Programs
and Projects
Stream Teams
IRWA,
in conjunction with the Massachusetts Riverways Adopt-A-Stream
Program, sponsors several "Stream Teams" comprised
of citizen volunteers who advocate for their local segment
of the Ipswich River watershed. These volunteers are among
the most committed and knowledgeable in the watershed, and
have undertaken many projects to protect the Ipswich River
and educate their communities about the issues facing the
river.
Below
are brief descriptions of the existing teams and a contact
email for each Stream Team leader. If you are interested in
joining an existing Stream Team or forming a new Stream Team
in your community, please contact IRWA at irwainfo@ipswichriver.org.
We are currently seeking volunteers to coordinate Stream Teams
in the lower watershed, in the towns of Ipswich, Hamilton,
and/or Topsfield.
Formed
in 1998, the Middleton Stream Team has gradually grown to
about dozen active members. Its purpose is to monitor, educate,
advocate, and conduct projects for the ecological health and
responsible public use of the streams, wetlands and approximately
eight miles of Ipswich River within Middleton. The team’s
activities include oversight, historical research, public
education, conservation, remediation, the development and
maintenance of river sites for public use and fostering responsible
stewardship of our water resources by all users, land owners
and businesses. The team has developed two permanent sites
for canoe launching, picnicking, and conservation on the Ipswich
River, and is currently developing a third. The team has also
installed stream name signs at all road crossings. The team
maintains a permanent watershed educational display case in
the Middleton Post Office/Sovereign Bank Lobby, publishes
a weekly water-related essay in the Tri-Town Transcript, sponsors
an annual contest for photos of Middleton natural water resources,
and conducts a series of hikes and canoe trips throughout
the year for the public.
Contact: Katharine
Brown or John Bacon (978)750-4562
Formed
in 1997, The Reading/North Reading Stream Team sponsors an
annual river clean up (traditionally in June) and members
of the team are available to do outreach (with a traveling
display). The team designed a brochure describing the benefits
of rain barrels and has held several rain barrel sales. Other
projects include the design and installation of a demonstration
low-water-use lawn, participation in Conservation Commission
issues that affect the river, enactment of Public Involvement
Plans for four Massachusetts 21E hazardous waste sites, and
river walks in the Reading Town Forest to highlight the conditions
of the river in different seasons. The team also continues
to make recommendations to the town on water supply planning
for the future.
Contact: Gina
Snyder
Formed
in 1996, The Headwaters Stream Team focuses on the Ipswich
River’s headwater streams: Martins Brook, Lubbers Brook,
Mill Brook, and Maple Meadow Brook, located in the Wilmington,
MA area. The team has completed four shoreline surveys of
these brooks and streams. The team also sponsors trash clean-ups,
identifies vernal pools, raises concerns about projects at
town board meetings, and offers walks around the area.
Contact: Suzanne Sullivan
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