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

OARS 3 RIVERS

A strong, effective, and sustainable organization

SPREAD THE WORD

OARS seeks a motivated and collaborative Education Coordinator to lead and present OARS' education programs, primarily Water Wise Workshops for children aged 5–10, plus some adult programming. This paid part-time summer position [runs June 10–August 9] involves 120 hours of preparation, offering workshops according to a developed curriculum and other education activities.

HEALTHY RIVERS

supporting wildlife and our communities

The Boston Globe

The state’s drought response hasn’t adapted to the frequency and severity of drought it's now experiencing.

After one of the wettest summers on record, it may feel like drought is not a problem for the Commonwealth. We had an abundance of water—even too much—with dangerous flooding in many communities. But our state has regularly experienced water shortages and will experience them again.

By Joan Meschino and Jamie Eldridge

OARS ADVOCATES FOR DROUGHT AND INVASIVES LEGISLATION

OARS expressed strong support for two key bills that are being considered by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Ways and Means: S475/H861, Drought Bill: An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management sponsored by Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Joan Meschino, and S508/H890, Invasive Species Bill: An Act responding to the threat of invasive species sponsored by Senator Pat Jehlen and Representative Dave Rogers. If any members of these committees represent you, please send them an email to express your support and include an example of why this legislation is important to you. You can read our letters for ideas or use our letter template below.

CARING COMMUNITY

that appreciates and protects our rivers through OARS

Volunteer Corner

Looking for ways you can make a difference through OARS? We have several new volunteer opportunities available.

Water Quality Volunteers

It’s that time of year again to sign up to join our group of dedicated Citizen Scientists working to monitor and improve the water quality of our three rivers and their tributaries and helping to continue OARS’ 32-year water quality data set. No experience is necessary! Training sessions are conducted in late April.

Please get in touch with Ben to sign up. For more information, see our volunteering webpage.

Be a part of the Beaver Brigade?

Beavers are a “keystone” species whose presence affects the survival of other animals by changing habitats and creating new ones. Despite this, we often find ourselves in conflict with them. We can benefit greatly from working with, rather than against, this industrious rodent. Conservation Agent Julia Flanary is experimenting with a non-lethal method to reduce beaver damage in Maynard, and OARS is recruiting volunteers to help in this endeavor.

For more information, email Heather

Watershed Outreach

Become a River Rep and help connect your communities to the SuAsCo Watershed. You will assist us in tabling and coordinating community events. Training and materials are provided as needed.

For more information, email Heather Conkerton.

Do you love to photograph the scenes, plants, activities, and wildlife of the SuAsCo rivers and watershed?

We are pleased to announce that we will be launching a new OARS website this year. We are looking for fresh new photos of wildlife, scenery, and activities occurring on, by, and in the SuAsCo waterbodies!

Submit your photos today—you will receive full photo credit wherever your photo is used.

Support the vital work to restore, protect, improve, and preserve the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers and their tributaries and watersheds through OARS.

FUND-RAISING THE BAR

A simple way to help OARS

OARS has raised the fundraising bar by partnering with TD Bank. TD’s Affinity Membership Program is committed to helping OARS grow and reach its fundraising goals. The more members who bank with TD, the more money OARS can earn. There are no costs involved. In fact, it actually pays you to belong!

OARS will receive an annual contribution based on the activity of all participating members’ TD Bank accounts.

CHECKING ACCOUNTS

• $50 for every new checking account
• $10 for every existing checking account

SAVINGS ACCOUNTS or CDs

• 1/10 of 1% contribution based upon your participants’ annual average balances

OARS EVENTS

WHEN

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

7–9:30 pm (doors open 6 pm)

WHERE

Maynard Fine Arts Theatre

19 Summer St, Maynard, MA 01754

It's almost time for OARS 16th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

We still have a few tickets left

purchase yours before they sell out!

$25: General Admission

$20: OARS Members

(email OARS if you need to confirm your membership status)

$10: OARS Volunteers

(volunteers will be emailed a discounted ticket link)

Save the Dates for these popular OARS events

Rain Garden Ribbon Cutting

May 6, 10–12 AM | 40 New Street, Marlborough | ALL WELCOME

OARS' Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 29 | Pompositticut Community Center, Stow

Community Water Chestnut Pulls

June 22 | Acton

June 29 | Billerica

Tabling in the Community

Hudson Community Fest | June 22 | event details

Maynard Community Fest | October 5

OARS' 3 River Clean up

September

More information on these events coming soon!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

DISCUSSING RESILIENT LANDSCAPES FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

April 10, 7–8 PM | Online

The Massachusetts Pollinator Network hosts monthly meetings for participants from across the state to learn about topics relevant to our work and to exchange knowledge, ideas, and updates about local actions. Whether you’re a seasoned community organizer or new to pollinator protection concerns, all are welcome!