Come see us at Norwell Conservation Day! On Saturday, September 19, we will be running 2 paddling events and hosting a table where you can learn about our efforts to restore fish passage to Jacobs Pond.
Guided Jacobs Pond Kayak Paddle
11:30 am – Join the NSRWA on a guided tour of Jacobs Pond. Single kayaks and all equipment included, just show up and NSRWA’s instructor will help you get started on a fun leisurely outing on the water. Discover local wildlife, history, and simply have fun paddling around the pond.
First Annual Jacobs Pond Regatta
Ready to put your kayak paddling speed and skill to the test? Join the NSRWA and the Town of Norwell on Saturday, September 19 for the First Annual Jacobs Pond Regatta! Don’t worry about lugging your own vessels, the NSRWA will provide all racers with single recreational Old Town Loon 111 kayaks. The NSRWA’s kayaks are very stable, great for all experience levels, and easy to get in and out. An accessible kayak launch is also available. This race will feature two race heats, and then a final championship race. Each race will be two loops around a pre-arranged course, totaling to around 2 miles. This is a free event. The NSRWA will have kayaks, paddles, and PFDs available for all racers. A grand prize will be awarded to the racers with the best overall time. All experience levels welcome. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
NSRWA Restoration Efforts
Stop by our table to learn more about NSRWA’s work to restore fish passage into Jacobs Pond – the final piece of the Third Herring Brook Restoration. Between 2014 and 2022, NSRWA and our partners successfully removed three dams and two weirs along the Third Herring Brook, leaving Jacobs Pond Dam as the last remaining barrier. Dam removal is not feasible due to its location on Route 123 and the recreational value of the pond/impoundment behind it, so we now have the final design for a fish ladder that will effectively pass fish during the migration seasons and also requires a minimal amount of operations and maintenance from the Town. We hope to break ground on construction next year – stop by to see the plans and learn how this project will complete over a decade of restoration work!