Interactive office opens to answer questions about the Ipswich Mills Dam Removal Project ahead of Ipswich Town Meeting on May 9th
Starting on April 12, 2023 The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) will be offering office hours in downtown Ipswich in advance of Article 14 – Ipswich River Ecological Restoration Permitting – being voted on at Ipswich Town Meeting on May 9th. The office is located in Naimo Gallery at 24 Central Street, Ipswich, and includes a curated art show – Ours To Save – featuring river artwork from IRWA’s archives. It is designed as a community space open to answer questions about the river and the Ipswich Mills Dam Removal Project. Learn about watersheds, where our drinking water comes from, and watershed-wide restoration projects. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions about dam removal, the river, fish, wildlife, and more.
“There is a wealth of information that has been assembled on the Ipswich Mills dam removal project over the years, and we are excited to offer the opportunity for residents of Ipswich to stop by, ask questions, and take advantage of these resources in one place.” – Neil Shea, Restoration Program Director, IRWA.
The office is open April 12th through May 9th to answer public questions as follows:
Wednesdays 1-4pm
Thursdays 4-7pm
Fridays 1-4pm
Saturdays 10am-2pm
Please also join us Saturdays for these special events:
April 15: Keeping Water Clean
Learn about the water cycle and your impact on it through interactive stations. IRWA’s Environment Educator, Emma Hughen will be on hand to answer questions.
April 22: Earth Day with IRWA
Celebrate with art, conversation, and drop in crafts for children and adults.
April 29: Mummichogs and More
Rebecca Visnick, Deputy Shellfish Constable of Gloucester, MA, and Mark Irving from the Parker River Blandings Turtle Conservation Project will be on hand to talk about a variety of creatures that live in our watershed. Live turtles, eels, and fish like mummichogs will be available for viewing.
May 6: A Tale of Two Dams: Lessons from the Exeter Great Dam Removal
Kristen Murphy, Natural Resource Planner for the Town of Exeter, will tell the story of how an Exeter river was returned to its free-flowing glory after they removed a dam. Neil Shea, IRWA Restoration Program Director, will provide the latest updates and news about the Ipswich Mills Dam project.