Community Water Chestnut Pull—Sudbury River in Concord

Help Restore the Sudbury River Ecosystem!

WHEN

Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

9:00 AM

WHERE

Southbridge Boathouse

496 Main Street

Concord, MA 01742

Join us for a fun and impactful day on the Sudbury River to remove invasive water chestnut and help restore our beautiful rivers! This event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a positive difference.

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!

Why You Should Join Us:

Explore the watershed: Experience the natural beauty of the Sudbury River
Meet new people: Connect with fellow volunteers and nature enthusiasts
Make a difference: Contribute to the health and sustainability of our rivers
It’s really fun!

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

Event Volunteer Opportunities:

Land Based Volunteers: 10 slots
Water Based Volunteer: 40 slots
Bring your own Boat & PFDs: 15 slots

Day of Event:

Check in
Sign Southbridge Boathouse waiver
Receive supplies
Recieve safety talk and training
Launch your canoe

Recommended:

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

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

Thank you to Southbridge Boathouse, 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

Event Details

Date: Wednesday July 16
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue: Southbridge Boathouse
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—Sudbury River in Concord

Help Restore the Sudbury River Ecosystem!

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

Event Details