Collaborative Watershed Projects
Dams are downright complicated. Environmentalists often push right for removal, but community members and other groups may love the sound, the waterfall, the history, the recreational impoundment, or other aspects of the dam. It’s important to consider the future of aging infrastructure and determine what can be done to balance goals such as public safety, climate resilience, ecological restoration, recreation, and preservation of culture.
Learn more about dam decision support tools, mapping, and dam removal resources such as funding and permitting here.
Don’t forget to also check out the monthly Dam Busters webinar series from DER, Mass Rivers, and CRWA.
Migratory fish such as herring have been blocked from the Blackstone - or Kittauck - for over 200 years, but we’re working with our partners and the State of RI to change that. Restoring anadromous fish species by creating ways around the lowest four dams on the river is critical not only local ecology, but also to indigenous culture. Help be the voice for the river and show your support for bringing these
Join us on Sunday, May 19th for our Second Annual Fish Migration Parade in Pawtucket!
Culvert Assessment Trainings
Aging infrastructure is especially vulnerable to the extreme storms of climate change - especially culverts, which transport water under roadways. Learn what a culvert is, why they’re important, and explore getting certified to assess them through a NAACC certification.
In 2023, the Collaborative certified a dozen new lead observers and assessed over 100 culverts in the Mumford River subwatershed. Based on your feedback, we’re setting up another training this summer - stay tuned!
Explore the latest water quality monitoring data from 75 sites from Worcester to Pawtucket, collected by the Blackstone River Coalition on the second Saturday of the month from April through November.
Volunteer opportunities available!
Indigenous Education
Indigenous perspectives are too often left out of conversations and education programs. Our partners, the Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone (BRWC/FOB) is coordinating a partnership between the Narragansett and Shinnecock Indian tribes to bring education and outreach programs to afterschool programs in RI. This program “teaches our communities about Native values and how to use those values to appreciate the Blackstone River…We want people to be a voice for the river because the river has no voice and it’s up to the new generations to speak up,” says John Marsland, President of BRWC/FOB.
Invasive Water Chestnut Removal
The water chestnut is an invasive plant species that devastates the Blackstone by overtaking native species, decreasing overall biodiversity, complicating recreational uses, and reducing real estate and aesthetic value.
Join our partners, including NEIWPCC, Friends of the Blackstone, and local watershed groups this summer to help remove this invasive species from our waterways.
Broad Meadow Brook Restoration
Mass Audubon, the MA Division of Ecological Restoration, and other partners are working to restore a wetland in New England’s largest wildlife sanctuary - Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester. Learn more about the decommissioning of a municipal sewer line and the project’s goals to improve water quality, enhance native habitat, and reduce urban flooding in this environmental justice neighborhood.
Blackstone River Commons
The Blackstone River is a commons - a resource shared by the community, to be kept open and protected for future generations.
In 2022, we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the work that has been done in the past as well as the work that remains to create a vibrant, resilient and diverse future for the Blackstone River. We paddled 60 miles from Worcester to Providence and met with decision makers, community members, artists, wastewater treatment operators, and more to shine a light on our watershed, its challenges, and its many opportunities to work together.
Creating Resilient Communities: Bylaws & Regulations
Unsustainable development and climate change are the largest threats to our region. Ensuring each of our communities have regulations in place that support sustainable development practices such as minimizing impervious surfaces and using nature based solutions to manage stormwater is one the best things we can do to prepare for a more resilient future.
2022: ZAP 50th Anniversary
In 1972, ten thousand volunteers donated over $32 million of their time and removed over 10,000 tons of trash and debris from the Blackstone River—from hundreds of cars to shopping carts, furniture, and appliances.
For the 50th anniversary in September, 2022, teams from all over MA and RI got together to clean up the watershed again, and then celebrate all that we’ve accomplished over the past half century. Don’t forget to check out the amazing photos!