CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
April 2009
Archives—Table of Contents

Parkways Advocacy: Thank you!

Good news! Last week, the House of Representatives approved the amendment of the Transportation Reform Bill to keep our historic parkways and bridges under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Your support and collective efforts in phone calls and letters sent to state representatives clearly made a difference in this important interim victory. Thank you!

Many legislators also deserve our thanks for their hard work. A big thank-you goes out to Representatives Paul Donato, Marty Walz, Alice Wolf, Byron Rushing, Jonathan Hecht, Timothy Toomey, Kay Khan, Kevin Honan, Jeffrey Sanchez, Mike Rush, Liz Malia, and William Brownsberger, among others.

The Senate and House version of the Bill is now with the Conference Committee and soon we will ask you once to once again make your voices heard. Keep tuned.

“Design Your Own Swimming Structure” at the Cambridge Science Festival!

The Swiss Consulate and the Conservancy invite you to join us in building or designing your own swimming structure on Sunday, April 26th, from 10:00 to 12:00 at Swissnex Boston, 420 Broadway Street in Cambridge. The event will include a fun workshop for children, an exhibit of three dimensional “Swiss Cross” viewers, discussion with swimming experts, and delicious Swiss treats! “Build Your Own Swimming Structure” is free of charge. To RSVP, please contact Jacqueline@swissnexboston.org.

Conservancy Welcomes New Swimmable Charles Coordinator

We are pleased to announce that thanks to a grant from the Boston Foundation Karen Patterson Greene will be working on bringing public swimming back to the Charles. Karen has worked extensively with watershed associations and land trusts and resides just upstream in Natick.  Welcome, Karen!  

To learn more about swimming in the Charles or to share ideas feel free to contact Karen at kpg@thecharles.org.

Volunteer Update

The Conservancy Volunteer Program is geared up for the 10th Annual Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 25th. Along with our partnering groups, we expect over 3,000 volunteers cleaning the banks of our river, from Hopkinton to the harbor. 

With over 700 participants, we are fully booked for this Saturday, but if you’re interested in booking an event for your group or corporation this Spring, Summer, or Autumn please contact Stewardship Program Manager Evan Moss at elm@thecharles.org.

Nominate the CRC for a 2009 Green Choice Award!

If you love our work then tell the world! You have an exciting opportunity to help the Charles River Conservancy make even more of a difference for the environment. GreatNonprofits -- a site like Yelp -- is conducting a contest to find the best environmental nonprofits around the country, and we have a chance to win the Green Choice Awards this year!  You can help us by clicking here and posting a review of your experience with us -- it's that easy and only takes a few minutes!

www.greatnonprofits.org/reviews/charles-river-conservancy-inc

Plus if you write a review, you are entered to win great prizes such as earth-friendly wines from Fetzer, a stay at Joie De Vivre hotels, Whole Foods gift certificates, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream coupons, and more! With your help, we can win the 2009 GreatNonprofits Green Choice Awards, and be that much closer to saving our environment and our world! Won’t you take 3 minutes and post your story of your experience with us?

April and May Parklands Show Schedule

April 22nd

William Clendaniel will discuss the Mount Auburn Cemetery’s relationship with the river it overlooks. Hosted by Renata von Tscharner.

May 13th

State Representative Jonathan Hecht of Watertown will discuss the Charles River and riverside developments going on in his community. Hosted by Renata von Tscharner.

If you miss our show on local access television you can still access most shows on Youtube. Suggestions for future shows are welcome!  Please contact John Broderick at jrb@thecharles.org.

Easy to Donate

You can give easily and securely online or send a check to the CRC at Four Brattle Street, Cambridge MA 02138.

Thank you. We translate your support into more active, attractive, and accessible Parklands.

The Charles River Conservancy takes as its mission the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands and their surroundings, particularly parks, parkways and bridges. The Conservancy engages in numerous Parklands restoration and improvement initiatives, including access and safety, education and outreach, and planning and maintenance programs, and relies heavily on individual contributions. To support the Charles River Conservancy, click here. Thank you!

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