Now That’s Paddling

An exciting new OARS initiative to enhance equitable recreational use of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord (SuAsCo) rivers. We aim to engage volunteers and communities in river stewardship while providing fun activities and challenges for everyone.

Explore the programs below and join us in positively impacting & equitably accessing our rivers!

Dive into adventure with our 86 Mile Challenge celebrating OARS’ 1986 founding! Sign up to paddles 86-miles of the beautiful SuAsCo rivers. Share your journey in our exclusive Facebook group, earn special swag through monthly challenges, and see your name on our leaderboard. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice explorer, this challenge is for you!

SUBMIT VOLUNTEER FORM TO LEARN MORE

Join our dedicated team of volunteers with River Recreation Activity Team (River RATs)! Get trained and participate in river stewardship activities. From community paddle events to invasive species pulls, our River RATs are at the heart of our mission to keep the SuAsCo rivers clean and accessible.

EXPLORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Experience the thrill of paddling with OARS 3 Rivers Adventures! Participate in community or team-building water chestnut pulls and paddles or join a group sunset paddle. Our adventures are designed for corporate teams or for personal group activities. Join us for a fun adventure promoting teamwork and river conservation.

LEARN MORE

Join us on this journey to protect, enjoy, and celebrate the SuAsCo rivers. Together, we can ensure these waters remain a vibrant resource for everyone. Get involved today and discover why “Now That’s Paddling!” is the perfect initiative for you!

~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.

Now That’s Paddling

Welcome to “Now That’s Paddling!”

Programs

Join us on this journey to protect, enjoy, and celebrate the SuAsCo rivers. Together, we can ensure these waters remain a vibrant resource for everyone. Get involved today and discover why “Now That’s Paddling!” is the perfect initiative for you!