Floating Wetland: Our Journey, Our Vision

Learn about the project in this brand-new video

Pass the popcorn! We’re excited to share our new video on the Charles River Floating Wetland, which outlines what we’ve learned so far and what’s next in store for this research-driven resilient design initiative. Our floating wetland pilot installation is just the start of a bold vision to dot the river with more of these biodiverse green islands, helping the city and nature thrive side by side. Tune in to see what we’ve built, learn why it matters, and find out how together we can shape a cleaner, more resilient future for the Charles. 

Cheers to Summer Volunteers

High season for rewarding work in the parks

You’re invited! Open Volunteer Event

When: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10am-12pm

Where: Charles River Road, Watertown

What: Invasive plant management, litter removal, and weeding. Tools, gloves, and guidance will be provided.

Please email Sasha to RSVP (spots are limited): svallieres@thecharles.org.

June was a busy month for the Charles River community, with 220 volunteers working to enhance the parks as the summer kicked off. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication!

• Students from the Excel Academy Charter High School did a great job painting benches and electrical boxes as well as removing litter from the parks.
• Bristol Myers Squibb worked in North Point Park where they removed litter on foot and in canoes. The team also removed invasive plant species from the garden beds. 
• RMR Group joined us in Herter Park where they painted benches and removed black swallow-wort and litter.
• The Goodwin Procter team worked in Cambridge where they painted benches and removed several species of invasive plants. 
• Suffolk Construction joined us at Magazine Beach where they planted flowers and removed litter and invasive plants from the park. 
• The AbbVie group (pictured above) removed litter from the land and water at North Point Park and tackled several species of invasive plants.
• Novartis spread woodchips around young trees, removed litter, and managed black swallow-wort at Magazine Beach. 

Don’t forget to check back on our website for newly added volunteer opportunities!

Graffiti Art Mini Photo Essay

Newest works spotted at Lynch Family Skatepark

Check out these snapshots from the Lynch Family Skatepark—pillars, walls, stairways covered in graffiti by 2025 Artists-in-Residence AOA Supply and other visiting local artists. This spot is always changing, always real, and open to everyone. Here, public art means claiming space and making it your own. 

As part of the CRC’s Public Art for Spatial Justice initiative, these vibrant pieces are the collective expression of local artists and skaters who make the park a welcoming and dynamic space for all. Follow us on Instagram for upcoming artist spotlights and painting pop-ups.

Uncertainty for Allston Multimodal Project

The latest in the I-90 saga

Federal funding for the Allston Multimodal Project is facing its most serious challenge yet. The newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” has rescinded unobligated funds in the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program—the very source of the crucial $335 million Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant awarded to Allston’s I-90 project. (See the most up-to-date news headlines on our project advocacy page.) While MassDOT has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the project, the loss of this federal support could jeopardize vital improvements to transit, open space, and connectivity in the region. As the project team awaits federal guidance on next steps, contingency plans are being developed if funds in the grant are rescinded.

Your voice is especially important at this moment of uncertainty. Sign up to attend the project’s public Task Force meeting (hybrid) on Tuesday, July 22 at 6pm. Stay informed and be part of the conversation as the future of this once-in-a-generation project remains in flux.

Cool Down with DCR

Beat the heat without breaking the bank

Did you know? DCR operates a wide network of free swimming pools, wading pools, and spray decks across the state—all open to the public and perfect for a low-key summer cool-down. Some of our go-to spots include the Artesani Playground Wading Pool and Spray Deck (pictured above) at Herter Park, the Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool at Magazine Beach, and the North Point Park Spray Deck at (you guessed it) North Point Park. Clean, safe, and accessible, these DCR facilities offer a reliable way to enjoy the outdoors and get a break from the heat.

Here’s a little water-themed trivia for your next gathering: Ever heard of an Interactive Water Play Aquatic Venue (IWPAV)? That’s the official term for a spray deck—because everything sounds fancier with an acronym.

CRC Team Updates

Welcomes and farewells

As changing seasons lend new energy to our work along the river, so do transitions within our dynamic team.

First, a heartfelt thank you and farewell to two valued team members whose programs have come to a close: Hans Nedde, who wrapped up an impactful year of service as a TerraCorps Member, lent his enthusiasm and drive to our park and volunteer initiatives as Land Stewardship Coordinator. Kata Gilbertson, who recently completed her Northeastern University co-op term focusing on community engagement and education, brought creativity and dedication to her work as Project & Event Assistant. Our deepest gratitude to Hans and Kata for their innumerable contributions to the CRC.

At the same time, we welcome two new members to the team: Scott McCue joins as our new Impact Director. Scott brings extensive experience in nonprofit and educational leadership, and we’re thrilled to broaden the CRC’s reach and impact under his guidance.

Sam Beacher has come on board as Project & Event Assistant through Northeastern University’s co-op program. Scott and Sam’s energy and fresh perspective have already made waves! Please join us in welcoming them.

Supporter Spotlight

We deeply appreciate our wonderful City Splash 2025 sponsors Marathon Sports x PUMA, MIT, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., CSL Consulting, Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Vicinity Energy, and Polar Beverages for supporting the work, mission, and vision of the CRC. While we were disappointed to cancel this year’s Charles River swim event due to water quality resulting from heavy rain, we wish to extend a big thank you to our sponsors for their continued support. We’re already looking ahead and planning for a stronger return next year for 2026.

Instagram Action

Ever wonder what our floating wetland has been up to in this warmer weather? It is in full bloom and looking much greener than the last time we checked in when it was towed from hibernation in March. Some native plant species growing on the wetland include Blue Vervain, Swamp Rose Mallow, Seaside Goldenrod, Blue Flag Iris, and many more. Check out the floating wetland from the Paul Dudley White bike path (parallel to Cambridge Parkway) downriver of the Longfellow bridge or from the water in a kayak trip from Paddle Boston!