Sent on behalf of Kathryn Parent, Program Coordinator, Wachusett/Sudbury Section, MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection:
Greetings,
Our upcoming events are below (printable version available here).
This Saturday is Dam Day! We get quite a crowd, so we are encouraging visitors to park at the Clinton High School and join a scenic walk to the dam. I will be leading a walk from “Gate 39” the intersection of Route 110 and South Meadow Road to the Dam on Saturday, May 11 at 12:30. More events below:
Saturday, May 11, 12:30-1:30pm NORTH DIKE TO DAM GUIDED WALK
This guided 1-mile one-way walk along the North Dike will lead to the Wachusett Dam in Clinton. This open hillside walk along the Wachusett Reservoir offers interesting views and points of interest while featuring the history of its construction. Once you reach the dam, take some time to explore the area on your own. The walkway across the dam will be open for walking at 2:00 pm. Dogs are not allowed. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 39, located at the intersection of South Meadow Road and Route 110 in Clinton.
Saturday, May 11, 2:00-5:00 pm DAM DAY
The DCR Division of Water Supply Protection will open the top of the Wachusett Dam for the public to access, walk across, and enjoy! DCR Watershed Rangers will be on hand to provide information regarding the agency’s watershed protection program. Parking is available along Route 70, and thanks to the Clinton Public Schools, will also be available at the Clinton Middle School or Clinton High School for a 1-mile easy walk to the Dam along the North Dike Path. There is limited reserved parking for people living with disabilities at the entrance to the promenade. For more information, please call the Wachusett Reservoir Ranger Station at 978-365-3800.
*Due to increased security, backpacks, briefcases, and other large bags will not be allowed at this event. All other items brought to the event may be subject to search. No dogs allowed. Wachusett Dam, Route 70, Clinton.
Wednesday, May 15, 6:30-7:30pm WATERSHED WEDNESDAY, CLIMATE
Discover how climate change affects our environment and the places we love to visit. Join DCR’s Director of Climate Resilience to learn how to build resilience and protect our natural, cultural, and recreational resources for generations to come. All ages are welcome. Meet at DCR Water Supply Protection Headquarters Building, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston. Entrance is at the flagpoles.
Saturday, May 18, 10:00-12:00pm SPRING TIME HIKE with Boylston Library
Join DCR Watershed Rangers for this fun hike to Scar Hill Road as we enjoy the sights of spring on the Wachusett watershed! This 3 mile guided hike will lead us to shoreline views of Scar Hill Bluffs on easy-to-moderate terrain. There will be a few inclines on paved road as well as dirt access road, and we’ll navigate over forest trail and sandy shore. Dogs are not allowed. Come and enjoy the changing season with us! Meet at Boylston Public Library, 695 Main Street Boylston.
Saturday, May 25, drop in between 10:00am-1:00pm WATER SCIENCE
Explore the wonders of water through fun interactive activity stations! Discover a healthy freshwater stream through an accessible touch tank designed to allow observers to see freshwater macroinvertebrates move in a simulated river environment. Observe and identify the insects while discovering how they indicate water quality and support a healthy freshwater ecosystem. All ages are welcome to this family-friendly event. Dogs are not allowed. Meet at Stillwater Farm Interpretive Site, 228 Redemption Rock Rd., Sterling. This program is offered in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Learn more at freedomsway.org.
Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-7:30pm WATERSHED WEDNESDAY, HISTORY OF FISHING
Join the DCR Watershed Rangers as they present the history of fishing from the 1890’s to today at the Wachusett Reservoir. They will draw from historical state records and showcase the species of fish found in the reservoir from surveys. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A. Meet at DCR Water Supply Protection Headquarters Building, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston. Entrance is at the flagpoles.
Saturday, June 29, 2:00-3:00pm STREAM SAFARI
Examine creatures that thrive in clean fast moving streams with Watershed Rangers. Come find out why we care about macroinvertebrates– and uncover the story they have to tell about water quality. We will provide equipment and a limited supply of waders for exploring the water on a short walk along Trout Brook. Dogs are not allowed. Meet at 300 Manning Street, Holden.
Wednesday, July 17, 6:30-7:30pm WATERSHED WEDNESDAY, INVASIVE PLANTS
Learn about identifying invasive plants and methods of control. Tour around the headquarters campus for identification practice with a DCR Natural Resource Analyst. Meet at DCR Water Supply Protection Headquarters Building, 180 Beaman Street, West Boylston. Entrance is at the flagpoles.
Hope to see you!
Thank you,
Kathryn Parent
Program Coordinator, Wachusett/Sudbury Section
MA DCR Division of Water Supply Protection
Cell: 617-352-4044
www.mass.gov/dcr/wachusetteducation