News, events, and updates you Otter know from OARS. | | | |
Spring has been a season of momentum, growth, and community connection.
From welcoming new team members and launching fresh initiatives to assessing culverts, expanding river education, and deepening our impact, there’s so much to celebrate. In this edition of Otter News, discover what we’ve accomplished together—and what’s on the horizon as summer unfolds.
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OARS 3 RIVERS
A strong, effective, and sustainable organization
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At OARS, our people make the mission possible—this month, we welcome new talent and express gratitude to a departing team member.
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A Warm Welcome
We are excited to welcome Caitlin Fitzgerald as OARS’ new Major Donor Officer! A gifted storyteller with a genuine love for connecting people to purpose, Caitlin brings warmth, curiosity, and dedication to everything she does—and we can’t wait for you to meet her.
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A Fond Farewell
We say goodbye to Ben Wetherill, OARS’ Water Quality Scientist, who is moving on to a new role at the MBTA focused on stormwater and wastewater management. We’re grateful for his contributions to OARS’ monitoring program over the past six years and wish him success in this next chapter.
| | | We are excited to share recent grant awards that are helping to protect and restore the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers through OARS. Each of these investments supports clean water, resilient ecosystems, and equitable access to nature. | | | | |
We are honored to receive a transformative $150,000 grant from a private foundation to strengthen OARS’ fundraising capacity and organizational sustainability. This investment will allow us to expand major donor engagement, reach new philanthropic partners, and build the long-term resources needed to protect our rivers for generations to come.
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Thanks to the leadership of Representative Kate Hogan and Senator Jamie Eldridge, this state earmark will bolster our water quality monitoring across the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers—ensuring we have the data needed to protect public health, aquatic life, and safe recreation.
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This grant supports two key initiatives: a stormwater study in Maynard with MARC and X-Cel Conservation Corps to track and mitigate bacterial pollution in the Assabet River, and the expansion of our River RATs program in Billerica to provide free, safe paddling opportunities for underserved communities.
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The TJX Foundation ($3,500) and MathWorks ($2,000) have generously supported OARS’ Water Wise Workshops, helping bring hands-on river science education to more students across the SuAsCo watershed. These funds expand equitable access to environmental learning and inspire the next generation of river stewards.
| | | Our rivers—and the efforts to protect and enjoy them—are gaining attention across the region. Explore recent stories highlighting OARS' work, from art and adventure to science and stewardship. | | | | The 2025 SuAsCo Legislative Breakfast brought together lawmakers, conservation leaders, and community advocates for an energizing morning of river-focused policy discussion. With critical bills on drought response, PFAS remediation, and nature access on the table, OARS and partners made the case for strong legislative action. See who joined, what was discussed, and how you can take action. | |
HEALTHY RIVERS
supporting wildlife and our communities
| | At OARS, protecting and restoring the health of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers is at the heart of everything we do. From science-based water quality monitoring and hands-on ecological restoration to education and recreation that connect people to our rivers, explore how we’re working across the watershed to ensure our rivers—and the communities that depend on them—can thrive for generations to come. | | | | |
What's in Our Water?
Our 3 rivers tell a story—and the 2024 Water Quality Report captures it in full. From rising stream temperatures to progress on dissolved oxygen and phosphorus, OARS' latest findings reflect both ongoing challenges and hard-won gains.
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Where Does the Salt in Nashoba Brook Come From?
What’s making Nashoba Brook so salty? A new study from OARS and Green Acton reveals how road salt—especially from heavily developed areas near Rt. 495—may be harming aquatic life and threatening drinking water. Learn what we found and how local action can make a difference for stream health.
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Clearing the Way
Culverts may be small, but they have a big impact on aquatic life and river health. OARS is leading efforts to assess and improve stream crossings across the SuAsCo watershed—starting in Berlin and Maynard—to reconnect fragmented rivers, reduce flood risks, and support fish and wildlife passage. Learn how we’re restoring flow and building community along the way.
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Stormwater and Our 3 Rivers
As storms grow stronger and pavement spreads, polluted runoffs are putting our rivers at risk. This article breaks down how stormwater runoff fuels algal blooms, disrupts aquatic life, and what communities can do to respond. From wetlands to utility fees, learn how nature—and smart planning—can help protect our watershed.
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A Garden for the 3 Rivers
A vibrant new rain garden is blooming along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Sudbury, capturing stormwater, supporting pollinators, and protecting nearby rivers. Planted by community partners and funded by The Sudbury Foundation, this native garden is a powerful example of nature-based solutions in action. See what’s growing and why it matters.
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Water Wise Workshops Expand
Did you know the salt you toss on your driveway can harm local rivers and wildlife? With icy weather upon us, explore eco-friendly ways to stay safe without compromising the health of our watershed.
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On Your Mark, Paddle, Go!
Paddles flew and cheers rang out at OARS’ first-ever Concord River Race! With 59 paddlers, playful signs, and friendly competition across two exciting courses, the day was packed with community energy and river spirit. Check out race results, photos, and the stories behind the finish lines.
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A Splash of Fun and Learning on the SuAsCo Rivers
Our River RATs paddles are off to an exciting start, with trips in Maynard, Billerica, and Framingham bringing together community, wildlife sightings, and a healthy dose of fun. From rubber rat games to invasive plant lessons, these outings are full of surprises—just ask Ashley, our unofficial office mascot!
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CARING COMMUNITY
that appreciates and protects our rivers through OARS
| | Our 3 rivers thrive because people care. From volunteers in the field to donors behind the scenes, every act of support helps protect and restore the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers. Read how community members are making a difference—and consider becoming a member or making a gift to keep this vital work flowing. | | | | |
86 Miles in 48 Hours
This weekend, Chester “Ozzy” Osborne is taking on an epic personal challenge: paddling 86 miles of our rivers in just 48 hours. His journey is a tribute to the beauty of the SuAsCo rivers—and a bold call to action for their protection. Follow along, get inspired, and help Ozzy reach his $1,986 fundraising goal.
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JOIN OR RENEW YOUR OARS MEMBERSHIP
& MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR 3 RIVERS!
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Becoming an OARS 3 Rivers member means being part of something bigger—a community dedicated to protecting, restoring, and expanding access to the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers.
Your membership fuels & includes:
- Free & discounted access to OARS events, including the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Concord River Race, and talks and community paddles
- Discounts on boat rentals
- More exciting benefits are coming throughout 2025!
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When you join OARS, you are not just supporting river conservation—you are part of it.
Every mile of river restored, every invasive species removed, and every policy change for cleaner water happens because of members like you.
| | Already a member? Consider making an additional donation to further support our work. Every contribution helps protect and restore our rivers. | | |
Mark your calendars—there’s always something happening on our rivers.
From volunteer cleanups to community paddles and pop-up workshops, OARS events bring people together to protect, enjoy, and celebrate the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers.
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Join us for an inspiring evening of stories, strategy, and science. We’ll highlight exciting new programs—like our 86 Miles Club and River RATs paddles—and share the growing impact of our Water Wise Workshops. Special guest speaker Kim Kastens will discuss the urgent threat of road salt to our rivers. Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge will also join us to say a few words in support of our work and the future of the SuAsCo rivers. | | | |
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Ready to paddle with purpose?
Our River RATs (River Recreation Activity Teams) are hitting the water all summer long, leading fun, free paddles that connect communities with our rivers. Check out the full lineup and join us on the water!
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Ice House Pond
Saturday, June 28
9AM–12PM
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North Billerica
Saturday, July 12
9AM–12PM
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Bedford Boat Ramp
Saturday, July 19
9AM–12PM
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NATURE PLAY FESTIVAL
July 11, 11 AM–7 PM | Discovery Museum, Acton
| | Get ready for a day of outdoor adventure and hands-on fun at Discovery Museum’s Nature Play Festival! Enjoy immersive nature activities like bug hunts, invasive plant papermaking, and guided nature walks. Explore the giant Treehouse and Discovery Woods playscape, plus STEM-based exhibits inside. Free admission for all—rain or shine! | | | DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING RIVER OR ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT YOU WANT TO PROMOTE? | | | | We would love to help spread the word! Submit your river- or environmental-based event to be featured on OARS’ Events Calendar and in our monthly Otter News and reach a broader audience in our watershed community. | | | | |
