Become a Stream Steward!
We are currently seeking volunteers interested in helping restore stream flow in our local waters, as well as volunteers interested in collecting data related to the condition and performance of stream crossings (usually culverts, sometimes bridges). Both opportunities will be led by NSRWA staff, and training will occur on-site. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge or particular skills to participate. Both volunteer opportunities involve walking short distances on uneven terrain, and moving up and down short (but sometimes steep) inclines, so volunteers need to be confident in their ability to do so safely.
Clear Debris
After completing an assessment of stream crossings in the watershed, we have identified several factors that impede fish passage and increase flood risk, one of which is the buildup of debris at undersized culverts. Debris buildups generally consist of sticks, rocks, mud, leaves, and sometimes trash. We will be working directly in the streams, so you can plan on getting wet and dirty, and you may be exposed to ticks and/or poison ivy.
Assess Stream Crossings
We have contracted with our friend and neighbor, the Weir River Watershed Association, to perform stream crossing assessments in the towns of Hingham, Weymouth, and Cohasset. Field work includes measuring stream crossings and assessing their condition. We will also be measuring water temperature and dissolved oxygen in several locations, and will be collecting samples for eDNA analysis. During this experience, you will likely get wet and dirty, and you may be exposed to ticks and/or poison ivy.
How to Participate
Each of the cleanup and assessment events are slated to take approximately four hours. Since parking is often limited at stream crossings, we will meet at a predesignated location and then carpool to the sites. Date-specific parking information, as well as information on what to wear, can be found on our volunteer portal.
If you are interested in becoming a Stream Steward and joining us on our mission to improve the state of our local waters, please follow this link to our volunteer portal. If you are a new volunteer, you will be prompted to create an account. If you are an existing volunteer, you can log in and click on “Stream Stewards: Assess Stream Crossings” and “Stream Stewards: Clear Debris” to view more details and sign up.
We look forward to working with you!