News, events, and updates you Otter know from OARS.

OARS 3 RIVERS

A strong, effective, and sustainable organization

A YEAR OF IMPACT, A FUTURE OF ACTION

Reflecting on 2024—A Year of Impact

2024 was a year of extraordinary progress for OARS 3 Rivers, made possible by our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and community partners. Over 400 pounds of trash were removed from the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers. Thirty-two volunteers collected 295 water quality samples from 53 test sites across the watershed. Our Adopt-a-Launch program kept 14 river access points clean and safe; volunteers removed 106,000 invasive water chestnut rosettes while our team continued to advance two critical dam removal projects. We educated 120 underprivileged children through our Water Wise Workshops, hosted 3 community paddle events, and participated in 25 community talks and events. Advocating for river health, OARS submitted 23 testimony and comment letters, ensuring that our rivers remain a priority in policy decisions. From bacteria source tracking in Ashland to hands-on restoration efforts, OARS championed clean water and healthy ecosystems every step of the way.

Charting the Course for 2025

This year, OARS is setting an ambitious course to inspire, educate, and engage our community like never before. Our Water Wise Workshops, a cornerstone of environmental education since 2004, are expanding to three new school districts and will include over 54 summer camp sessions, reaching more than 1,000 young learners annually through immersive, hands-on programs that bring vital environmental education to underserved MetroWest communities.

We are making waves in river recreation and accessibility. The 86 Miles Club (more info coming soon) will challenge paddlers to explore the SuAsCo watershed, while our inaugural Concord River Race on May 4th will unite the community in a celebration of our 3 rivers. Our River Recreation Activity Teams (River RATs) will ensure inclusive river access by partnering with community organizations and training new paddlesports safety facilitators. Through this initiative, OARS will host monthly community paddles geared towards individuals and families who are first-time paddlers.

OARS is also leading the charge for climate resilience with nature-based solutions. With $40,000 from the Sudbury Foundation, we’re installing two new rain gardens along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, mitigating stormwater runoff and creating pollinator habitats. Partnering with X-Cel Education, we will help train young adults to conduct culvert assessments across the watershed, addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing flood mitigation efforts. This initiative will assess 50 priority culverts, mobilizing municipalities and engaging diverse communities in climate action.

As we embark on these new initiatives, OARS remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the health of our rivers through vital programs like our water quality monitoring, as well as our policy and advocacy activity ensuring that the SuAsCo rivers are safe, clean, and thriving for all who depend on them. It is becoming increasingly important for organizations like OARS to take a more active role in these actions. The current state and federal institutions face new and significant challenges. Now, more so than ever, OARS must dig in and gear up to continue our efforts to preserve and protect our rivers and watershed.

Our vision for 2025 is bold: to expand access to our rivers, educate the next generation of stewards, and implement innovative solutions for a sustainable future while preserving and continuing the critical science and policy work needed to ensure the ongoing protection of our rivers. Thank you for being part of this journey—together, we’ll keep our rivers flowing strong and free.

HEALTHY RIVERS

supporting wildlife and our communities

Winter Drought: Why Groundwater Isn’t Recovering

Despite recent snowfall, our region is facing a Level 3—Critical Drought, with groundwater levels failing to recharge. What’s causing this unusual winter drought, and what can we do to help? Learn more about the state of our water and how conservation efforts remain crucial.

Cracking the case:

Bacteria Source Found in Sudbury River

What’s lurking in the Sudbury River? OARS’ 2024 bacteria study in Ashland revealed a surprising source of pollution with the help of DNA analysis and detergent testing. See how our volunteers helped pinpoint the culprit and what’s next for river health.

Let the Rivers Run: How Dam Removal Benefits Us All

OARS is working to restore the natural flow of our rivers by assessing outdated dams and exploring opportunities for ecological improvement. Removing barriers can enhance habitat, improve water quality, and reduce flood risks. Learn more about how these projects benefit both people and wildlife.

Investigating Hop Brook’s Impact on the Sudbury River

OARS’ Water Quality Scientist, Ben Wetherill, presented critical findings on Hop Brook’s impact on dissolved oxygen in the Sudbury River at the Northeast Aquatic Biologists Conference. With years of data and a compelling case, his research sheds light on how historical phosphorus pollution continues to affect water quality today.

The Hidden Impact of Driveway Salt

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.

CARING COMMUNITY

that appreciates and protects our rivers through OARS

JOIN OR RENEW YOUR OARS MEMBERSHIP

& MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR 3 RIVERS!

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!

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.

OARS EVENTS

Join us for an unforgettable evening at OARS’ 17th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! This inspiring event showcases breathtaking short films that celebrate the beauty of nature and the power of environmental action. Grab your tickets now and experience a night of adventure, storytelling, and community at the Maynard Fine Arts Theatre on April 23rd! 

Gear up for an exciting day on the water at the Inaugural Concord River Race! Whether you are paddling to win or just in it for the adventure, this thrilling race is the perfect way to celebrate spring on the river. Join us on May 4th, starting at the Bedford Boat Ramp, and be part of the action!

Join OARS for a fun, hands-on Water Wise Workshop! Kids ages 5–10 will explore the water cycle, conservation, pollution, and watersheds through experiments, games, and activities that make environmental science come alive.

March 12 | 2-3 PM | Concord Fowler Library

March 20 | 4–5 PM | Framingham Library

See below for individual workshop details

SAVE THE DATE

OARS & SVT Biennial Legislative Break

March 28, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Pompositticut Community Center, Stow

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SVT ANNUAL BENEFIT: Cocktails & Constellations

March 1, 5:30–10 PM | Charter Oak Country Club, Hudson

Join SVT for an evening of celebration, connection, and conservation at Cocktails & Constellations! Enjoy cocktails, dinner, an auction, a bourbon pull, and dancing—all while supporting local land protection. Meet SVT’s new Executive Director, Davnet Conway, and hear from Emmy Award-winning emcee Joyce Kulhawik.

RESCUE RAPTORS, Regulate Rat Poison

March 10 | 7–8:30 PM | Lincoln Public School Learning Commons, Lincoln + Zoom option

Join wildlife experts for an eye-opening discussion on how rodenticides impact birds of prey and what we can do to protect them. Learn from a panel of scientists, advocates, and rehabilitators about the urgent need for safer alternatives. Hosted by Mass Audubon.

MASSACHUSETTS CLIMATE BILL: Opportunities for Action

March 16 | 12:30–2:00 PM | First Parish Church, Concord

Join Senator Michael Barrett and Elizabeth Henry to explore how the new Massachusetts Climate Bill paves the way for meaningful climate action. Don’t miss this important conversation!

CALL FOR ART: The River of Concord Show

Submit Your Art March 21–23

Calling all artists! Be part of The River of Concord Show at Fowler Library, honoring our rivers and Concord’s 250th Anniversary. The River of Concord Show runs from March 27–June 20, 2025, in the Fowler Library, West Concord. All media + artists are welcome.

38th ANNUAL HUDSON FEST

June 7, 9 AM–3:30 PM | Hudson, South Street, in the heart of Hudson’s Historic District

Join OARS and thousands of neighbors for Hudson Fest—a day packed with fun, entertainment, and over 100 vendors in Hudson’s Historic District. Stop by our table and say hi!

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.