Fall Foliage and Wild Rice Paddle
2024-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Hanover Public Launch, 2 Indian Head Dr., Hanover, 02339
Fall Foliage and Wild Rice Paddle
Saturday, October 12
9:00-11:00am
Join us on a relaxing autumn paddle around the Upper Reaches of the North River. The confluence of the Indian Head River and Herring Brook forms the upper reaches of the North River. This creates a lovely freshwater tidal marsh, one of only a handful in the state. Fall colors and cool weather make for a great time to enjoy the beauty that this section of river has to offer.
Wild rice (Zizana sp.), also known as Indian Rice is found on the slower flowing portions of the North River and Herring Brook River. It is a favorite food for many of the wildfowl that frequent the waterway.
We will meet by 8:45am at the Hanover Canoe Launch on Saturday, October 12. Please try to arrive early so we can all be on the water by 9:00am. Register with one of the links below. Please choose the appropriate link based on whether you have your own vessel (free), or need to borrow one of ours ($20).
Register to BRING YOUR OWN VESSEL – FREE
Register to BORROW ONE OF OUR KAYAKS – Single Kayak, Paddle, and PFD included. – $20

NSRWA Walking Club - Burrage Pond in Hanson
2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Burrage Pond in Hanson
Saturday, October 12, 2024
10:00-11:30am
Join us on October 12th from 10:00-11:30am at Burrage Pond in Hanson for an amazing walk with Walking Club Guest Host George Stanchfield. George is an artist, photographer, and plantsman with a passion for gardening in all its phases. He has worked for over 35 years in professional garden related work, from design to pulling weeds. This man knows his plants! You may find him wandering the trails of Burrage Pond in all seasons. Its broad vistas and intimate woodlands host a diverse amount of wildlife and flora that intrigue him most.
Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area in Hanson and Halifax, MA features over 2,000 acres of ponds, marsh, swamps and retired cranberry bogs with several miles of walking trails. It is managed by the state for fisheries and wildlife habitat, as well as open space. This is an excellent spot for bird-watching. There are more than 10 miles of public trails on the property, including a section of the Bay Circuit Trail. The trails are primarily the broad and flat dirt roads commonly found around cranberry bogs. This is easy walking, and a popular spot for horses and leashed dogs. The property was originally a very large Atlantic White Cedar swamp. In 1931, it was diked and otherwise altered for cranberry production. It is now composed of retired cranberry bogs surrounded by ponds and reservoirs, freshwater marsh, Atlantic white cedar swamp, and red maple swamp. The uplands contain the typical pine and oak, as well as some birch. Some of the flora identified here include: large whorled oogonia, calapogon, painted trillium, mountain laurel, bunchberry, and pink azalea. Fish species commonly found here include bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, chain pickerel, golden shiner, black crappie, brown bullhead, and white perch. For decades this has been an important birding site, for its waterfowl, marsh birds, and migrating passerines. Wood Ducks breed here in good numbers, and Virginia Rails can be heard calling. There is an active colony of Night Heron. Among the 81 species catalogued in 2003 were Osprey, American Kestrels, Eastern Kingbirds, Warbling Vireos, Gray Catbirds, Yellow Warblers, Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles. Also watch for Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Merlins, as well as herons, egrets and ibises.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration of all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
This event is FREE, however, registration is required.
REGISTER HERE.
The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/
Address: 382 Pleasant St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA
Please NOTE that there are multiple entrances to this property. We will be meeting at the entrance off of Pleasant Street!

A History of the North River
2024-10-16 18:30 - 19:45 | MA
With Kezia Bacon of NSRWA
Wednesday, October 16
6:30pm
Norwell Public Library
NSRWA’s Kezia Bacon will present an overview of the North River’s history, beginning in Colonial times, and extending through the 20th century. Topics will include early settlers on the river, ferries and bridges, milling and manufacturing, and the shipbuilding era, along with salt haying, Two Mile, the Portland Gale, and the impact of the construction of Route 3. She will also offer a brief introduction to the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) and its 50+ years of advocacy on behalf of the rivers. This event is open to the public.
REGISTER HERE.

Spooky Walk to Couch Beach!
2024-10-27 16:30 - 18:30 | MA
Sunday, October 27
4:30–6:30pm
Join the NSRWA on a Guided Spooky Walk to Couch Beach. Meet at Couch Cemetery before 4:30pm.
We’ll embark on a family-friendly spooky walk to a special place on the North River. Discover the scenic beauty, local lore, history, shipbuilding, the Portland Gale, activities and topics for all ages as we take an autumn stroll through the woods at twilight… with a spooky twist!
Bring your family, hiking shoes, and flashlights!
Register HERE
All ages welcome, no dogs please.

NSRWA Walking Club - North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield
2024-11-09 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield
Saturday, November 9, 2024
10:00-11:30am
Join us on November 9th from 10-11:30 at Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield for a truly special walk with Walking Club Guest Host Doug Lowry. Doug is a lifelong student of nature and is moving into his forty-fifth year as an Outdoor Educator. He has taught for the National Outdoor Leadership School as a Senior Field Instructor, a Master Educator for the Leave No Trace program and is currently the Senior Teacher/Naturalist for the Southeast Region for Mass Audubon and works on many of the organization’s statewide initiatives, certification programs and Trips and Travel.
As past Board Member and past President of the NSRWA, Doug looks forward to an adventure through Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary with kindred watershed celebrants. Our proposed route will take us down to the North River and through forested loop trails with several stops along the way for observation. We have binoculars to share and will throw in scones to start our adventure. Trails are relatively flat with minimum fancy footwork involved.
The North River Wildlife Sanctuary offers several trails and boardwalks that wind through open fields and oak forest. There is also an observation platform on the North River. The property attracts many different species of animals, such as harbor seals, deer, coyotes, geese, pheasants, red tail hawks, dragonflies, butterflies, and squirrels.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Directions: Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050. Parking area near the Visitors’ Center. Click here for trail map.
This event is FREE, however, registration is required.
REGISTER HERE.

The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/

Know Your Local Waters: Marshfield
2024-11-12 13:00 - 2024-12-03 14:30 | MA
With Kezia Bacon and Brian Taylor, NSRWA
Tuesdays at 1pm
At various locations in Marshfield
Join the North and South Rivers Watershed Association to learn about the waterways of Marshfield. The program consists of two slideshows and three guided walks. Sign up for all, or for selected events ($5 each).

November 26 – Guided Walk: South River – at Rexhame Beach – Postponed due to the rainy/windy forecast. Rescheduled for Thursday, December 5th at 1pm.
December 3 – Marshfield’s Historic Waterways – slideshow presentation at Marshfield Senior Center

To register, visit the front desk at the Marshfield Senior Center (230 Webster Street).

Clamming the South River
2024-11-23 10:00 - 12:30 | Public Parking Lot, 3 Central Ave, Humarock, MA, 02047, United States
Clamming the South River
This program has been RESCHEDULED to Sunday, November 24
10am-12:30pm
Join the NSRWA as we head out onto the flats of the South River to learn how to clam. The program will be guided by local experts as we learn the art of clamming from seasoned veterans and learn about local clam species, explore unique habitat, and understand their importance to our estuary ecosystem.
Park at the Humarock Parking Lot at 2-4 Central Ave, Humarock. Look for the brightly colored NSRWA van in the public parking lot. The NSRWA van will provide transportation to the clamming site.
People are encouraged to get a license but it is not needed if they just wish to learn/watch us clam. No one will go home empty handed! You can get clamming license through Scituate or Marshfield Town Hall (more info here). You can get your clamming gear by visiting New England Marine in Brant Rock in Marshfield, or Belsan Bait & Tackle in Scituate.
We strongly advise folks to wear footwear that can get wet, preferably waders or rubber boots, and rubber gloves. We kneel when clamming so please wear appropriate clothing to keep your knees protected and dry.
REGISTER HERE
Rain date, Sunday November 24.

2024 NSRWA Holiday Open House
2024-12-11 15:00 - 18:00 | NSRWA Offices, 214 South Street, Norwell, MA, 02061, United States
Holiday Open House
Wednesday, December 11
3:00-6:00pm
214 South Street, Norwell, MA 02061
Thank you for helping us protect our waters in 2024! Let’s celebrate our accomplishments with some holiday cheer. Please join us for our annual open house. Refreshments will be served.

NSRWA Walking Club - Willow Brook Farm Preserve
2024-12-14 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Willow Brook Farm Preserve
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10:00-11:30am
Join us on December 14th from 10-11:30 at Pembroke’s Willow Brook Farm Preserve for a winter walk with returning Guest Hosts Doug and Kathi Thomson. The Thomsons are nature enthusiasts and long time NSWRA members. They have been committed to preserving open space on the South Shore, and their walks are always informative and fun.
Pembroke’s Willow Brook Farm Preserve is 167 acres of upland and wetlands. Located at the confluence of Pudding and Herring Brooks, it is owned by the Wildlands Trust, and features 3 miles of walking trails plus an observation platform with an unspoiled view of the 2,000-acre Herring Brook Valley. The area is renowned as one of the most diverse inland natural areas in Southeastern Massachusetts. The views change with the seasons. This is definitely a place that rewards repeat visits. Abundant wildlife make their home here in the Herring Brook Valley. Even though it is 11 river miles upstream from the ocean, the freshwater marsh has water levels that rise and fall with the tides. More than 2,000 acres of undeveloped land and freshwater swamp provide an ideal habitat for mammals, amphibians, and birds — both common species and also those deemed “at risk” by Partners In Flight.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Directions: 99 Barker St, Pembroke, MA 02359
REGISTER HERE.

The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/

Birding in a Changing Climate: The North River
2024-12-19 08:30 - 10:30 | North River Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St, Marshfield, MA, United States
Birding in a Changing Climate: The North River

A program offered by Mass Audubon and the NSRWA. Van transportation provided!
Description
Birds are a wonderful vehicle for witnessing cyclic and seasonal changes.
In this monthly series, we will meet at Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary, and use van transportation to explore various sites along the North River to appreciate how patterns in weather, climate, and shifting habitats influence the birds and environment around us.
Join us to take a deeper dive into understanding how and why climate change is having such an impact on birds.
This series meets on Thursdays, at North River Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thursday, December 19

2025 New Year's Day Walk at Furnace Brook Watershed Conservation Area
2025-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | St. Christine’s Catholic Church, 1295 Main St, Marshfield, 02050, United States
Ring in the New Year with the North and South Rivers Watershed Association for our Annual New Year’s Day Walk!
Marshfield’s Furnace Brook Watershed Conservation Area
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
1:00 to 3:00pm
The main loop is roughly 1 mile and contains some forested hills and a couple muddy sections and boardwalks. There are several side trials and spur trails that branch off of the main loop, so motivated hikers are welcome to add additional mileage to their walk!
This will be a self guided walk, however, there will be NSRWA staff and volunteers stationed at the trailhead, as well as at a few intersections to help with orientation and provide some fun facts. Please be sure to maintain orientation as there are several interconnecting trails that make it easy to get turned around.
Parking will be at St. Christine’s Catholic Church at 1295 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050. Just head to the south end of the parking lot and you’ll see the trailhead kiosk and NSRWA volunteers. A special thanks to Fr. Mario Guarino and the church for providing access to these lovely trails!
Trail Map 1 – Have access to this map while on trail.
Trail Map 2 – This is an older map and doesn’t have the updated trail entrance. But you can still see the P1 Starting Location at the top right of center.
This is a free event and registration is required. All ages welcome, great for families! Wear comfortable footwear for varying terrain conditions.
REGISTER HERE

NSRWA Walking Club - Red and Gold Farm
2025-01-11 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Red and Gold Farm
Saturday, January 11, 2025
10:00-11:30am
Join Walking Club Guest Host Roger Whidden as we explore Red and Gold Farm in Marshfield on January 11th from 10-11:30. Roger is a resident of Marshfield, where he owns and operates Whidden School of Fitness, which focuses on martial arts. Roger is a member of the Marshfield Trails Committee, a nature enthusiast, and an Appalachian Trail Guide.
Red and Gold Farm features about 2.5 miles of wide, flat trails that wind around ponds, wetlands and active cranberry bogs. In the wooded section, you can find oak, maple, birch, and pine tresses as well as occasional cedar, along with fern, sweet pepper bush, and viburnum. In and around the bogs, cardinal flowers and bog orchids bloom in the summer months. Some of the avian species spotted here include great blue heron, green heron, killdeer, and wood duck. It is also a great spot to see turtles in the warmer months. The Green Harbor River flows along two sides of Red Gold Farm. The river originates in springs and ponds southwest of the property, in Duxbury. Beyond Red Gold Farm, it flows through Green Harbor Golf Club, the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary, property owned by Marshfield Municipal Airport, and Peter Igo Park. Just downstream from the Dyke Road bridge it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Green Harbor.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Directions: We will be parking at the Whidden School of Fitness, 822 Webster Street, Marshfield. Click here for map.
REGISTER HERE.

The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/

2025 WaterWatch Lecture Series
2025-01-15 19:00 - 2025-03-05 20:30 | MA
Join Us for Our 2025 WaterWatch Lecture Series!
Zoom Presentations & 2 Live Events
Wednesdays, January 15 – March 5, 2025
7:00pm
Join the NSRWA and Mass Audubon for this winter’s eight-part educational 2025 WaterWatch Lecture Series. Stay engaged with nature this winter with weekly presentations by a diverse range of presenters and themes. Each lecture is on Wednesday evening from 7-8pm with a few minutes at the end for Q&A. The program begins on January 15 and ends on March 5.
All lectures will be available on Zoom for FREE. However, the first and last lectures can also be attended in person! Separate registration pages are available for those events. You will also find the separate links for the two in-person registrations in the lecture description. Each lecture will be recorded with videos at the bottom of this page.
Register for the 2025 WATERWATCH LECTURE SERIES (FREE)
Get tickets for TRIVIA NIGHT AT STELLWAGEN BEER COMPANY (FREE)
2025 PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

January 15: Problem to Plate – Green Crabs – Join us for our kick off lecture on Zoom to learn about Green Crabs. Invasive species like Green Crabs pose a problem to our coastal ecosystems and fisheries. Find out more about these tasty crustraceans and how people are solving this problem by eating them! Scientists and food professionals will share their research and stories. Presenters include: Dr. Gabriela Bradt, Extension State Specialist at NH Sea Grant; Kelsey Meyer, UNH PhD Candidate in Marine Biology; and Mary Parks, GreenCrab.org Executive Director; and Sharon St. Ours of St. Ours Clam Broth. Hosted and food prepared by Joby Norton of Mullaney’s Harborside in Scituate. The live event is sold out, but you can still register to watch on Zoom. SEE VIDEO BELOW
January 22: Rainbows on the Wing: Dragonflies and Damselflies – Swooping, soaring, and perching, dragonflies have been on our planet for an estimated 250 million years, ancient rulers are their tiny realms. An estimated 160 species of animals within Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) can be found in Massachusetts. Blake Dinius, Entomologist Extension Educator of Plymouth County, will discuss the ecology of dragonflies: their adaptations, needs, and obstacles. Join our adventure! SEE VIDEO BELOW
January 29: A History of the Indian Head River – NSRWA’s Kezia Bacon will present an overview of the Indian Head River’s history, beginning in pre-Colonial times, and extending into the 21st century. Topics will include early settlers on the river; bridges, mills and factories; tributaries and fisheries; the Indian Head’s many tributaries; and issues concerning the river today. SEE VIDEO BELOW
February 5: The Blue Line Method: How to Catch (and Release) Wild Trout – Vincent Battista, epidemiologist, conservationist, and the interim president of South Shore Fly Casters, will teach us all about brook trout. Brook trout (S. fontinalis) are a cherished native game fish that has responded brilliantly to local conservation efforts. In Southern New England, there is a long tradition of targeting wild brookies in small creeks and streams where conventional angling methods are neither efficient (e.g. dry flies) nor particularly sustainable (e.g. live bait). This talk will review methods for safely targeting, catching, and releasing wild brook trout in our local “hidden gem” streams. SEE VIDEO BELOW
February 12: Taking Environmental Action – Lucy Gertz, Mass Audubon’s Director of Adult Education and Accessible Programs, will introduce ways to understand people’s pathways to environmentalism, how to build people’s competence and confidence for environmental action, and how individuals can be effective, positive game changers in their communities and beyond. She’ll discuss motivation and influences, skills development, empowerment, and the celebration of effective conservation work done well. SEE VIDEO BELOW
February 19: Marine Mammals on the South Shore: Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response Team – Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation of whales and dolphins. They use education, policy, and science to further their vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. Their Marine Animal Rescue and Response (MARR) team acts as first responders for stranded marine mammals (seals, whales, and dolphins) from Plymouth to Weymouth. Join us to learn more about WDC, marine mammals on the South Shore, and what to do if you see a stranded marine mammal. SEE VIDEO BELOW
February 26: Protecting Our Coastal Waterbirds – For almost four decades, Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program has played a key role in the protection and management of the most threatened coastal waterbird species in our state. The program monitors and protects more than a third of the state’s breeding Piping Plovers, approximately half of our state’s Least Terns, and about a third of its American Oystercatchers. Community Science and Coastal Resilience Manager, Gina Purtell, will share the recent updates of this important effort. SEE VIDEO BELOW
March 5: WaterWatch Series Trivia Night at Stellwagen Beer Company – Join us at Stellwagen Beer Company in Marshfield for a fun night of celebration and trivia. Share your knowledge of general watershed facts, natural history and environmental topics, and have a beer! We’ll highlight a bit of content covered throughout the 2025 WaterWatch Lecture Series. You needn’t consider yourself an expert! Tickets for this FREE event can be found online.
Problem to Plate – Green Crabs

Rainbows on the Wing: Dragonflies and Damselflies

A History of the Indian Head River

The Blue Line Method: How to Catch (and Release) Wild Trout

Taking Environmental Action
﻿
Marine Mammals on the South Shore: Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response Team

Protecting Our Coastal Waterbirds

NSRWA Walking Club - Bonney Hill Trail, Hanson
2025-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Bonney Hill Trail, Hanson
Saturday, February 8, 2025
10:00-11:30am
Join us for a winter walk on Saturday, February 8th from 10-11:30 along the Bonney Hill Trail in Hanson! Guest Hosts Kezia Bacon (NSRWA’s Community Engagement Manager) and Brian Taylor (NSRWA’s Environmental Educator) are excited to explore this recently-expanded property with you!
The Bonney Hill Trail offers a rare glimpse of Hanson’s agricultural past. We’ll follow a wide woodland trail along the base of Bonney Hill, through the former Plymouth County Hospital property, to a large open meadow, and onward to Wampatuck Pond. If conditions are suitable, we’ll explore two short side trails on the way back (2 miles total).
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Directions: Meet at the property’s parking area at 53 Pierce Ave., Hanson.
Looking Ahead: The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please email Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org or visit our website.
REGISTER HERE.

NSRWA Walking Club - Crosbie Family Preserve in Scituate
2025-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Crosbie Family Preserve in Scituate
Saturday, March 8
10:00-11:30am
Please join returning Walking Club Guest Host Deb Lenehan, on March 8th from 10-11:30 am, as we explore the Crosbie Family Preserve in Scituate. Deb is a nature enthusiast, environmentalist, and former Executive Director of the NSRWA. She brings her enthusiasm and passion to each of the walks she leads.
The Crosbie Family Preserve and Appleton Field are adjacent properties with several intersecting loop trails through 49 acres of fields, woodlands and wetlands, with numerous stone walls. The preserve is situated on a glacial drumlin. Appleton Field stands at its center, and South Swamp wraps around it.
The Orange Trail features mixed pine and hardwood forests, plus wetlands. In the outlying swamp areas, look for moss-covered rocks and boulders. Trees present here include black oak, holly, white pine, red maple, and American beech, plus an occasional hemlock, tupelo, and Atlantic white cedar. Don’t miss the unusual and somewhat rare Atlantic white cedar at the edge of the swamp along the Orange Trail (noted by a white trail marker).
South Swamp forms the headwaters of three sub-watersheds. To the northwest is Aaron Brook, which flows into Bound Brook. Merritt Brook, a tributary to Bound Brook, emanates from the northeast corner of South Swamp and flows through the Higgins-MacAllister Preserve, parallel to Booth Hill Road. First Herring Brook flows south out of South Swamp, crosses First Parish Road, and through the former Damon Pond; then through Tack Factory Pond to form Herring River in the North River Estuary.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Click here for Directions
Click here for a Trail Map
Parking can be found at the access road just east of 253 Clapp Road. Look for our signs!
Looking Ahead: The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please email Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org or visit our website.
REGISTER HERE.

The North River History & Heritage Pop-Up Museum
2025-03-08 11:00 - 15:00 | MA
Join us for this fun, educational event! Come learn about the North River’s history and heritage! It’s taking place, Saturday, March 8th, from 11am to 3pm at Cushing Memorial Hall in Norwell (673 Main Street, Route 123). Admission is free (but donations are welcome). For more info, visit: https://scituatehistoricalsociety.org/event/the-north-river-history-heritage-pop-up-museum/

Gardening Green Expo 2025
2025-03-10 10:00 - 2025-03-15 20:30 | Kennedy’s Country Gardens, 85 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy, Scituate, MA, 02066, United States
Gardening Green Expo 2025 will be a hybrid event this year, and it is scheduled for March 10-15. We will be doing live Zoom presentations during the week at 7:00pm, and will have a live event at Kennedy’s Country Gardens on Saturday, March 15 from 10am-2pm. Doug Tallamy will be doing a Zoom presentation on Wednesday, March 12.
Our theme this year is: Making a Difference in Your Own Backyard
You can make your backyard a haven for wildlife and a comforting oasis for you. A yard with native plants provides a natural habitat for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and bees, by offering food sources like nectar and seeds, while also requiring less water and maintenance due to their adaptation to local climate and soil conditions. At Gardening Green Expo you will learn about:

Planting more heat- and drought-tolerant native plants
How to convert lawn into gardens
Managing invasive species
Pollinator friendly plants
And more!

Our featured presenter is renowned author Doug Tallamy. With Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy changed the conversation about gardening in America. His second book, the New York Times bestseller Nature’s Best Hope, urged homeowners to take conservation into their own hands. This year he will be presenting a talk from his upcoming book, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard.
Tallamy says, “Nearly every day I get emails from people who have read my books and heard my talks and yet still have questions about ecological landscaping. These are good, thoughtful questions about ecology and evolution, biodiversity, invasive species, insect declines, native and non-native plants, conservation and restoration, residential and city landscapes, urban issues, oak biology, keystone plants, Homegrown National Park, monarchs, supporting wildlife at home, and more. In this talk I address as many of these queries as I can with hope that my answers will further motivate people to help restore ecosystem function where they live, work, play, worship, and farm.”
Zoom Presentations at 7:00pm

Monday, March 10 – Planting for the Future: The MA Native Plant Palette – Jason Duff & Anne Carroll, DCR Office of Water Resources – SEE VIDEO BELOW
Tuesday, March 11 – Less Lawn, More Plants! – Rebecca Warner, Author of The Sustainable-Enough Garden – SEE VIDEO BELOW
Wednesday, March 12 – How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard – Doug Tallamy, Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, Author, and Founder of Homegrown National Park – SEE VIDEO BELOW
Thursday, March 13 – Ways to Honor Nature in your Home Landscape – Susan Leigh Anthony, Doveflower Cottage Garden Designs – SEE VIDEO BELOW
Friday, March 14 – Permaculture: How to Design Resilient Systems for People and Planet – Jessica Fox, South Shore Permaculture

REGISTER FOR ZOOM PRESENTATIONS
Live Presentations at Kennedy’s

10:00am – Myco-Gardening: Companion Planting with Culinary Mushrooms for Soil, Compost and Human Health – Sally Rossi-Ormon, Scituate Community Garden
11:00am – Ecological Justice: Identifying, Removing and Managing Invasive Species and Restoring Ecological Balance – Samuel Mohnkern, Restoration Landcare
12:00pm – Help for Hummingbirds – Seven Common Mistakes Gardeners and Bird Lovers Make That Harm These Amazing Birds – Lisey Good, Founder Wild Cohasset
1:00pm – Bokashi: 30 Day Composting – Peter Swanson, Sustainability Project – Honduras

Pre-Recorded Videos

The Magic of Butterflies – Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Entomologist Educator

Exhibitors and Vendors at Kennedy’s

Bobby Mac’s Mobile Knife and Tool Sharpening
Bungalow Kitchen + Catering
Blue Stem Natives
Bartlett Tree Experts
Free soil testing by the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association
Edible Southeastern Massachusetts
Restoration Landcare
North River Wildlife Sanctuary
Teak Sherman and Appleton Field Community Gardens
South Shore Permaculture
Holly Hill Farm
Wild Ones
Scituate Garden Club
Cardinal Cushing School
South Shore Tech
Toad Stool Gardeners
Betty Greene

Register to Win Prizes!

Signed copy of Doug Tallamy’s new book
A rain barrel from the WaterSmart program
$50 gift card from Kennedy’s Country Gardens
Signed copy of The Sustainable-Enough Garden by Rebecca Warner
1 Year subscription to Edible Southeastern Massachusetts
Complimentary 45-minute Permaculture Consultation from South Shore Permaculture ($150 value)
Personal Ecological Garden Consultation ($400 value) – Blue Stem Natives
Native Plants for New England Gardens book from Wild Ones

REGISTER TO WIN PRIZES
Give-aways, Downloads, and More

Free Trees from Bartlett Tree Experts
$35 Special NSRWA NEW Member Deal with $25 Kennedy’s Gift Card and $10 Explore South Shore Guide Map (For NEW NSRWA members only)
Order your rain barrels and composters online – Ordering ends Sunday, April 13
Download our 16-page Greenscapes Guide – With tips on how to create a beautiful healthy yard the natural way. (After filling out the online form you will be redirected to the guide.)
Watch past Gardening Green Expo videos below
Get your FREE Help Save Water lawn sign

Plant Resources
From Kennedy’s Country Gardens, UMass, and CZM

Native Perennials for Sun
Native Perennials for Shade
Perennials for Pollinators and Birds
Annuals for Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds and Songbirds
Native Plants for Native Pollinators
Deer Resistant Natives
Plants to Support At-risk Insects by Dr. Robert Gegear
Coastal Landscaping in Massachusetts Plant List

Plant and Garden Resources
From Blue Stem Natives, Doveflower Cottage, Blake Dinius, Doug Tallamy, and National Wildlife Federation, Wild Ones, Mass DEP, and the Buy Nothing Project

Roadside Plants
Edible Plants
Shoreline Plants
The Battle Between Native and Invasive Plants
The Magic of Butterflies Resource List
Native Plant Finder
Homegrown National Park
Kid-Friendly Gardens – Books
Kid-Friendly Gardens – Plants
Little Bee Big World Resource List
Plant and Garden Resources from Wild Ones
The Buy Nothing Project Can Help You Garden Green
Composting – The Heart of Climate-Wise and Organic Gardening
Composting is Easy
Food Web of the Compost Pile
Home Composting & Green Landscaping
The Climate Conscious Garden

Want to see more programs like this? Please make a gift to the NSRWA to protect local waters.

This FREE expo is sponsored by the WaterSmart program, North and South Rivers Watershed Association, and Kennedy’s Country Gardens. WaterSmart is a nonprofit partnership between the NSRWA and 12 towns on the South Shore: Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanover, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Norwell, Pembroke, Rockland, Scituate and Weymouth. Our programs are based on the belief that education is key. Since its creation, WaterSmart has educated thousands of local school-age children, adults, and businesses on water conservation, stormwater pollution, where their water comes from, and how to care for it.
2025 Gardening Green Expo Videos
Planting for the Future: The MA Native Plant Palette – Jason Duff & Anne Carroll, DCR Office of Water Resources

Less Lawn, More Plants! – Rebecca Warner, Author of The Sustainable-Enough Garden

How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard – Doug Tallamy – Author, and Founder of Homegrown National Park

Ways to Honor Nature in your Home Landscape – Susan Leigh Anthony, Doveflower Cottage Garden Designs

Please Enjoy These Videos From Past Expos
The Secret Lives of Bugs – Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Entomologist

I Know You’re Very Busy but… I Want to Learn More About Nature Gardening – Doug Tallamy

The Nitty-Gritty of Building a Sustainable Garden – Kristen Nicholson, Blue Stem Natives
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Achieving a Beautiful Garden with Drought Tolerant Plants – Susan Leigh Anthony, Doveflower Cottage Garden Designs

The Joy of Composting – Turning Garbage to Gold – Ann McGovern, Mass DEP (Retired)

Rain Gardens: Gardening for a Greener Future! – Brian Taylor, NSRWA

Rewilding 101: Attract More Wildlife While Saving Time and Money: Step-by-step guidelines on how to let nature reclaim a tiny portion of your lawn – Lisey Good, Wild Cohasset

Nibbling on Native Plants in Your Back Yard and Beyond – Russ Cohen, Naturalist and Wild Edibles Instructor

Regenerative Farming and Our Practices at Holly Hill – Jon Belber, Holly Hill Farm

Building Good Healthy Regenerative Soil in a Changing Climate – Jon Belber, Holly Hill Farm

Protecting Our Waters Through Gardening – Brian Taylor, NSRWA

Attract More Butterflies to Your Garden! – Lisey Good, – Founder, Wild Cohasset

Biochar – For Healthy Plants and a Healthy Planet – Debbie Cook, Biochar Afficionado

Climate Conscious Gardening: Building Sustainable Landscapes – Kristen Nicholson, Blue Stem Natives

The Nature of Oaks – Doug Tallamy, Renowned author and Professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware

Composting and Mulching for Climate-Wise Gardening – Ann McGovern, Compost Specialist, Mass Dept. of Environmental Protection (Retired)

The Ecosystem Native Plants Support – Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Entomologist

The Drought Resistant Yard: Creating Beautiful Spaces Using Native and Non-native Plants with Less Water – Susan Leigh Anthony, Doveflower Cottage Garden Designs

Pollinators and Their Host Plants – Blue Stem Natives

Kid-Friendly Gardens – Susan Leigh Anthony, Doveflower Cottage Garden Designs

Garden for Wildlife: Remove Invasives & Plant Natives to Help Birds, Butterflies and Other Wild Creatures
By Lisey Good, Founder, Wild Cohasset – The Lisey Good Zoom presentation video had a conversion error, however, you can download the presentation and listen to the audio with the links below:
Download Lisey Good’s Presentation here.
Listen to Lisey Good’s Presentation here
The Importance of Insects and Gardening for Native Bees – Blake Dinius, Entomologist Educator at County of Plymouth

Audubon Plants for Birds Presentation by Don Eaton, Bower & Branch

Growing Tasty Edible Greens and Snacks – Jon Belber, Holly Hill Farm

Building a Rain Garden – Samantha Woods, NSRWA

Composting for Zero Waste – Ann McGovern, Retired MassDEP Compost Specialist

Backyard Birding – Doug Lowry, Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries

River Herring Count Training Hanover
2025-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the MassBays National Estuary Partnership are working hard to restore our local rivers and we need your help to document our river herring populations. We are seeking volunteers from late March through early June to count herring to count at locations on the South Shore.
Find out more, sign up to volunteer and register for a training session.
The counting is easy, fun, and based on your availability and only takes 10 minutes! Several in-person training sessions will be held for new volunteers. These will be held at multiple locations. However, the methods are generic to all sites so you can attend any training regardless of the site you register to count at. We will also post on-line training information as we get closer to the start of the counts.

River Herring Counting Training Hanover
2025-03-17 17:00 - 18:00 | MA
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the MassBays National Estuary Partnership are working hard to restore our local rivers and we need your help to document our river herring populations. We are seeking volunteers from late March through early June to count herring to count at the 5 locations on the South Shore.
Find out more, sign up to volunteer and register for a training session.
The counting is easy, fun, and based on your availability and only takes 10 minutes! Several in-person training sessions will be held for new volunteers. These will be held at multiple locations. However, the methods are generic to all sites so you can attend any training regardless of the site you register to count at. We will also post on-line training information as we get closer to the start of the counts.

River Herring Count Training Marshfield
2025-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the MassBays National Estuary Partnership are working hard to restore our local rivers and we need your help to document our river herring populations. We are seeking volunteers from late March through early June to count herring to count at 5 locations on the South Shore.
Find out more, sign up to volunteer and register for a training session.
The counting is easy, fun, and based on your availability and only takes 10 minutes! Several in-person training sessions will be held for new volunteers. These will be held at multiple locations. However, the methods are generic to all sites so you can attend any training regardless of the site you register to count at. We will also post on-line training information as we get closer to the start of the counts.

River Herring Count Training Marshfield
2025-03-18 17:00 - 18:00 | MA
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association and the MassBays National Estuary Partnership are working hard to restore our local rivers and we need your help to document our river herring populations. We are seeking volunteers from late March through early June to count herring to count at the 5 locations throughout the South Shore.
Find out more, sign up to volunteer and register for a training session.
The counting is easy, fun, and based on your availability and only takes 10 minutes! Several in-person training sessions will be held for new volunteers. These will be held at multiple locations. However, the methods are generic to all sites so you can attend any training regardless of the site you register to count at. We will also post on-line training information as we get closer to the start of the counts.

History of the North River
2025-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 | MA
History of the North River
Tuesday, March 18
6:30-7:30pm
Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield
Join NSRWA’s Jim Glinski for an engaging slideshow presentation on the History of the North River. It’s happening Tuesday, March 18th, from 6:30-7:30pm at the Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield. Details here: https://ventresslibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/history-of-the-north-and-south-rivers/

Timing the Tides
2025-03-27 18:30 - 19:30 | MA
Timing the Tides
Thursday, March 27
6:30-7:30pm
Ventress Memorial Library, Marshfield
Planning a paddling trip on the North and South Rivers? NSRWA shares everything you need to know to make it a success! How to time the tides, where to launch your boat, and lots more! Join us at Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield on Thursday, March 27th from 6:30-7:30pm. Free admission. No registration required. For more information, visit: https://ventresslibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/timing-the-tides-for-paddling-on-the-rivers/

Marsh Madness, King Tides and South River Exploration Walk
2025-03-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Rexhame Beach, 350 Standish Street, Marshfield, 350 Standish St., Marshfield, MA, 02050, United States
Marsh Madness, Wicked High Tide and South River Exploration Walk
Rexhame Beach
Saturday, March 29
10:00-11:30am
Join the NSRWA in a guided walk around the salt marshes and shores of the South River during a spring high tide or as we like to say in Boston a “wicked high tide.”
Salt marshes are critically important wetlands found along our estuaries and coastal communities and ecosystems. Salt marshes, along with dunes and barrier beaches, work together and form our best defense against coastal storms and flooding, as well as provide a key habitat for local wildlife. The spring tide, king tide or wicked high tide on that weekend will give us a preview into how sea level rise will impact these systems in the coming years.
Learn about these important, unique, and often overlooked places along our rivers and coasts. Discover their history, how have they changed over time, and hear how they helped shape our communities. We will discuss ways we can help salt marshes and surrounding habitats continue to function as a critical part of our coastal ecosystems and how sea level rise is and will continue to impact them and us.
This event is free, however, registration is required. Families welcome, no dogs please.
REGISTER HERE

NSRWA Walking Club - Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest in Duxbury
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:30 | MA
NSRWA Walking Club – Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest in Duxbury
Saturday, April 12
10:00-11:30am
Join Returning Walking Club Guest Host Chris Jacobs as we explore the Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest in Duxbury on Saturday, April 12th from 10-11:30 a.m. Chris is a non-profit professional with over 25 years of experience educating about and advocating for the natural world. Chris has a passion for native plant species, especially wildflowers (primarily because they are stationary and easy to observe!) She currently serves on the board of Wild Ones-South Shore, MA Chapter, an organization that promotes the use of native plants in the landscape. Chris enjoys exploring all year long, but the spring is especially exciting for visiting vernal pools and seeing new signs of life.
The Frederick B. Knapp Town Forest is situated on a hillside, overlooking a large pond and wetlands. It is part of Duxbury’s 1,000-acre Eastern Greenbelt. Within Knapp Forest, you’ll find the Green’s Harbor Path and Kettle Hole Loop trail network, among others. North Hill Country Club is directly adjacent as well.The forest is named for Frederick B. Knapp (1857-1932), who served as the Headmaster for the Powder Point School for Boys, chief of the Duxbury Volunteer Fire Department, and Forest Warden.
This property is composed of pine and oak woodlands along a sloping hillside, with some wetland areas. Birds such as hawks, osprey, herons, ducks, geese and tree swallows are commonly found here. In the spring and summer you may see butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. For mammals, watch for white-tailed deer, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, chipmunk, squirrel and coyote. Reptile residents include black snakes and a variety of turtles (box, painted, spotted, snapping). Amphibians include frogs, toads and salamanders. Some of the flowers commonly viewed include mayflowers in April, ladyslippers in May, and sheep laurel in June. The waters on this property drain into West Brook, a major source (along with North Hill Pond) of the Duck Hill River. After flowing through the Cow Tent Hill Preserve, the Duck Hill River meanders through the Duxbury marshes for quite a distance before flowing into Duxbury Bay.
While we love dogs, NSRWA’s walks are dog-free in consideration for all participants. Please leave your pooches at home.
Directions: Parking behind the Duxbury Town Hall – 878 Tremont Street in Duxbury. Look for the NSRWA Event Signs
Click here for Trail Map.
The Walking Club is looking for guest hosts. If you would like to lead a walk on a local trail that you love, please contact Theresa Delahunt at volunteercoordinator@nsrwa.org, or visit our website at https://www.nsrwa.org/get-involved/
REGISTER HERE.

Beach Grass Planting at Peggotty Beach - Give Thanks to Our Dunes!
2025-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | MA
Beach Grass Planting at Peggotty Beach – Give Thanks to Our Dunes!
NOTE DATE CHANGE: SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Saturday, April 5, 2025
10:00am to 12:00pm
Join the NSRWA, the Town of Scituate, and Scituate Beach Commission on Saturday morning, April 5 for some fun, hands-on community engagement at Peggotty Beach in Scituate! We will be planting beach grass, so bring a trowel, shovel, or spoon. We will have digging supplies you can borrow if needed.
In addition to the dune nourishment, will also be running a beach cleanup. Folks are welcome to continue their service by helping keep our coastal areas clean, healthy, and free from litter.
Beach grass is vital because it helps stabilize the dunes – meaning less erosion from wind and water. It acts as a natural defense against storm surges and flooding, and provides safe habitats for the animals – like birds and small mammals – that call the dunes home. While beach grass is a hardy plant, foot traffic can wear it down. When we work together to replenish the beach grass we help stabilize and protect the dunes in anticipation of the winter, and in preparation for the following summer season.
Discover why our local beaches are important and ways we can help keep them beautiful and healthy! Join us as we give back to this special place in our community by planting native beach grass on the dunes!
Peggotty Beach Address: 10 Inner Harbor Rd., Scituate, MA 02066
This is a free event. All ages welcome. Great for the family. No dogs please.
Register to volunteer HERE

Spring Clean-up Opportunities around the South Shore
2025-04-19 08:00 - 2025-05-03 14:00 | MA
Beach Cleanup at Hingham Bathing Beach! – Saturday, April, 19 – Join Project 351 from from 1:00 to 3:00pm for a cleanup at Hingham’s Bathing Beach. Project 351 engages high school-aged youth in service projects around Massachusetts. They will be running the cleanup at Hingham’s Bathing Beach and are looking for helpers!
Keep Marshfield Clean Day – Saturday, April 19
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Marshfield, MA • For more information, email for more information or call 781-834-5575 ext. 4.
Keep Pembroke Beautiful! 2025 Community Clean-up Day – Saturday April, 26
Pembroke Community Center. From 9:00-11:00am. Registration begins at 8:30am.
Hull: Hulluva Clean Up Day – Saturday April, 26
9am – 1pm – Trash bags and gloves will be provided- and only those trash bags provided will be collected. Email for more information and to register.
Hull: Weir River and Straits Pond Clean Up Day – Saturday April, 26
9am – 12pm – Picnic with Nona’s Ice Cream for Volunteers at Atlantic Street Playground, Hull at 12 pm
Weymouth: Community Clean Up – NEW DATE – Saturday, May 3 • 9 am – 12:00 pm
Scituate’s Ship Shape Day! – Saturday, May 3
From 9:00am to 11:00am. Meet at Scituate Harbor. Clean-up supplies available at Town Hall.
Braintree Beautification Day & 1st Herring Run Celebration – Saturday, May 3 • kickoff at 8:30am at Sunset Lake. Herring Run celebration at the newly constructed Monatiquot River Restoration Project.
Norwell Trash Bash – Saturday, May 3 (rain date May 4)
From 9:00am to 11:00am. Clean-up supplies available at Town Hall.
Hanover Spring Cleaning – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 – Help us clean up clean before the trash is covered by grass and bushes! Work on your own schedule.

Hanover Crossing Earth Day Event
2025-04-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Hanover Crossing, 1775 Washington Street, Hanover, MA, 02339, United States
Hanover Crossing Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 26
11:00am-3:00pm
Hanover Crossing Green
Join us for a family-friendly event on the “Green” in the middle of the Hanover Crossing shopping center. Look for the NSRWA mural.

NSRWA will be hosting kids activities including obstacle course and scavenger hunt in front of the mural
Bring a chair to listen to live music by local musicians (Fil Pacino & the UP Lates and Ayla Brown performing)
Our own Sullivan’s of Castle Island is hosting a Beer Garden
Food Trucks: Traveling Thyme and Sweeties Shaved Ice
Visit local businesses featuring demonstrations around planting/conservation or art related activities.
Meet local garden clubs for demonstrations
Lend your hand to our community art project made from recycled materials.
Give aways include a rain barrel drawing, retailer prizes, NSRWA swag bags, Hanover Crossing reusable shopping bags
Family-friendly activities

Location: 1775 Washington Street, Hanover, MA
(Mural photo by Kjeld Mahoney)

Marshfield Town Meeting
2025-04-28 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Marshfield Town Meeting
Monday, April 28
7:00pm
Marshfield High School Gymnasium
167 Forest St, Marshfield, MA 02050
Get out and vote! At the Marshfield Special Town Meeting on April 28. Article 12, Item 7 proposes moving $350,000 from Community Preservation Act funds to create a contingency fund for the Veterans Memorial Park river restoration and park improvement project. Voting Yes for this article will provide the Town with a buffer to cover unexpected expenses incurred since the contract was finalized.

Know Your Local Waters: Marshfield
2025-04-29 13:00 - 2025-06-10 14:30 | MA
Explore Marshfield’s rivers! Join Kezia Bacon and Brian Taylor for a series of 6 walks. Select Tuesdays in April, May and June (1-2:30pm). Part of Marshfield Senior Center’s Lifelong Learning Program. Registration begins April 15th. First walk is April 29. For more information, call 781-834-5581.
