Our People

Heather Conkerton

Ecological Restoration Manager

EcoRest@oars3rivers.org (978) 369-3956

Service & Expertise

Community Outreach & Education
Ecological Restoration
Partnership Collaboration

Heather is an ecological restoration practitioner with expertise in watershed-scale restoration, climate resilience, and aquatic habitat connectivity. As Ecological Restoration Manager at OARS, she leads the development and implementation of projects including dam removal, river continuity, and invasive species management, working across municipal, tribal, state, and federal partners to advance complex, multi-jurisdictional efforts from planning through permitting and implementation.

Her background combines a Master of Science in Environmental Studies with applied field research, grant development, and stakeholder engagement. Heather brings a collaborative, science-driven approach to restoration, integrating technical analysis, funding strategy, and community coordination to deliver projects that improve water quality, restore ecosystem function, and enhance regional climate resilience.

~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