Ocean of Rivers

OCEAN OF RIVERS

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Ocean of Rivers project is a collaboration between Co-Artistic Director of Fort Point Theater Channel Anne Loyer and the Ipswich River Watershed Association, with support from various partners including: BTA/BOLT, Trout Unlimited, the Town of Ipswich, Luminarium Dance Co, and the Middleton and Topsfield Stream Teams. 

The project focuses on migratory fish and their historic importance to the area as an example of the connection between human communities and the natural world. This theme will be explored through educational materials and a series of free events running from March through June. 

The goal of the project is to strengthen the bonds between the Ipswich River communities and demonstrate their shared natural resources and the need for collective stewardship. As a demonstration of this, the public is invited to participate in a live public performance at the Town of Ipswich’s Local Color festival held in May.

The Ocean of Rivers project is supported in part by grants from the Boxford, Ipswich, and Topsfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Events are free and open to all. Walks will be on easy routes and are accessible for all ages. Art-making activities are focused on inter-generational audiences, and children under 14 accompanied by adults. Educational materials created as part of the project will be made available to schools and libraries throughout the Ipswich River communities.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The project will increase understanding of the role of the Ipswich River communities in the life of the river, and the importance of a healthy, flowing river to both people and wildlife. It will provide learning about other species who share the river, the connection of these species to the health of the surrounding social-environmental ecosystem, and the challenges these species face. Participants will also learn about ongoing restoration efforts as well as the potential of natural materials for art-making. The events and materials offered through the Ocean of Rivers Project will facilitate opportunities to bond with nature, create art as a community, and strengthen community. 

Why are migratory fish important?

The Ocean of Rivers project is inspired by the life cycles of migratory fish like herring. Herring (alewife, blueback, and shad) are keystone species that were once numerous in the Ipswich River, but whose populations are now down to around 400.

What happened to the herring, and why is it important to bring them back?

Learn all that and more with Ipswich River staff in this presentation all about herring! Great for kids and adults, in this presentation you’ll learn about the life cycle of river herring and the challenges they face as well as what Ipswich River and our partners are doing to restore herring habitat. View the presentation slides here.

Ipswich River staff and project partner Greg Murrer of the Nor'East Chapter Trout Unlimited discuss the Howlett Brook Watershed Fish Restoration Project in our Restoring Stream Connectivity presentation.

RESTORATION EFFORTS

Structures like outdated culverts, bridges and dams can create barriers to flow, which interrupt the course of rivers and tributaries.Barriers to flow impact both natural river functions and impede the passage of wildlife, especially migratory species like herring and eel.

Roughly 70 dams and 500 crossings (culverts and bridges) now segment the Ipswich River system. Most of the dams and a large number of the crossings block important migration routes and impair habitat conditions.River connectivity can be improved by upgrading and repairing bridges and culverts and removing outdated dams. Dams that cannot be removed can have wildlife access improved by the installation of fish ladders, but many species do not use them. Dams can create barriers to flow, which interrupt the course of rivers and tributaries.

STEAM EDUCATION

As part of the Ocean of Rivers project and in combination with Ipswich River's Floating Classroom education programming, we are providing a STEAM education kit all about herring! The kit includes: