Ipswich Illumination

Ipswich Illumination is a multi-day, outdoor celebration of beauty and community. Ipswich River Watershed Association is proud to collaborate with the Town of Ipswich on this multi-day arts festival where the Ipswich River becomes the backdrop to a collection of bonfires, art installations, live music, poetry, and more. Now in its 15th year, this event sparks a love for the river through light and art.

Dance with Eelgrass

Stroll down the riverwalk near the footbridge to check out a light installation capturing the rhythmic motion of undulating eelgrass. Be sure to check out eelgrass tanks stocked by Marine Biologist Phil Colarusso. See sediment, plants, and critters that were collected that morning!

Eelgrass is a rooted, flowering plant that grows in shallow waters along our coastline. It provides habitat for fish, shellfish, and other marine animals, improves water quality by filtering polluted runoff, stores carbon dioxide, and protects the shoreline from erosion. Massachusetts’ eelgrass meadows have declined by about 50% over the past 30 years. This installation celebrates ongoing restoration efforts of this economically and environmentally important plant.

Fish Lanterns at our Craft Table

Stop by the Dam Patio to make a Fish Lantern they can take with them. We’ll have help on hand to assist so bring the family!

Diadromous Fish Poets at 6pm

We can’t wait to hear selected poems from Brad Chase, the Diadromous Fisheries Project Leader at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and moonlight poet. Brad has been working as a fish biologist in Salem and Gloucester and will read from his collection Codbones, published by Wrinkled Sea Press last year, as well as newer pieces.

Learn more and see the full schedule.