Community Water Chestnut Pull—Simpson Park, Framingham

Help Remove Invasive Water Chestnut!

Join us in protecting our waterways by removing invasive water chestnut!

WHEN: Saturday, July 12, 9:00 AM to noon

WHERE: Simpson Park—Framingham, MA (exact location details below)

Water chestnut is a highly invasive aquatic species that can quickly overtake water bodies, threatening ecosystems and limiting recreational access. If left unchecked, it can severely impact water quality and habitat diversity.

The good news? Water chestnut is easy to identify, and smaller infestations can be effectively managed by trained volunteers through hand-pulling. The key to prevention is removing plants before they can set seeds and spread to new areas.

Join us for a day of paddling and conservation—your efforts will make a real difference!

Due to limited parking, this event offers two check-in and launch locations. Both launch into the same area of the river at Simpson Park in Framingham and contribute equally to the water chestnut removal efforts.

When registering, you will be prompted to select your preferred launch site

Simpson Drive Lauch—Small park next to 108 Simpson Drive, Framingham
Central Street Launch—Open space at 133 Central Street, Framingham

You will check in, receive supplies, and launch your canoe from your selected location. Both sites are just minutes apart and feed into the same paddling zone. Please choose one site when registering to help us plan for parking, gear distribution, and coordination.

Important Information:

Registration: First-come, first-serve basis
Minors & dependant adults: Must be accompanied by an adult in the boat
Boat Capacity: Maximum of two participants per boat
Swimming Proficiency: Participants should be proficient swimmers

Recommended:

Closed toed shoes that can get wet
Old clothes that can get wet and dirty
A hat
Sunblock and bug spray
Water
Change of clothes for after

No pets allowed. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Thank you to Paddle Boston, who is generously providing canoes, PFDs (personal flotation devices), and paddles for the event.

Don’t miss this fun and rewarding opportunity to help our rivers thrive!

REGISTER NOW & BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

Hosted by OARS 3 Rivers in partnership with a Framingham resident

Event Details

Date: Saturday June 14
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Simpson Park
Categories: OARS Events, OARS Water Chestnut Pulls

~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.

Community Water Chestnut Pull—Simpson Park, Framingham

Help Remove Invasive Water Chestnut!

Choose Your Launch Location

Event Details