is free and open to the public

Event Details