2008 Rivers Month Calendar for Massachusetts

JUNE IS RIVERS MONTH!  This calendar, covering river-related events in Massachusetts from Friday, May 9^th to Sunday, July 6^th, has been compiled by the Massachusetts Riverways Program to provide you with the opportunity to participate in events in, on and along the rivers of the Commonwealth. Take this opportunity to invite your friends, family, local leaders, legislators, and/or a favorite reporter to clean up, paddle, protect, enjoy and celebrate your favorite rivers and streams or experience new ones. Get some healthful exercise in and/or along the Commonwealth’s many scenic waterways.

Many activities require reservations in advance. Please call/e-mail ahead to inquire about any restrictions, fees, rain dates or cancellations that may apply. Any questions should be directed to the event organizers at the contact phone numbers and/or e-mails provided for each listing.

May 9^th – May 18^th

May 9^th (Friday) – CHILDS RIVER (CAPE COD WATERSHED) – Go With the Flow – Childs River Ecology, 9:00 AM, sponsored by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Explore this little visited spot on Reserve lands. Join Steve Hurley of MassWildlife and Gabrielle Stebbins of MA Riverways Program (and former WBNERR Interpretive Naturalist), for an insider’s look. Meet at Reserve HQ and then carpool to the river site.  Call (508) 457-0495 ext.108 or e-mail nancy.church@state.ma.us to register or for more info.

May 9^th – June 15^th – CONNECTICUT RIVER – Holyoke Dam Fishway Viewing, sponsored by Holyoke Gas and Electric Company. Click here for more details.

May 10^th (Saturday) – HOOSIC RIVER – Mother's Day Weekend Flotilla, 10:30 AM, sponsored by the Hoosic River Watershed Association.  Three rafts will depart Ashton Avenue in North Adams for about an hour’s paddle to Lauren's Launch in Williamstown.  All ages and levels of experience welcome. Life jackets, paddles, and helmets provided (but children under 40 lbs must bring their own life jackets). Youngsters 16 and under must come with an adult. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Signup is first-come, first-served for a total of 15 seats. (If you have a group of 4 or more, please talk to us about scheduling a special trip of your own). A voluntary donation of $10 per passenger over 12 years old would be much appreciated! NOTE: YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER; contact HooRWA at (413) 458-2742.

May 10^th (Saturday) – NEMASKET RIVER (TAUNTON WATERSHED) – River Race in Middleborough, co-sponsored by the Middleborough Park Dept. and the Taunton River Watershed Alliance.  Free burgers or hot dogs with chips and drink at the end of the race for all registered participants! Trophies awarded to the top 3 in each category!  Pre-Registration: $15 per person ($20 day of race). Sign up at the Masi Field House, located at 26 Jackson St. in Middleborough, or call (508) 946-2440. Sign up before the race from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at Old Bridge St. in Lakeville. Race begins at 11:00 AM at that location and ends at the Oliver Mill Park in Middleborough. 

May 10^th (Saturday) – FORT RIVER (CONNECTICUT WATERSHED) – Fort River Canoe Trip, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, sponsored by the Rushing Rivers Institute.  Click here for more details.

May 10^th (Saturday) – RED BROOK (BUZZARDS BAY WATERSHED) – Fish Migrations: Fresh to Salt and Back Again, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Lyman Reserve, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Red Brook provides habitat for herring and rare sea-run brook trout that move between fresh and salt water. Learn about these hidden migrations and the restoration of this ecologically important stream.  Click here, call (508) 679-2115 or write to bioreserve@ttor.org for more info.

May 10^th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Canoe Trip, South Natick to Dedham, sponsored by the Wampanoag Paddlers. Click here for more info.

May 10^th (Saturday) – JONES RIVER (SOUTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – Mini River Cleanup Paddle, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, sponsored by the Jones River Watershed Association.  Call (781) 585-2322 or write info@jonesriver.org for more details. 

May 10^th (Saturday) – CANOE RIVER (TAUNTON WATERSHED) – 21^st Annual Canoe River Awareness Day, 10:00AM – 12:00noon, sponsored by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee (CRAAC). This year’s event will be held at the LL Bean store in Mansfield Crossing, 280 School St. in Mansfield and will include displays of Maps and Wildlife Photos and demonstrations of outdoor gear by L.L. Bean staff.  Contact CRAAC Chairman Wayne Southworth at wsouthworth@easton.ma.us or (508) 230-0810 for more info.  

May 10^th (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Flatwater canoe/kayak trip from Topsfield to Ipswich, sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Club.  Put in at Topsfield and take out at Foote Bros. For canoe rental with partner, call Foote Bros. in Ipswich at (978) 356-9771. Bring PFD, water, lunch/snacks. Call Leader Mac Meyers at (781) 275-0511 to pre-register (required) and for more details.

May 10^th (Saturday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Bio Blitz, 9:00AM-1:00PM, co-sponsored by the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) and The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), at TTOR’s Signal Hill Reservation in Canton. Expand your knowledge of our local ecosystems, improve your wildlife identification skills and record our local fauna and flora diversity while checking out one of TTOR’s newest reservations, an archaeologically significant site along the Neponset River. Families welcome. What to bring: Enthusiasm, bug repellent, sun block, a hat and a camera (optional). Rain date: May 17. How to get there: Take I-95/Rt. 128 Exit 13 onto University Ave. Proceed through large industrial park to traffic light at Canton St. Turn left on Canton St., cross Neponset River and take immediate right onto University Rd. Proceed through office park. Park on right just before the last building. Learn more by contacting NepRWA Board of Directors member Paul Lauenstein at (781) 784-2986 or lauenstein@comcast.net.

May 10^th, 11^th, 17^th and 18^th – CONCORD RIVER – Whitewater Rafting Trips in Lowell, sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and Zoar Outdoor.  This whitewater gem plunges over three major class III-IV rapids - Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and Middlesex Dam.  Each trip includes two runs down the Lowell reach of the Concord.  Adventurous rafters 14 and older are welcome.  Your trip concludes with passage through an 1850's lock chamber that brings you right into downtown, seeing the city like never before. A portion of the proceeds support the Trust’s work on the Concord River. Call (800) 532-7483 for reservations, or call (888) 375-1115 or click here for more info.

May 11^th (Sunday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER – Mother’s Day Canoe Trip, 9:30 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton. Bring your mom and celebrate Mother's Day at Arcadia. Begin with a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate, and a muffin. Then we will get in the canoes and take a gentle paddle through Arcadia's overflowing Mill River and marsh. Paddle through floodplain forest while looking for spring wildflowers blooming along the shore. Look for returning warblers, herons, and kingfishers. This trip is appropriate for all levels.  Open to children ages 10 and up. Basic paddling instruction is provided. Fee: Adults/Children $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member. Click here, call (413) 584-3009 or write to arcadia@massaudubon.org to register or for more info.   

May 12^th – 18^th – STATEWIDE – Bike Week, sponsored by MassBike.  Click here, here (Pioneer Valley) or here (Southern Berkshire) for more details.

May 13^th (Tuesday) – MUMFORD RIVER (BLACKSTONE WATERSHED) – Lackey Pond and Mumford River Paddle, 6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club. Come join us as we kick off our 8^th season on the beautiful Mumford River.  The water levels should be high enough in May to allow us to paddle further up the river than we have in years past. This is always a popular paddle.  Suitable for all levels of experience.  Directions: Take Route 146 to the Lackey Dam Road/Whitinsville Road exit. At end of exit take a right, follow road approximately 1/2 mile to the dam.  Parking is available on the service road to the dam. Paddle through Lackey Pond upstream into the Mumford River.  Click here or contact Cheryl at StoneFoxFarm@juno.com or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

May 14^th (Wednesday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Evening Paddle for Rails and other Marsh Birds, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. The freshwater marsh known as Bunker Meadows can be a magical place for viewing and listening to breeding wetland birds. Usually the only opportunity visitors have to observe Virginia rails, sora rails, or pied-billed grebes is from a distant observation tower or boardwalk. Tonight we’ll venture into the marsh by canoe for close-up views of these amazing birds. Other birds we are likely to encounter include the marsh wren, swamp sparrow, wood duck, and much more.  Basic paddling instruction will be provided, along with all equipment. Participants must know how to swim. Click here or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info. 

May 14^th – June 15^th – CONNECTICUT RIVER – Turners Falls Fishway Viewing, sponsored by FirstLight Power Resources. Click here for more info.

May 16^th – 17^th (Friday – Saturday) – SAUGUS RIVER (NORTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – New Pathways to History": the Grand Reopening of Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site 

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Fri.), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat.). Festivities start at 5:30 PM Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Scratch out your initials or creative design in a sand mold and watch as it is cast in molten iron by the Iron Guild. Follow a guided tour and see turning waterwheels and a working 500 pound hammer! Dance with the Royal Scottish Country Dancers until 7:00 PM. On Sat., take a tour of the Iron Works mill buildings: the Forge, Furnace, and Slitting Mill, with working waterwheels; see blacksmith demonstrations and working engine models by the New England Model Engineering Society; engage in Colonial games and lawn activities; and take part in hands-on environmental activities and canoe or kayak rides presented by the Saugus River Watershed Council.  Live Music and free refreshments - Bring a picnic lunch!  Click here or contact Curtis White at (781) 233-0050 for more info.

May 17^th (Saturday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER – 32^nd Annual Canoe/Kayak Race, 11:00 AM, sponsored by the Blackstone River Watershed Association.  This year’s 12-mile race begins in Fisherville, just downstream of the Route 122A bridge over the Blackstone River in south Grafton, and ends in the vicinity of River Bend Farm Visitor Center, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, in Uxbridge. After the race there will be food, music, an award ceremony as well as other family activities. The BRWA also has a great raffle with a Great Canadian canoe as the first prize. There’s lots of fun for the whole family.  Click here  for more info. 

May 17^th (Saturday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – 21^st Annual Cleanup Day, 9:00 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Join the NSRWA and head out by foot, truck, or boat to remove trash and debris from our watershed. At noon a celebratory cookout sponsored by Whole Foods Market is held at the Driftway Park in Scituate for all volunteers – we hope you will join us!  Click here or contact Paula Christie at the NSRWA office at (781) 659-8168 or paula@nsrwa.org for more info.

May 17^th (Saturday) – MILLERS RIVER – Hike at the Birch Hill Dam Recreation Area in Winchendon, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM sponsored by the Millers River Watershed Council. This area features extensive hiking trails near the Millers River and environs, including natural and cultural stops like King Phillip Rock. Click here, call (978) 248-9491 or write to council@millersriver.net for more info.

May 17^th (Saturday) – STATEWIDE – Park Serve Day: A Statewide Effort to Clean Up Our Parks and Beaches, co-sponsored by the Governor’s Public Liaison Office, the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).  During this day of statewide volunteer service, we’ll work together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer. With your help, we’ll be sprucing up park facilities, cleaning coastlines, maintaining trails, planting flowers, and more. These valuable resources belong to all of us, and we can all take pride in them!  Participating “river” parks include Alewife Brook Reservation, Nashua River Rail Trail, Robinson State Park, Maudslay State Park, Otter River State Forest and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.  Click here for more details on cleanup locations and how to sign up.

May 17^th (Saturday) – NASHUA RIVER – Park Serve Day along the Nashua River Rail Trail, sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.  Help celebrate this statewide service day to state parks by participating in this annual clean-up of the rail trail. At 10:00 AM, arrive at the Ayer end of the trail, the Sand Hill Road parking lot in Groton, Pepperell center, or the Nashua end of the trail. We’ll also try to complete the clean-up of an old dump site off River Street in Dunstable. Register at any of those spots and receive your official litter bags and gloves. Fill your bags with litter, and leave them along the trailside for noontime pick-up. Call Emily Norton at (978) 597-3553 with questions. 

May 17^th (Saturday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER – Team Building Paddle, 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association.  This trip will be in conjunction with Tactician and Renaissance Committee and will meet at Castle Heights in Andover (just below the Stevens Street dam) and end just before the Balmoral dam. Click here or contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net or ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for more info.

May 18^th (Sunday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER – Multi-Group tour of Outdoor Life, 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association.  This trip will be in conjunction with a number of groups from Andover and will meet at Lowell Junction Road in Andover and paddle to the Ballardvale dam. Participating groups include the Andover Department of Community Services, Andover Conservation Committee, AVIS, Andover Historical Society, Andover Trails Committee, Andover Youth Services, and the Boy Scouts of America.  Click here or contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net or ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for more info.  

May 18^th (Sunday) – MYSTIC RIVER – 12^th Annual Mystic River Herring Run & Paddle, sponsored by (and benefiting) the Mystic River Watershed Association.  Participate in a 5K Race, Walk, or 3- or 12-mile paddle.  Meet at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive in Somerville (park at the Somerville District Court at 175 Fellsway).  5K Race & Walk registration opens at 8:00AM; 5K Race starts at 9:00AM; Walk starts at 9:15AM; Paddling Race registration begins at 8:30AM; Paddling Race starts at 10:30AM.  Click here or contact Mark at (617) 893-0209 or HerringRun@gmail.com for more info. 

May 18^th (Sunday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER – The Rhode Island Reach: the Blackstone Gorge to Pawtucket Tidewater, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Sanctuary.  At the MA/RI border, the Gorge is one of the few sections of the Blackstone that remains in its natural condition. Below the waterfall at Rolling Dam, the river runs wild through steep cliffs vegetated with mountain laurel and eastern hemlock.  We’ll explore the Gorge on foot and then travel by van to visit other Blackstone sites downstream. Click here or call (508) 755-8899 to sign up or for more info.  

May 18^th (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Picnic on the Charles in Dover, 12:30 PM, sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association. Join us for a chance to hear about CRWA’s efforts to maintain a healthy river and CRWA’s recent pollution study released by EPA. For more information or to RSVP, contact Leigh Heffernan at (781) 788-0007 ext. 231 or lheffernan@crwa.org. 

May 18^th (Sunday) – PLUM ISLAND SOUND (PARKER WATERSHED) – Horseshoe Crabs by Kayak, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary.  Every year, horseshoe crabs crawl up onto sandy beaches to mate and lay eggs during certain spring high tides. Horseshoe crabs live their lives on the bottom of the ocean so their annual trip to the beach is your chance to see this ancient species in action. We will kayak on the calm waters of Plum Island Sound to secluded areas where the crabs are not disturbed to view this spectacle. Instruction in kayaking techniques and safety procedures is provided with each program. The fee (Adults $60.00 members, $70.00 non-members) covers single kayak rental. Click here or call (978) 462-9998 to sign up or for more info.

May 19^th – May 25^th

May 20^th (Tuesday) – QUINSIGAMOND RIVER (BLACKSTONE WATERSHED) – Quinsigamond River Paddle, South Grafton, 6:15 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club.  Boat Rentals Available.  Meet at the Riverview Apartments put-in off of Route 122, approx one mile north of its intersection with Route 122A (there’s a Cumberland Farms store at the junction). Follow the Riverview Apts. road 1/4 mile to end (it becomes a dirt road). Suitable for all levels of experience, and a couple of paddling options are available for this trip.  Click here or contact Cheryl at StoneFoxFarm@juno.com or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

May 21^st (Wednesday) – CHARLES RIVER – Opening Celebration of the Charles River Greenway and Spring Run of River Herring, 10:30 AM at the Watertown Dam, co-sponsored by the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries, the Charles River Watershed Association and the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.  Enjoy a riverside talk on the restoration of native vegetation along the Greenway.  See the new educational kiosk with information about river ecology and history.  Take an interpretive walk in the Greenway with a park ranger.  For further information, contact Susan Redlich at the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership at (617) 287-or susan.redlich@umb.edu.  

May 21^st (Wednesday) – NASHUA RIVER – Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act workshop, 7:00 PM.  Jennifer Gensel of the Mass. DEP Wetlands Circuit Riders Program will introduce Conservation Commissioners, members of Planning Boards and interested citizens to the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act, which applies to all rivers and perennial streams in the state. The relationship of the Rivers Protection Act to the broader Wetlands Protection Act will be explained.  The presentation is free and open to the public and will take place at the Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA)’s River Resource Center, Route 119 in Groton. To register or for more information, please contact Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth Circuit Rider, at (978) 448-0299, or MarkA@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.

May 24^th (Saturday) – HOOSIC RIVER – Riverfest, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Cole Field in Williamstown, sponsored by the Hoosic River Watershed Association.  HooRWA's annual celebration of the river is fun for the entire family and includes rafting, canoeing, live music and other live performances, riverbank art, pony rides, live birds of prey, live river critters, crafts and activities for kids, good food, and more! Admission tickets double as raffle tickets for prizes such as bikes and kayaks. Click here or call HooRWA at (413) 458-2742 for more details on this year’s celebration.  

May 24^th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – 15^th Annual EarthFest at the Hatch Shell, 12noon – 6:00PM, co-sponsored by 92.9 WBOS-FM and Whole Foods, in cooperation with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation. EarthFest is a free celebration for the Earth showcasing environmentally friendly products, groups, and activities. EarthFest will also feature an all-star musical line-up, an interactive family area and more.  Go to http://www.earthfest.com for more details; non-profit groups seeking to participate in the event should e-mail Crystal Margolis.

May 24^th (Saturday) – NORTH NASHUA RIVER – Paddle in Leominster, 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack River Watershed Council. This section of the river offers something for everyone, from flatwater to Class I-II. A portage over a broken dam is required. From Rte 2 to Leominster, take Mechanic Street exit (Do not take the Mechanic St exit off I-190!). Proceed west through lights into Searstown entrance. Put in is across from Home Depot. Leader: Peter Urban, (978) 407-6551, pturban@yahoo.com. 

May 24^th (Saturday) – WILLARD BROOK (NASHUA WATERSHED) – Fly Fishing Seminar, 11:00 AM- 12 Noon, sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.  The seminar is led by Eino Kauppi, Townsend resident and treasurer for Friends of Willard Brook, who has successfully taught fly fishing on the Squannacook River for more than 20 years. Get an overview of the sport of fly fishing, including the aspects of casting, equipment, the fish’s environment, and the practice of good conservation. Meet at Pearl Hill State Park parking lot on New Fitchburg Road in West Townsend. For more information, call Eino at (978) 597-0248.

May 25^th (Sunday) – NASHUA RIVER – Flatwater paddle in Ayer, 9:30 AM, sponsored by the Merrimack River Watershed Council. Enjoy a leisurely paddle on a forested, quiet section of the Nashua River. Registration Requested, please call Gwen or Doug – evenings: (603) 878-9046.  From Rte 495, exit 30 take Rte 2A west to launch at bridge over Nashua River. Launch site bridge is approximately 1 mile from where Rte 111 branches off Rte 2A. Leader: Neal Menschel (978) 448-8699 days. Trip Partner: Nashoba Paddler, Rentals Available; call in advance.

May 26^th – June 1^st

May 26^th (Monday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip at Bartholomew's Cobble, 9:00 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. On this guided paddle, we’ll explore the rich and varied habitats of the winding Housatonic. Fees: Members: Adult $24; Child (10 – 16) $12. Nonmembers: Adult $30; Child $15. Please pre-register by calling (413) 229-8600 or writing to bcobble@ttor.org.  Click here for more info.

May 28^th (Wednesday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Evening Paddle for Bitterns, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. The freshwater marsh known as Hassocky Meadow is a beautiful beaver-enhanced wetland located in the heart of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Hassocky Meadow provides breeding and resting areas for American and least bitterns. Sanctuary visitors are usually limited to scanning the meadow for birds from surrounding trails. This evening, we’ll become one with this rich wetland habitat as we canoe through the cattails looking and listening for these rarely-seen bitterns. A variety of ducks, rails, wrens, vireos, warblers, sparrows, and more will also be within sight and sound.  Basic paddling instruction will be provided, along with all equipment.  Fee: Adults $15.00 members/$17.00 non-members.  Click here or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.

May 28^th (Wednesday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Spring Evening Paddle, 5:30 PM, Neponset II Park, Hilltop Street, Dorchester, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network.  Join BNAN and MA DCR for a late spring evening paddle starting from the newest Neponset boat launch. Going through the salt marsh up to Lower Mills, we will enjoy this serene setting as twilight approaches. Canoeing experience and pre-registration required. To register contact BNAN at (617) 542-7696 or info@bostonnatural.org

May 30^th (Friday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Neponset Greenway Bicycle Tour, 10:00 AM, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network.  On this 15-mile annual ride along the Greenway, we’ll begin at Paul's Bridge on the Milton/Hyde Park border, pedal “downstream” to Victory Road Park just past the current terminus at Dorchester Bay, then return.  Click here or call (617) 542-7696 for more info.  

May 30^th (Friday) – SUDBURY RIVER – Evening Canoe Adventure, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxed evening on the beautiful Sudbury River as we watch for water-loving birds and listen for the sounds and songs of many creatures along the way. We provide all the gear, as well as paddling and canoe safety instructions.  Meets at Sudbury River canoe landing on Rte. 117.  Fee: Adults/Children $24.00 members, $29.00 non-members.  Click  here or call (781) 259-2200 to pre-register (required) or for more info.

May 30^th (Friday) – JONES RIVER (SOUTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – High Tide Potluck and Paddle, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, sponsored by the Jones River Watershed Association. Bring your friends, neighbors, family along with canoes, kayaks and fishing poles and enjoy a night of great food and fun. The grill is ready at 6 pm. All are welcome. Call (781) 585-2322 or write info@jonesriver.org for more details. 

May 31^st – June 8^th – STATEWIDE – National River Cleanup^TM Kickoff, sponsored by American Rivers.  Click here for more details.

May 31^st (Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER – Wild Edibles of Buzzards Bay, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance.  Join Riverways’ Russ Cohen on a walk along the West Branch Westport River shoreline and adjacent woodlands to learn about the comestible qualities of at least two dozen plant species. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, along with guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging. After the walk enjoy some wild food prepared by Russ. Meet at WRWA office, 1151 Main Road, to carpool to site. Space is limited. Please call (508) 636-3016 to reserve a spot. Fee: $10 members /$12 non-members. Click here for more info.

May 31^st (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Canoeing for Beginners, 9:00 AM – 12 noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.  Join us to learn basic paddling strokes such as the forward and back paddle, sweep, draw, and j-stroke. Learning these strokes correctly will enable you to control your canoe with far less effort. We’ll practice on land and in the backwaters, and then canoe the Ipswich River to enjoy the sights and sounds of a spring morning. Click here or call (978) 887-9264 to sign up or for more info.  

May 31^st (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Source to Sea Canoe Paddle in Wilmington, sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA).  IRWA and friends will paddle from source to sea down the length of the Ipswich River. All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PDF, and snacks. Rain will cancel the trip. Pre-registration is required: Click here for more info, or contact IRWA at irwainfo@ipswichriver.org or (978) 412-8200 to reserve your spot.

June 1^st (Sunday) – MERRIMACK and PARKER RIVERS – Biodiversity Celebration, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, co-sponsored by the Parker River Clean Water Association, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and  Mass. Audubon’s Joppa Flats Wildlife Sanctuary.  Join us to honor the incredible variety of plants and animals in our area. This full-day family event will feature an exciting mixture of indoor and outdoor activities offered throughout the Newburyport area to encourage participants to learn more about biodiversity.  All activities will be free. A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Rain or shine event.  Click here or contact Lisa Hutchings at (978) 462-9998 for more info.   

June 1^st (Sunday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – Fishway Open House, 10:00AM – 3:00PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association.  View salmon and other migratory fish through a special viewing window at the West Springfield fish ladder.  The entrance and registering area will be at the gate near the former Southworth Paper Co. Office building at 150 Front Street. From Rt. 20, turn south onto Second St. and go a couple of blocks down the hill, then right onto Front St. After about 200 yards, turn left and cross the railroad tracks, then turn immediately right and look for parking along the cobblestone street. Contact  Bill Rose at (413) 786-0195 for more info.

June 1^st (Sunday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip at Bartholomew's Cobble, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. On this guided paddle, we’ll explore the rich and varied habitats of the winding Housatonic. Fees: Members: Adult $24; Child (10 – 16) $12. Nonmembers: Adult $30; Child $15. Please pre-register by calling (413) 229-8600 or writing to bcobble@ttor.org, or click here for more info.   

June 1^st (Sunday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – Recreational rowing on the North River, 8:30 AM, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Discover another great way to enjoy our beautiful rivers, come rowing with us on the North River. Join in on a pleasant recreational row on the North River and ride the tide up and back from Union Street up to Route 3, stopping at Couch Beach for a picnic and swim on the way back. Meet at the Marshfield Canoe Launch at 8:30 AM. Both fixed and sliding seat boats are welcome. All boats and rowers should be equipped with proper safety gear and PFD’s. Pre-registration a MUST, and the number and size of the boats participating may be limited, so you must sign up before May 23rd. Suggested donation is $10 per boat. Click here, e-mail Paula Christie or call her at (781) 659-8168 to register or for more info.

June 1^st – 8^th (Sunday –Sunday) – STATEWIDE – National Fishing and Boating Week.  See details at http://www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=46 or http://www.takemefishing.org.