Volunteer with CRC in 2026

It's never too early to make a difference

Planning for our 2026 volunteer season is already in motion! If you’re interested in volunteering with the CRC, secure your event date now and inspire your team to give back in a big way.

In October, 199 volunteers worked hard to prepare the parks for the Head of the Charles Regatta and the fall and winter seasons. It was a busy month, but seeing the collective 737 (!) pounds of litter removed from the parks and shoreline, and community members coming together in service and fun, make it all worthwhile!

• Klaviyo worked in Hell’s Half Acre and the surrounding areas managing invasive plants, painting over graffiti on benches and in the Eliot Bridge underpass, and removing litter. 
• Alexandria Real Estate worked along Charles River Road in Watertown cutting back overgrown vegetation, managing invasive plants, and removing litter. 
• MIT staff members worked along Memorial Drive removing litter and weeding around tree rings.
• Suffolk Construction teamed up with Takeda Pharmaceuticals to remove litter (in the pouring rain) along Memorial Drive.
• Society of St. John the Evangelist removed litter, painted benches, and weeded around tree rings in Riverbend Park.
• MassCEC removed litter and invasive plants in the Herter Park area. 
• Bitsight painted benches and removed litter in North Point Park and Paul Revere Park. 
• Suffolk Construction removed litter, cut back invasive plants, and raked leaves in Magazine Beach. 
• Community Volunteers (pictured above) raked leaves and removed litter in the Herter Park and River Stage area. 
• Accent Therapeutics removed litter, raked leaves, and cut back overgrown vegetation in Herter Park and the Artesani Playground area. 
• H.J. Russell & Company removed litter, raked leaves, and cut back vegetation in Herter Park.

Apply Now: Graffiti Artist-in-Residence 2026

Our Call for Art at Lynch Family Skatepark is now open

Big things are rolling at Lynch Family Skatepark! The CRC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Graffiti/Street Artist-in-Residence at Lynch Family Skatepark. This summer program (May–September 2026) invites local talent to create site-specific work, connect with skaters, and help shape an inclusive, evolving creative space. This residency is part of CRC’s dedication to spatial justice and community co-design—shaping shared spaces that reflect and uplift all who use them.

In addition to the Graffiti Artist-in-Residence program, we have more creative opportunities to come, including a call for curators, skaters, artists, and/or arts administrators. Stay tuned to our website and Instagram for updates next week!

Floating Wetland, Soon on the Move!

The native-planted island gets tugged to MIT next week

Sweater weather means it’s time once again for our floating wetland’s winter move! As the cold season approaches, our tiny green island is leaving its familiar mooring near Broad Canal and the Longfellow Bridge to its cozy winter home at the MIT Sailing Pavilion. All are invited to spectate the chilly voyage on Tuesday, November 18, around 9-10am: Bundle up, wave hello (or goodbye) from any spot between the two locales, and enjoy this cheerful seasonal ritual. The move is low-key and full of good vibes—just a peaceful tugboat ride for the floating wetland across the Charles before the freeze sets in. Our wetland will hibernate at the MIT Sailing Pavilion until next Spring. Sweet dreams, lil’ guy!

Memorial Drive Improvements

Construction underway in Cambridge

As work continues to make places along the Charles River a safer, accessible, and inclusive public space, please note that several major improvement projects are currently underway. Construction related to Memorial Drive Greenway Improvements, Phase III and Magazine Beach Improvements is expected to continue through the coming months. We encourage everyone to follow DCR traffic advisories, stay alert, and look forward to a revitalized riverfront.

Have thoughts or questions to share? Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming Charles River Task Force Public Hearing on Monday, Nov. 17, from 6-8pm in person at Cambridge Community Center. 

Charles River Task Force members conduct a site walk with MAPC and DCR representatives along Memorial Drive in Cambridgeport on November 6, 2025.

Now Hiring: Park Resilience Project Manager

Join our info session today and next week

The CRC team is growing! We’re thrilled to announce a full-time position for Park Resilience Park Manager. The Project Manager will manage and expand our nationally renowned Charles River Floating Wetlands project, as well as lead collaborative efforts to enhance the parks of the Lower Charles Basin. This is an amazing opportunity for a mid-level design professional looking to make a lasting impact.

Impact Director Scott McCue will be offering two virtual information sessions: TODAY, Thursday, November 13th from 3:30-4:30 PM, and on Tuesday, November 18th from 6:00-7:00 PM. Click on either link to register on Zoom.

CRC Board of Directors Update

Welcome to our new members!

We are pleased to welcome three new members to the CRC Board: Rohan Kundargi, Jake O’Neill, and A. Krista Sykes. Rohan brings expertise in K-12 community outreach and science education, Jake has built a career in environmental stewardship and communications, and Krista is an architectural historian focused on contemporary architecture and urbanism. We also extend a warm welcome to Gautam Sundaram as our new Board Chair. Deep thanks to Lonsdale Koester for dedicated service as past Chair, who will continue on the board.​

Interested in joining our board? Learn more about how you can get involved.

Sign Up to Sponsor City Splash 2026

Our river swim is happening July 18

City Splash, our signature Charles River public swim complemented by free family-friendly festivities on the Esplanade, is one of the most hotly anticipated events each summer. As a valued sponsor, your organization will help bring this signature Boston gathering to life while showcasing your commitment to community engagement, public access, and a healthy river. Sponsorship opportunities offer high-visibility recognition and a meaningful way to align your brand with a one-of-a-kind celebration of the Charles.

Reach out today to make a lasting impact on the Charles River community. Right now is the perfect time to secure your spot!

📷: Artemisia Luk

Supporter Spotlight

We are deeply grateful to our FY25 visionary supporters (see full list in this email’s sidebar). Their generosity and belief in our mission continue to drive everything we do. Because the CRC’s work depends almost entirely on private philanthropy, each gift represents a powerful investment in possibility, progress, and people. We are tremendously grateful for their partnership and for making our shared vision of a vibrant Charles River a reality. 

Instagram Action

This month we’re featuring a guest post: Shoutout to longtime CRC volunteer Frederick Hewett, who continues to inspire and advocate for a better Charles River. Not only does Hewett give his time to keep the river clean and accessible, but he also shared his expertise with a brilliant, compelling op-ed for WBUR’s Cognoscenti—helping more people understand the vital need to protect our water resources and public health. (Read full article.)