March E-newsletter

March 2021

Charles River Conservancy

22nd Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup

Our Conservancy Volunteers program is thrilled to offer small, in-person cleanups to celebrate Earth Day 2021. During the week of April 19th – 24th, participants will remove trash and debris from an assigned section of the Charles River Basin. We have spaces for individuals, families, companies, and groups, and hope you'll join us for a safe and fun way to get outside and give back to the parks that have given us so much! Please note that the status of the cleanup remains dependent on current COVID -19 guidance.

We're Hiring

Apply to be our Project Manager

We are are seeking a team-oriented individual who is eager to build external partnerships, execute exciting projects, and strengthen community throughout the parks along the Charles River. Interested in the intersection of environmentalism, urban design, and community engagement? Learn more about our information sessions and how to apply to the Project Manager position by checking out the job description.

Floating Wetland

The Wetland is Returning for Spring

To avoid the winter's harsh conditions, our floating wetland has remained in a protected upriver location over the past few months. With spring on its way, we're returning the wetland to its mooring along Cambridge Parkway, where we'll continue research and engagement. You might spot the wetland in transit today, or see pictures from the move on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Research on Cyanobacteria Blooms

The floating wetland is part of our multi-year collaboration on Charles River water quality research with Northeastern Ph.D. Candidate Max Rome. In his recently published journal article, Rome shares the findings of some of this research, focusing on sensor-based detection of cyanobacteria blooms for public health advisories and long-term monitoring.

Conservancy Volunteers

Volunteer with us in 2021

We hope you'll join us for our 2021 Conservancy Volunteers season! In close collaboration with MassDCR, we're continuing to implement event safety protocols, developed in alignment with public health guidelines and best practices. Dates book quickly, so don't delay scheduling an event for your company or group. Take a look at our 2021 available dates and email Sasha at [email protected] to schedule your event.

Supporter Spotlight

William Procter Scientific Innovation Fund

William Procter (1873-1951) was a successful businessman and important scientist in his day. Over the course of 25 years, Procter directed an exhaustive, seven-part and 1,500 page survey of the insect and marine fauna of Mount Desert Island, an island off the coast of Maine that today is the site of Acadia National Park. The observations and collections of 19th century naturalists like Procter established a foundation of knowledge that was the basis for subsequent biological discovery.

In recognition of Procter's significant work, a scientific innovation fund honoring him was established in 2018, with the goal of encouraging innovative and creative biomedical and biological discovery. We are grateful to the William Procter Scientific Innovation Fund for their generous support of our Floating Wetland initiative, and for the opportunity to be part of William Procter's wonderful legacy.

Instagram Action

We figured #InternationalWomensDay on Monday, March 8th, was as good a day as any to celebrate our dedicated all-women staff, as well as our visionary founder, Renata von Tscharner. Check us out on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.

Park News

Summer Jobs with the City of Cambridge

The City of Cambridge's Tree Ambassadors program is hiring for multiple summer positions, including Water-by Bike Tree Ambassadors and a Water by Bike Tree Ambassador Supervisor. Learn more and apply!