Hi! My name is Abby, I’m from North Reading and am going into my senior year at Westfield State University. I am a double major in environmental science and regional planning with a minor in restoration ecology. I am so excited to be the Science and Restoration Intern this summer at IRWA! Since I started a few weeks ago I have been working with Ryan O’Donnell to monitor water quality, herring counts (including my first trip to the fish ladder!), invasive removal at river bend and getting to know everyone here at IRWA.
Science and Restoration work focuses on promoting healthy waterways and river habitat. I have gotten the opportunity to help deploy and maintain continuous data loggers at different stations throughout the watershed. These monitor dissolved oxygen as well as water temperature in the river. These are both good indicators of the quality of the water and the quality of habitat for local wildlife. I have also been able to get outside and remove some invasives at the River Bend restoration project. The progress there even in the short time that I’ve been here is incredible! I have learned so much about the impact of invasive species on the ecosystem and the removal process.
Previous to my position here I had only heard of the work that IRWA does. Since starting in May I have learned so much about everything IRWA is involved in throughout the watershed – from dam and invasive removal to advocacy for the watershed and the communities that utilize that resource. I am so looking forward to the rest of my summer with IRWA and can’t wait to learn everything I can!