Our People

Heather Conkerton

Ecological Restoration Manager

EcoRest@oars3rivers.org (978) 369-3956

Service & Expertise

Community Outreach & Education
Ecological Restoration
Partnership Collaboration

Heather manages Ecological Restoration efforts in the SuAsCo watershed for OARS. She has over 15 years of experience in environmental conservation and brings her passion for environmental protection and community outreach to her role. She holds a BA in Communications and an MS in Environmental Science, focusing on Conservation Biology. Heather has extensive field experience studying aquatic invasive species and threatened and endangered species. She has experience collaborating with state, local, and tribal organizations on techniques to restore native species to their habitats and control invasive species.

~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.

Our People

Heather Conkerton

Our People

Heather Conkerton

OARS SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR