Help CRWA win $15,000 for the Charles River, Clean Water, and Resilient Communities!

Vote to help Charles River Watershed Association win a $15,000 grant from JetBlue for Good and support important work protecting the Charles River and building resilient communities.
This month—Earth Month—JetBlue For Good is turning up the green by awarding grants of $15,000 each to 4 earth-friendly causes. CRWA is one of 12 organizations competing—and the only one based in Massachusetts! Vote for Charles River Watershed Association today and each day through April 31st. Your vote also enters you to win 2 roundtrip travel certificates.

Charles River Watershed Association's Executive Director Bob Zimmerman is retiring this summer after nearly three decades at CRWA. An influential environmental leader, Bob was a catalyst in the transformation of the Charles River from a toxic waterway to the cleanest urban river in the country. In a conversation with CRWA member Nick King, Bob reflects on his accomplishments and the road ahead for CRWA. 

2017 was a busy year for environmental organizations nationwide—including Charles River Watershed Association— as we fought for the continued enforcement of environmental laws. On a local level in Massachusetts, we advocated for policies and projects that will help our communities adapt to extreme storms and frequent drought. Throughout the year we continued our core field science work and expanded the Blue Cities demonstration projects that are greening neighborhoods throughout the watershed. Each day we do this work we are thankful to you for making it possible!

Please consider giving a year-end gift to support CRWA's powerful advocacy and river restoration in 2018.

Protecting Public Lands

We are fortunate in Massachusetts to have a long history of protecting parkland, forests, and natural areas for the enjoyment of the public and the survival of wildlife. This commitment to conserving parkland is included in Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and reflects a core value of the Commonwealth. These Article 97 lands provide us with clean water, recreation, wildlife habitat, a robust tourism industry, and a strong economy. They also play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating impacts of climate change. 

CRWA honored the Museum of Science at our Champions of the Charles gala on Thursday, November 2nd. The gala, held at the Museum of Science, raised funds to continue CRWA’s ongoing work monitoring and protecting the Charles River.

August is National Water Quality Month, a time to focus on what we can do to improve the quality of our rivers, streams and lakes. Healthy waterbodies contribute to healthy communities, support diverse wildlife, and provide recreation opportunities and stimulate economic development.

There is currently a cyanobacteria outbreak in the Charles River, threatening the health of pets and interfering with folks' recreational plans. Based on field observations, the outbreak (or blooms) appears to be limited to the section of the river downstream of the Boston University Bridge. The Department of Conservation and Recreation urges the public to avoid contact with the water and to prevent pets from drinking it. 

Water conservation is important to make sure that there is enough water for drinking, growing food and fighting fires, especially in the summer and during periods of drought. Water shortages not only impact your community, they also harm the Charles River. The more water cities and towns need to pump to meet the demand of their residents, the less groundwater makes its way into the Charles River, harming fish and wildlife. If you live in Dedham and Westwood, you can download a free app to track your water usage and save water! 

Below are some water saving tips to get you started saving water. 

Currently only 0.5% of the state operating budget supports environmental agencies, agencies that are asked to do more with less—including responding to the drought, reducing emissions, ensuring clean water and preparing for the impacts of climate change.CRWA, as a member of the Green Budget Coalition, advocates for allocating 1% of the state budget for the environment. The Green Budget recommendations include increased spending for climate change adaptation, improving water quality, protecting wetlands, restoring habitat and maintaining parks.

Updated 4/18/2017

Looking for ways to get more involved in in protecting the environment? Let your voice be heard! Now more than ever, effective laws, policies, regulations, and permits, and their strong implementation at the local, state and federal levels matter for the environment and the Charles River. Grassroots action often makes the difference. Sign up for The River Current, CRWA’s e-newsletter, to receive action alerts and project news. Click here to read our recent action alert. 

Below are a few ideas to get you started.