TAKE ACTION FOR THE RIVER
The real on-the-ground work of protecting the river is done by people like you. To safeguard the river for future generations act for the river. Here are just a few ways to get started.
SAVE WATER
The Ipswich River provides drinking water to 335,000 people and thousands of businesses and is also the most flow-depleted river in Massachusetts. The river suffers from perennial low flow conditions particularly in the summer and during droughts; this low flow challenges the reliability of public drinking water supplies, as well as negatively impacting the river and its ecosystem.
You can help protect wildlife and water by reducing your water usage, protecting and increasing green spaces that allow groundwater to recharge and capturing rainwater.
GREENSCAPE YOUR YARD
Sustainable landscaping practices drastically reduce water usage, encourage groundwater recharge, protect our water supply, and reduce stormwater pollution. Create a sustainable landscape, or Greenscape, on your property to help keep water clean and plentiful. Get started with our Greenscapes Guide to:
- Save money on your water bills
- Nurture a safe environment for your family
- Create more habitat for wildlife
- Enjoy more free time by doing less landscape maintenance
- Reduce stormwater pollution
- Protect your community’s water resources.
JOIN A STREAM TEAM
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 issues facing the river. Currently the towns of Reading/North Reading, Middleton, Topsfield and Ipswich have Stream Teams.
RIVER CLEAN UPS
Along with our friends the Stream Teams, we host an Riverwide Clean Up in both June and October. Please join us! You don't need to be a part of a larger clean up effort to help keep the river and its tributaries clean. Try the following:
- Bring a small bag with you on walks to collect any trash you find.
- Bring a trash bag when paddling to collect trash from the river and banks.
- Let your local Stream Team and your town know if you notice frequent trash problems near waterways.
- Scoop the poop! Always clean up after pets and encourage others to do the same.
- Always carry-in-carry-out and encourage others to do the same.
