On Thursday, July 2, amidst a good old-fashioned New England heat wave, I joined two veteran staff members and several of our summer interns on a tour of the Ipswich River Watershed. As a relatively new member of the staff, I am still learning about the river, the land that surrounds it, its many uses, and the communities it connects.
What I gained that day, beyond friendship and team building, was a deeper appreciation for the watershed’s remarkable diversity. The river is vast, and it takes on a different character in every town it passes through. We visited the reservoir at the headwaters in Wilmington and Burlington, explored smaller tributaries, stood beside aging dams, old fish ladders and newly constructed ones, and followed the river as it wound through stretches of both murky and crystal-clear water before reaching the recreational waters of Topsfield. It was wonderful to see people relaxing and enjoying the clean, fresh water.
As we made our way back to the Town of Ipswich and walked along the waterfront, I found myself imagining the possibilities that lie ahead once the dam is removed. I pictured a river restored, with expanded opportunities for wildlife, recreation, and a healthier ecosystem.
We continued to the Neck, where the river finally meets the ocean. From the headwaters to the estuary, from dragonflies, frogs, and fish to edible native plants, invasive species, and even the occasional piece of litter, the day was filled with an extraordinary array of sights, sounds, and emotions.
It was a day well traveled and one I will not forget.
Sara Pedersen, Operations Manager