CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
February 2010
Archives—Table of Contents

Parklands Advocacy:

Conservancy Calling for Bridge Underpasses, Pathway Improvements

As part of our advocacy work, the Conservancy has been giving feedback on the rehabilitation of the Charles River Bridges under the state’s Accelerated Bridge Program. We support the current plans to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety on the bridges themselves and their approaches, but we also believe that the bridge renovations offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add much needed bridge underpasses—like those under the Eliot Bridge (which were added after the bridge’s original construction). Underpasses would allow people to avoid crossing dangerous intersections for a smoother, safer enjoyment of the Charles River Parklands. Click to view a poster detailing our proposal, and please email us at crc@thecharles.org with your suggestions or comments.

"Down by the Riverside"

Digital Photography Exhibit by Fran Gardino

Brighton artist Fran Gardino has an exhibit of large-scale prints on canvas using photographic images, many of which are shots of the Charles. The exhibit will be held at the Marblehead Arts Association and run from February 6 - 28, with a reception on Sunday, February 7, from 2-4pm. 20% of sales will be donated to the Charles River Conservancy. Visit Fran Gardino's website for additional information.

Conservancy Volunteers Update

Tree Pruning this Winter While Planning for Spring

The Conservancy is once again working winterlong on pruning and providing proper arbor maintenance to parkland trees. We’ve already been hard at work throughout December and January and plan on being out on the river several times in the upcoming month. Contact us now to book an event, or keep your eyes open for our popular open events.

We are also planning for a busy, 10th anniversary spring season and are already booking events into July. For additional information on volunteering or to sign up your corporation or organization for an event, please contact John Broderick at jrb@thecharles.org.

Spring Save-the-Dates

Join us on Saturday, April 24th for the 11th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, in partnership with a host of other non-profit and government organizations. Last year over three thousand people joined together to remove over 20 tons of garbage from the 160 miles of Charles River shoreline. For additional information click here or contact jrb@thecharles.org to schedule a group.

On Sunday, April 16th, the Charles River Conservancy will be hosting its First Annual Alumni Day on the Charles. We want you and your alumni association to spend a morning with us revitalizing the banks of the Charles. In the afternoon we’ll provide for lunch and games, with prizes awarded from our partner and sponsor REI. Wear those school colors, and wear them with pride for this fun day of school and civic spirit. For additional information please contact events@thecharles.org.

Urban River Restoration 2010

In March Swimmable Charles Coordinator Karen Patterson Greene will be giving a presentation at the Urban River Restoration 2010 conference, taking place at Boston Marriott Cambridge in Kendall Square. The conference will take place from March 7-10, 2010 and focus on the role of revitalized urban rivers and waterfronts within the context of two major trends: an increased focus on sustainable practices, and a population shift back to cities, which leads to a renewed emphasis on a livable urban environment.

Charles River News

Read below for other recent happenings related to the Charles River Basin.

Mass DCR Moves to Replace Embankment Fencing in Cambridge. DCR crews will soon begin lead-abatement work on about one mile of decorative fencing between the bicycle/pedestrian pathway and the Charles River along Memorial Drive in Cambridge. During the work, bicyclists and pedestrians may experience minor detours. Lead abatement is the first step in DCR’s plan to replace the roughly 5,700 decaying feet of “embankment fence.” The $2 million project, to be funded through DCR’s capital budget, will replace the existing fence with new, historically correct, fencing. The fence replacement is expected to begin in March and be completed by the end of June.

“Communities fear new US rules on storm runoff will be costly.” The Boston Globe writes about the EPA’s new policy requiring towns and cities to remove illegal sewage connections from storm drains, improve street sweeping, and increase public education. This policy will be a great help to water quality in the Charles, but also cost

“Local sneaker company will clear the Charles River paths this winter.” The Watertown TAB announces New Balance’s partnering with DCR to keep the pathways along the Charles River clear of snow. The 17 miles of path will be cleared within 24 hours of any storm, keeping this valuable stretch open for active recreation throughout the winter months.

February Parklands TV Show Schedule

The CRC has been broadcasting live on CCTV since 2001. In 2008, CCTV recognized the CRC as the “Organization of the Year” and featured host Renata von Tscharner in their quarterly print newsletter. Tune in to Channel 9 every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Shows are replayed at 12:30 a.m. the same day.

February 24, 2010: Newly elected Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung will be joining Renata von Tscharner to discuss his plans for Cambridge and its parks.

The Conservancy on YouTube!

A bevy of great new programs have been recently uploaded to YouTube. Click here to hear host Renata von Tscharner discuss the “Down by the Riverside” with local artist Fran Gardino, or this past autumn’s bulb planting with Volunteer Coordinator John Broderick, or the bottle bill with Masspirg Executive Director Janet Domenitz.

This winter, give securely online or send a check to the CRC at Four Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Thank you for your support!

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!

If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to pass it along. Interested readers can subscribe to the e-newsletter by clicking here and following the directions on the subscription page.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, click here and follow the directions.