June is Rivers Month! This calendar, covering river-related events in Massachusetts from Friday, May 11th to Wednesday, July 4th, has been compiled by the Massachusetts Riverways Program to provide you with the opportunity to participate in events in, on and along the rivers of the Commonwealth. Take this opportunity to invite your friends, family, local leaders, legislators, and/or a favorite reporter to clean up, paddle, protect, enjoy and celebrate your favorite rivers and streams or experience new ones. Get some healthful exercise in and/or along the Commonwealth’s many scenic waterways. Many activities require reservations in advance. Please call/e-mail ahead to inquire about any restrictions, fees, rain dates or cancellations that may apply. Any questions should be directed to the event organizers at the contact phone numbers and/or e-mails provided for each listing.

Event Listings by Week

May 11th – May 19th

May 20th– May 26th

May 27th – June 2nd

June 3rd – June 9th

June 10th – June 16th

June 17th – June 23rd

June 24th – July 4th

May 11th – May 19th

Through May 31st – CONCORD RIVER – Whitewater Rafting Trips in Lowell, sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust and Zoar Outdoor. This whitewater gem plunges over three major class III-IV rapids - Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and Middlesex Dam. Each trip includes two runs down the Lowell reach of the Concord . Adventurous rafters 14 and older are welcome. Your trip concludes with passage through an 1850's lock chamber that brings you right into downtown, seeing the city like never before. A portion of the proceeds support the Trust’s work on the Concord River . Call (800) 532-7483 for reservations, or call (888) 375-1115 or go on-line to http://www.zoaroutdoor.com/concordrafting.htm for more info.

Through June 3rd – SUDBURY RIVER – Frank Gohlke: A Photographic Essay of the Sudbury River exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum. Gorgeous, large-format color photographs depict the diverse ecology and character of the Sudbury River in different seasons. Water-related Ansel Adams prints and children’s book illustrations are also on display. Call the Museum at (978) 345-4207 for hours or other info.

May 11th (Friday) – YOKUM BROOK (Westfield Watershed) – Yokum Brook Restoration Celebration in Becket, 1:30PM – 3:30 PM, co-sponsored by the Town of Becket, the Mass. Riverways Program and the Massachusetts Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. As part of the day’s festivities, children from the neighboring Becket Washington School will release salmon they’ve raised in the classroom into the newly restored brook. Space is limited; Contact Tim Purinton at (617) 626-1542 or tim.purinton@state.ma.us to RSVP or for more info.

May 11th (Friday) – CONCORD RIVER – Arbor Day Celebration at Rogers Fort Hill Park, 10AM, sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. Join us in celebrating Arbor Day in partnership with RARA, Friends of Rogers Fort Hill Park, the City of Lowell’s Parks & Recreation Department, and CTI’s Youthbuild.  RARA will be honoring Nancy Donahue with a tree planting; an additional Arbor Day planting of 16 trees will enhance the park. Contact Kristin McCauley at kmccauley@lowelllandtrust.org or (978) 934-0030 or for more info.

May 11th (Friday) – CONCORD RIVER – Jollene Dubner Park Cleanup, 3:00PM - 5:00PM, corner of Rogers & Merrill Streets, sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. This hidden jewel of a park needs a little TLC—trimming the wisteria on the pergola, pruning the shrubs, and moving around some perennials. Come enjoy the lilacs in bloom—and a pizza picnic afterwards! Contact Kristin McCauley at kmccauley@lowelllandtrust.org or (978) 934-0030 or for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – PARKER RIVER – Edible Wild Plant Walk at Old Town Hill, Newbury, 9:00AM – 12noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.  Join Riverways’ Russ Cohen to learn about the comestible qualities of over two dozen species of edible wild plants over the course of a two-mile walk through The Trustees of Reservations’ Old Town Hill Reservation, culminating at the Parker River. Click here or call (978) 887-9264 to register or for more info.   

May 12th (Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER – Horseshoe Crab Program, 10AM- 12noon, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA). Meet at the WRWA office, 1151 Main Road, Westport, at 9:45AM to carpool to Emma Tripp Landing. Each spring horseshoe crabs emerge from deeper waters around the full moon looking for mates.  The females dig holes at the high water- mark to lay clusters of their tiny olive eggs.  We will try to find these horseshoe crabs before they are swept back to sea.  Wear rubber boots. WRWA members $5 fee, non-members $7. Contact Shelli Perry at (508) 636-3016 or wep@wrwa.com to register or for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER – 31st Annual Canoe/Kayak Race, sponsored by the Blackstone River Watershed Association. This year’s 12-mile race begins in Fisherville, just downstream of the Route 122A bridge over the Blackstone River in south Grafton, and ends in the vicinity of River Bend Farm Visitor Center, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, in Uxbridge. After the race there will be food, music, an award ceremony as well as other family activities. The BRWA also has a great raffle with a Great Canadian canoe as the first prize. There’s lots of fun for the whole family. Click here or contact Rosemary Longo at roseisarose@hotmail.com or (508) 839-9548 for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – 2nd Annual Fly-Fishing Clinic, in Russell, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association. The event is aimed to teach kids (and their parents if necessary) the basics of fly fishing. Click here or contact Bill Rose at (413) 786-0195 for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – STATEWIDE – Park Serve Day: A Statewide Effort to Clean Up Our Parks and Beaches, co-sponsored by the Governor’s Public Liaison Office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). During this day of statewide volunteer service, we’ll work together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer. With your help, we’ll be sprucing up park facilities, cleaning coastlines, maintaining trails, planting flowers, and more. These valuable resources belong to all of us, and we can all take pride in them! Participating “river” parks include Alewife Brook Reservation, Nashua River Rail Trail, Robinson State Park, Maudslay State Park, and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Check http://www.mass.gov/parkserve for more details on cleanup locations and how to sign up.

May 12th (Saturday) – MYSTIC RIVER – Annual Spring Cleanup, 9:30AM – 2:00PM in Medford, sponsored by the Friends of the Mystic River. Meet in the parking lot of the Condon Band Shell, Mystic Valley Parkway (Route 16) and Winthrop St. (Route 38), and help maintain parklands around the Mystic River. Volunteers will collect trash and debris on the river banks and in nearby grassy fields between the Lower Mystic Lake and McDonald Park. The Friends will supply bags, gloves, pokers and, most importantly, refreshments. In the event of heavy rain on May 12th, the cleanup will be held on May 19th. Call Mary at (781) 391-2604 or e-mail Mystic02155@hotmail.com for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER – River Cleanup, 8:30AM – 12noon in Billerica, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association. Meet at Akeson Field (behind Pinehurst Park) on Boston Road in Billerica . Contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net or ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for more info; check the Calendar section of www.shawsheen.org for last-minute and weather-related updates

May 12th (Saturday) – CANOE RIVER ( TAUNTON Watershed) –20th Annual Canoe River Awareness Day, 8:30AM – 12:00noon,sponsored by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee (CRAAC). This year’s event will be held at the Easton water division pumping station # 7, Red Mill Road in Easton. Activities include a tour of the new pumping station, presentations on the new Ultraviolet Disinfection System by Jack Marsh and the Canoe River Greenbelt Project by Leonard Flynn, and a Wildlife Nature Walk by Jennifer Carlino, followed by canoeing. Contact CRAAC Chairman Wayne Southworth at wsouthworth@easton.ma.us or (508) 230-0810 for more info.

May 12th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Pre-Mother’s Day Canoe on the Charles, 1:00PM – 4:00 PM , sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Celebrate Mother’s Day early with a relaxing canoe on the Charles. A great opportunity to bring your mother, wife or just take some time for yourself and maybe a friend! Fee: $28/members, $32/non-members; canoes and paddling gear are provided. Click here or call (508) 655-2296 to pre-register or for more info.

May 13th (Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER – Foraging Walk at the River Bend Conservation Area, West Newbury, 1:00PM - 4:00PM, sponsored by the Essex County Greenbelt Association ( Greenbelt ). Encounter up to two dozen species of wild edibles along a trail sloping down to and back up from the Merrimack River, guided by Riverways’ Russ Cohen, author of the Greenbelt-published book Wild Plants I have Known…and Eaten.  Click here or call Becky at (978) 768-7241 ext.11 for more info.

May 14th (Monday) – ASSABET RIVER – Morning Bird Walk at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, 7:00AM , sponsored by the Organization for the Assabet River (OAR). Ron Lockwood knows the haunts of the birds at the Assabet River NWR as well as anyone. Come enjoy the spring migration with him. Please call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 to pre-register, as the group’s size is limited to 12.

May 14th (Monday) – WEST and MILL RIVERS (Blackstone Watershed) – Shoreline Survey Training, 6:30 PM at the River Bend Farm Visitors Center in Uxbridge, co-sponsored by the Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) and Mass. Riverways’ Adopt-A-Stream program. The BRWA will be conducting a stream survey along the West and Mill Rivers and welcomes volunteers throughout the community to participate. You can conduct this survey while kayaking, canoeing, or just walking the shoreline. It will be fun! The training session will discuss how to conduct a shoreline survey, c oncerns/issues/goals of the River, which segment of the River you will be surveying, what you will need to conduct the survey and scheduling a follow-up meeting to discuss findings. Free refreshments will be available. If you would like to become a 2007 Stream Team Member, send an e-mail to Michelle Walsh at info@thebrwa.org or leave a message on BRWA’s voicemail at (508) 278-5200.  

May 16th (Wednesday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – “Walkin’ The Watershed” – Stream Teams in Action, 6:30PM - 8:30PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee. Free training session at The Trustees of Reservations’ Notchview Reservation in Windsor for event taking place the weekend of June 2nd-3rd. Stream Teams will use their observational skills to document scenic, historical, geological, recreational and natural features found along the Wild & Scenic Westfield River. Contact Meredyth Babcock at (413) 623-2070 or WalkintheWatershed@hotmail.com for more info.

May 16th (Wednesday) – NORTH RIVER (North Coastal Watershed) – Creating Rain Gardens and Recycling Rainwater, 7:00PM – 9:00PM, sponsored by Greenscapes North Shore. This free program takes place at the Torrigian Community Life Center, 79 Central Street, Peabody. Impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways shed rainwater often containing sediments and chemicals that eventually pollute our streams, ponds, and bays. Mike Clark from Weston & Sampson will present creative landscaping methods to help filter pollutants as well as recharge rainwater into the ground. Learn step-by-step how to create your own backyard rain garden. Other topics include permeable pavers, rain barrels, cisterns, and vegetated roofs. Go to http://www.greenscapes.org for more info.

May 17th (Thursday) – GREAT MARSH (MERRIMACK, PARKER and IPSWICH RIVERS) – “Many Views of the Great Marsh” Panel Discussion/ Booksigning, 7:00PM, at Boston University’s College of Communications, Auditorium 101, 640 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. Join award-winning photographer Dorothy Kerper Monnelly for a discussion of her new book Between Land and Sea: The Great Marsh. This collection of 57 exquisite black and white photographs, crisply rendered from Monnelly’s large-format silver gelatin prints, is a spellbinding meditation on the Great Marsh, a vast, mysterious, and ever-shifting world that is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas of the Northeast. Following the discussion of her book, a panel of experts will join Monnelly to explore significant ecological, environmental, and preservation issues raised by the images from a variety of perspectives. Click here or call (617) 975-0600 for more info on this free event.

May 19th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Flatwater paddle in Dedham, sponsored by the Wampanoag Paddlers. Circumnavigate the Dedham “island” via paddling the Charles and part of an abandoned canal. Contact Tom Lane at (617) 966-1840 for more info.

May 19th (Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER –Wildflower Walk, 10AM, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA). Meet at the Westport Land Conservation Trust’s Herb Hadfield Property, Adamsville Road in Westport . The walk will be led by Garry Plunkett, who has studied New England plant ecology and natural landscape history for many years. WRWA members $5 fee, non-members $7. Contact Shelli Perry at (508) 636-3016 or wep@wrwa.com to register or for more info.

May 19th (Saturday) – MYSTIC RIVER – 11th Annual “Race for the River” Mystic River Herring Run, sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA). Participate in a 5K Race, Walk, or 3- or 12-mile paddle. Meet at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Blessing of the Bay Boathouse, 32 Shore Drive in Somerville . 5K Race & Walk registration opens at 8:00AM; 5K Race starts at 9:00AM; Walk starts at 9:15AM; Paddling Race registration begins at 8:30AM; Paddling Race starts at 10:30AM. Winning entries in the “Picture the Mystic” photo contest will be on display. Click here or contact Mark Jacobson at (617) 893-0209 or herringrun@gmail.com for more info, or register for the event at http://www.active.com.

May 19th (Saturday) – NEPONSET RIVER – Spring Canoe Trip to Neponset II Park, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network. With the canoe launch at this new park, parts of the Neponset River Estuary are newly accessible. Come explore with a DCR ranger leading the trip. Canoes and all paddling gear is provided. The program is free but pre-registration is required.Click here or call (617) 542-7696 to sign up or for more info.

May 19th (Saturday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER – Migratory Birds of the CT River Watershed, 1:00PM, Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, MA, sponsored by the Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge. Join Refuge staff and explore the birds in our exhibits and learn about where they travel from and where their nesting grounds are within the Watershed. Call 413.863.3221 for more info.

May 19th (Saturday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – “RiverBid” Auction, 6:30PM - 10:00PM at the Cushing Center, 673 Main St. (Rte. 123) in Norwell, a benefit for the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Live Music by Lonesome Jukebox Quintet; bid on quality auction items including fine art, vacation getaways, sporting event tickets, boats and equipment, choice gift certificates and much more. Click here or call (781) 659-8168 for more info.

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May 20th– May 26th

May 20th (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Canoe and Kayak Trip in Dedham, 1:00PM – 3:00PM, sponsored by the Charles River Watershed Association. Meet at 311 West St. (On Rte.135, just outside of Rte. 128.); led by river and fish enthusiast Ned Watts, the group will paddle to the Nobles and Greenough School. Charles River Canoe & Kayak will provide boats for those who need them. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorraine at lburke@crwa.org or (781) 788-0007 x231.

May 20th (Sunday) – BLACKSTONE RIVER –Demo Day at River Bend Farm, 10AM – 4:00 PM, sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Paddlers. The Blackstone Valley-based manufacturer Great Canadian Canoe Co. will be making lots of its boats available for folks to try out. The event takes place at the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Blackstone River and Canal Heritage Stare Park.

May 20th (Sunday) – NASHUA RIVER – Canoeing and Sketching on the Nashua River, 1:00PM-4:00PM, sponsored by the Fitchburg Art Museum (rain date June 3rd). Join artist and author Gordon Morrison with certified guides from Nashoba Paddler of Groton for an amazing day trip exploring the habitats and wildlife of the Nashua River. Bring a sketchbook and camera to record scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. No previous canoeing or drawing experience necessary. Excursion departs from Groton, MA. For children over age 12 and adults. Members $60, Non-members $75. Limited to 20; Registration required. Call (978) 345-4207 ext. 306.

May 20th (Sunday) – JONES RIVER (South Coastal Watershed) – Jones River: From Source to Mouth, 9:00AM – 11:00AM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s South Shore Sanctuaries. Join educator and historian John Gall uzzo for a trip through time, and to seek out the most beautiful viewing spots along this storied waterway, from Silver Lake to the sea. The river is known for its shipbuilding and mill history, its connection to the Bradford family of Mayflower fame, and its fantastic twists and turns as it wends its way into Kingston Bay. Click here or call (781) 837-9400 to sign up or for more info.

May 20th (Sunday) – MARSTONS MILLS RIVER ( Cape Cod Watershed) –River Day 2007: A celebration of the Marstons Mills River, 10:00AM – 3:00PM (rain or shine), sponsored by the Marstons Mills River Committee. The celebration takes place at the William Marston House, at the intersection of Routes 149 + 28. Click here or contact River Day coordinator Kris Clark at (508) 428-8754 for more details about this event.

May 21st (Monday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – “Walkin’ The Watershed” – Stream Teams in Action, 6:30PM-8:30PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee. Free training session at Stanton Hall in Huntington for event taking place the weekend of June 2nd-3rd. Stream Teams will use their observational skills to document scenic, historical, geological, recreational and natural features found along the Wild & Scenic Westfield River. Contact Meredyth Babcock at (413) 623-2070 or WalkintheWatershed@hotmail.com for more info.

May 22nd (Tuesday) – QUINSIGAMOND RIVER (Blackstone Watershed) – Evening paddle in Grafton, 6:15PM, sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Paddlers. This scenic and popular paddle is suitable for all levels of experience and is part of a series of Tuesday night paddles in the Blackstone Valley. Click here or contact Cheryl at StoneFoxFarm@juno.com or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

May 24th (Thursday) - JONES RIVER (South Coastal Watershed) – “Ecology of Groundwater” presentation, 7:30PM at the Jones River Landing.  Groundwaters are fascinating living ecosystems, with bacteria that “breathe” iron and nitrogen as well as oxygen, blind animals that migrate miles into groundwater from river channels in search of methane, and ancient buried wood jams that are like slowly discharging batteries fueling the ecosystem. Nearly 1/3 of the world’s drinking water comes from groundwater, and many of our streams and lakes are fed by groundwater. Shallow groundwater throughout the world lies at the interface with human land use, overlapping with urban and agricultural areas, drinking water resources, and waste disposal. Hear Brian Reid talk about how the lessons learned from elsewhere might help us manage and protect our own groundwater in eastern Massachusetts. Send an e-mail to info@jonesriver.org for more info on this or other events at the Landing.

May 25th (Friday) – SKUNKNETT RIVER (Cape Cod Watershed) –Skunknett River Restoration Day, 2:00PM – 5:00PM in Osterville, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. Join Mass Audubon staff and Skunknett River Wildlife Sanctuary volunteers for an afternoon of river exploration and maintenance. As a part of our ongoing ecological inventory and monitoring plan at the Sanctuary, we will be removing physical obstructions to migrating fish, surveying for river herring and American eel, and sampling aquatic invertebrates in the river. Contact Ian Ives at (508) 362-7475 or longpasture@massaudubon.org for more info.

May 26th (Saturday) – HOOSIC RIVER – Riverfest, 11:00AM – 4:00PM at Cole Field in Williamstown, sponsored by the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA). An annual celebration of the Hoosic, with music, raft rides, food, art works, and other activities for young and old.  Click here or contact HooRWA at (413) 458-2742 for more info.

May 26th (Saturday) – SAWMILL RIVER (Connecticut Watershed) – Wildlife Habitat Management Walk in Montague, 10AM, sponsored by the Montague Grange.  The walk takes place at the Sawmill River Access Area (meet at the entry gate on North Street) and will focus on a project to restore important wildlife habitat on MassWildlife’s Montague Wildlife Management Area in Montague Center. Contact Jill Liske-Clark at (508) 389-6306 or click here for more info.

May 26th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – 14TH Annual EarthFest at the Hatch Shell, 12noon – 6:00PM, co-sponsored by 92.9 WBOS-FM and Whole Foods, in cooperation with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation. EarthFest is a free celebration for the Earth showcasing environmentally friendly products, groups, and activities. EarthFest will also feature an all-star musical line-up, an interactive family area and more. Go to http://www.earthfest.com for more details; non-profit groups seeking to participate in the event should e-mail Crystal Margolis.

May 26th (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Easy flatwater paddle in Topsfield, 9:30AM, sponsored by the Merrimack River Watershed Council. A leisurely, 6-mile paddle on a winding river through protected lands. Bird watching is a favorite pastime on this section of the river. Meet fellow paddlers by taking Route 1 to Rte 97 South/East, then go 1/2 mile to bridge. Contact leaders Gary Watson (978) 455-6876, gwatson6876@comcast.net or Jo Watson (978) 425-4653, jwtsn@comcast.net, to sign up or for more info.

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May 27th – June 2nd

May 27th (Sunday) – NASHUA RIVER – Easy-moderate paddle in Leominster, 9:30AM, co-sponsored by the Merrimack River Watershed Council and Nashoba Paddler. This section of the Nashua River offers something for everyone, from flatwater to Class I-II. Meet fellow paddlers by taking Route 2 to Leominster, then take Mechanic Street exit, proceed west through lights into Searstown entrance. Put-in is across from Home Depot. Boat rentals available; call in advance. Contact leader Neal Menschel at (978) 448-8699 days to sign up or for more info.

May 27th (Sunday) -- GREEN HARBOR RIVER (North and South Rivers Watershed) – Green Harbor River Paddle, 9:00AM, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. This is a great opportunity to explore the Green Harbor River up through the middle of the Mass Audubon’s Webster Sanctuary. PFDs and pre-registration are mandatory as the trip is limited to 10 people. Suggested donation is $10. We will provide directions on where to meet when you sign up. Please e-mail Paula Christie or call her at (781) 659-8168 to pre-register or for more info.

May 28th (Monday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip, Bartholomew's Cobble, Sheffield , 9:00AM - 12:00noon, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Paddle the winding Housatonic and explore the rich and varied habitats of the river. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, and bank swallows. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $15, Child (10–16) $10; Nonmembers—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15. Click here or call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

May 29th (Tuesday) – MYSTIC RIVER –4th Annual “River Day”, 8:30AM - 2:00PM, at the Andrews Middle School in Medford (rain date is May 30 th). River Day is a school-based event that offers informal learning opportunities around the site of our nearby Mystic River . Class-sized groups visit stations in the park and participate in active learning at each stop. Environmental, water, and nature information, games and arts will connect kids to the park along the river. Contact Gael Motz, Andrews School PTO Coordinator, at (617) 548-7827 or motzstars@comcast.net for more info.

May 30th (Wednesday) – STATEWIDE – Celebrating Aquatic Habitat Restoration in Massachusetts: Highlighting Progress in the Great Marsh Region , 9:30AM – 12noon, Crane Estate (Castle Hill) in Ipswich, co-sponsored by EPA Region 1/New England and the Partnership to Restore Massachusetts’ Aquatic Habitats. This American Wetlands Month event will celebrate the many restoration successes achieved in recent years and will focus on regional Great Marsh restoration accomplishments and future needs in the larger context of aquatic habitat restoration throughout the Commonwealth. Pre-registration is required; RSVP by May 18th to Hunt Durey at hunt.durey@state.ma.us or (617) 626-1245; click here for more info.

May 30th (Wednesday) – STATEWIDE – River Advocates’ Brown Bag Supper, 6:00PM – 9:00PM at The Trustees of Reservations’ Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, hosted by the Mass. Riverways Program. Join representatives of watershed associations, stream teams and other organizations and individuals concerned with the welfare of the Commonwealth’s riverine resources in a lively discussion on current issues facing rivers and watersheds and opportunities for working together to address these issues. Contact Joan Kimball at (617) 626-1544 or Joan.Kimball@state.ma.us for more info.

May 30th (Wednesday) – ASSABET RIVER – Track Road Bike Ride, 6:30PM, sponsored by the Organization for the Assabet River (OAR). Meet at Ice House Landing in Maynard, ride along the Assabet River to Sudbury Road and back (total of 5 miles on unpaved road). After, join us for ice cream at Erikson‛s. Call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 to pre-register (check with the OAR office on the day of the ride if the weather is questionable). Helmets required.

June 1st (Friday) – SUDBURY RIVER – Family Canoe Adventure, 5:30PM – 7:30PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxed evening on the beautiful Sudbury River as we watch for water-loving birds and listen for the night-time chorus of many creatures. We provide all the gear as well as paddling and canoe safety instructions. All participants must wear a life jacket. We will meet at the Sudbury Canoe Landing; directions will be sent upon confirmation. Participants may bring their own life jackets (subject to instructor review) for a $3 discount. Fee:Adults $24.00M/$29.00NM, Children $24.00M/$29.00NM. Contact the Sanctuary at (781) 259-2200 or click here to pre-register or for more info.

June 2nd – 10th (Saturday –Sunday) – STATEWIDE – National River Cleanup Week, sponsored by http://www.americanrivers.org. See details at http://www.nationalrivercleanup.org, which features an interactive map enabling you to search for a cleanup in your area.

June 2nd – 10th (Saturday –Sunday) – STATEWIDE – National Fishing and Boating Week. See details at http://www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=11 or http://www.takemefishing.org.

June 2nd (Saturday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – 20th Annual Clean Up Day, 9AM – 12noon, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA). All are invited to join us for this important community event, scouring the shores of the North & South Rivers and their tributaries. NSRWA provides the trash bags, rubbish disposal and the post-cleanup cookout at the Driftway. You supply the energy and get the job done. Please e-mail Paula Christie or call her at (781) 659-8168 for more info.

June 2nd (Saturday) – STATEWIDE – National Trails Day, sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Click here for more info and to find out about events in your area.

June 2nd (Saturday) – QUINEBAUG RIVER – National Trails Day at Westville Lake Park, Southbridge, 9AM to 3PM, sponsored by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Events planned include guided walks by park rangers, an exploration of the Grand Trunk Rail Trail, guided walks on nearby trails (the West Street School trail, the Leadmine Mountain Conservation Area, etc.) as well as light refreshments and info tables/presentations by local trail, community and other non-profit organizations. Contact Tom Chamberland at (508) 347-3705 or Thomas.A.Chamberland@nae02.usace.army.mil for more info.

June 2nd (Saturday) - TEN MILE RIVER – Balfour Riverwalk Park Walk and Paddle, 9:00AM-11:00 AM in Attleboro, sponsored by the Friends of Attleboro Interested in Revitalization (F.A.I.R.) There will be a two mile walk including the Riverwalk Park, along the Ten Mile River (behind the Community Garden) and up to the Larson Woods preservation site. A small group of kayakers will be kayaking to the Riverwalk Park . Beverages and light refreshments will be served. Click here or contact council@cityofattleboro.us or (508) 223-2222 ext. 3181 for more info. E-mail Keith at KTGgroup@aol.com for more info on the kayak paddle.

June 2nd 2007 (Saturday) - QUABOAG RIVER - (Chicopee Watershed) Quaboag River Awareness Day. Sponsored by Friends of the Quaboag River. 1 hour river tours will be provided throughout the day/month focusing on the river’s natural, local and environmental history. Boat leaves from the landing @ Rt 148 in Brookfield. Fee: Adults $10.00, Children $5.00 Local photographers display scenes of surrounding wildlife, natural habitat and historic scenes from the river. For information call 508-867-5561 or visit www.whiteslanding.com for directions.

June 2nd (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip, Bartholomew's Cobble, 8:30AM-11:30AM, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Paddle the winding Housatonic and explore the rich and varied habitats of the river. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, and bank swallows. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $15, Child (10–16) $10; Nonmembers—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15. Click here or call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

June 2nd (Saturday) – SUDBURY RIVER – Morning Canoe Adventure, 10AM – 12noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch for water-loving birds as we paddle the calm morning waters of the Sudbury River . After a warm-up paddle, enjoy a light riverside breakfast (yes, we'll have coffee and hot cocoa!). We provide all the gear as well as paddling and canoe safety instructions. All participants must wear a life jacket. We will meet at the Sudbury Canoe Landing and together we will carry the equipment to shore. Directions will be sent upon confirmation. Click here or call (781) 259-2200 to pre-register or for more info.

June 2nd (Saturday) – NEPONSET RIVER – June Paddle at the Milton Landing, 1:00PM – 3:00 PM, sponsored by the Boston Natural Areas Network. Join DCR rangers in exploring the nature of the upper Neponset River Estuary and the downstream side of the historic Baker Mill complex. For all skill levels – canoes and all paddling equipment is provided. Program is free but pre-registration is required. Click here or call (617) 542-7696 to sign up or for more info.

June 2nd (Saturday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER – Canoe and Kayak paddle in Tewksbury, 8:30AM – 12noon, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association. Meet at the Knights of Columbus building on Route 38 in Tewksbury , and paddle from there to the Ballardvale Dam in Andover . Contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net or ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for more info; call at least 2 days in advance to borrow gear. Check the Calendar section of www.shawsheen.org for last-minute and weather-related updates.

June 2nd (Saturday) – TAUNTON RIVER –14th Annual Taunton River Festival, 10:00AM - 5:00PM, sponsored by the WEIR Corporation of Taunton (a local, nonprofit, community development corporation). Held along the scenic Weir Village Riverfront Park, East Water St. in Taunton, the Festival is a free, family-oriented, day-long event featuring music on two stages, a food court, crafts, a flea market, educational exhibits, and much more. Children's entertainment will include pony rides, puppet shows, moonwalks, and a trackless train. Rain date is Sunday, June 3 rd . This event is handicapped accessible. For more information, click here or contact the WEIR Corporation at (508) 821-9347.

June 2nd (Saturday) – CONNECTICUT RIVER – 2nd Annual Family Fish Day, 10:00AM- 2:00PM, sponsored by the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and MassWildlife. There will be hands-on fly tying and spin cast demonstrations, hands-on activities, and a FREE raffle throughout the event for fishing poles and tackle boxes. This event is timed to coincide with the Massachusetts FREE fishing weekend (see below), so you don't need a fishing license to participate. Go to the Great Falls Discovery Center’s web page or call (413) 863-3221 for any questions.

June 2nd – 3rd (Saturday-Sunday) – STATEWIDE – Free Fishing Weekend, sponsored by the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Take a friend or family member fishing! No fishing license needed during these two days! Fishing license fees support fisheries research, angler education, fish stocking programs and many other services provided by MassWildlife. If you don't know how to fish, consider attending the fishing festivals or other fishing-related activities (see above entry, or go on-line to http://mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfweduc.htm#AEP for more info). All Angler Education programs and festivals are free and don't require a fishing license for fishing.

June 2nd (Saturday) – June 10th (Sunday) – STATEWIDE –Biodiversity Days Week 2007, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. Biodiversity Days is a challenge to citizens to familiarize themselves with the wealth of animal and plant species with which we share our communities and to identify in each participating city/town at least 200 species in backyards, schoolyards, conservation land, and other open space by permission. Participants will find, record and learn about the component species of flora and fauna in their home cities/towns. Find out about an event in your area by going on-line to http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/Biodiversity/BiodiversityDays.htm.

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June 3rd – June 9th

June 3rd (Sunday) – MERRIMACK and PARKER RIVERS – Biodiversity Day in Greater Newburyport , 9:00AM – 4:00PM, at Mass. Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, co-sponsored by the Parker River Clean Water Association, Mass. Audubon and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Events for a dults and children include indoor exhibits and crafts, insects and animals; outdoor nature walks, bird banding and bird watching.  Rain or shine. Contact Don Bade at (978) 462-2551 orparker.river@verizon.net for more info.  

June 3rd (Sunday) – FRENCH RIVER – “Bridge the Gap” Horseback Ride, 9:30AM , sponsored by the Bay State Trail Riders Association. Benefit ride to raise money for a trail bridge over the French River . Click here or contact Lynn Paretsky at (508) 476-7094 or lynnparesky@aol.com for more info.

June 3rd (Sunday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – Fishway Open House, 10:00AM – 2:00PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association. View salmon and other migratory fish through a special viewing window at the West Springfield fish ladder. The entrance and registering area will be at the gate near the former Southworth Paper Co. Office building at 150 Front Street. See if the recent upward trend in the number of salmon migrating up the Westfield (6 came up the fish ladder in 2003, 12 in 2004, 27 in 2005 and 34 in 2006) continues. Contact Henry Warchol at (413) 562-3467 or Bill Rose at (413) 786-0195 for more info.

June 9th (Saturday) – DEERFIELD RIVER – Deerfield RiverFest, in Shelburne Falls, 10:00AM – 5:00PM , sponsored by the Deerfield River Watershed Association. RiverFest includes the traditional Frog and Flower Parade and “Bug Table” displaying the creatures that live in our river. Also featured will be a guided “tour” of the potholes led by Geology Professor Richard Little, quiet river raft rides provided by Zoar Outdoor, many displays by local conservation agencies, sidewalk vendors, games for children, contests, store sales and performing musicians all during the day and a screening of In Inconvenient Truth at Pot Hole Pictures later on. Click here or contact Polly Bartlett at dbartlet@crocker.com or (413) 625-6628 for more info.

June 9th (Saturday) – CONCORD RIVER – “Paddling Back in Time” Guided Canoe Trip, 10AM-12:30PM at The Old Manse in Concord , sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Experience the landscape that inspired Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne. Bring your own boat or rent one on-site. Reservations and pre-payment required. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $8, Child (12 and under) $5; Nonmembers—Adult $16, Child (12 and under) $10. Click here or call (978) 369-3909 to register or for more info.

June 9th (Saturday) – POWOW RIVER (Merrimack Watershed) –Flatwater paddle in Amesbury, sponsored by the Merrimack River Watershed Council. The Powow is a small, cozy, twisty little river that offers a variety of trip possibilities. Meet at 9:30AM am in Amesbury, MA. From Rte 495 Exit 54 take Rte 150 North. In just under one mile turn left on to Highland St., (park will be on right). Highland turns into Lions Mouth Rd. Continue to crossing of Powow River at outlet of Tuxbury Pond. Parking area is just past river. After unloading boat, please move car to parking area. Contact leader Bob Jeffers at (978) 663-3664 or Rwjeffers6@aaahawk.com for more info.

June 9th (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Housatonic River Clean-up in Sheffield, co-sponsored by the Sheffield Land Trust and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA). Contact the HVA office [ma@hvatoday.org or (413) 394-9796] or Kathy Orlando [shefland@bcn.net or (413) 229-0234] for meeting times and locations and other details.

June 9th (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip, Bartholomew's Cobble, Sheffield , 8:30AM-11:30AM , sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Paddle the winding Housatonic and explore the rich and varied habitats of the river. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, and bank swallows. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $15, Child (10–16) $10; Nonmembers—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15. Click here or call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

June 9th (Saturday) – WESTFIELD RIVER – Westfield River Canoe Cruise, 12:30PM, sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association. Meet at the Great River Bridge (where Routes 10/202 cross the river just north of the center of town) off Meadow Street in Westfield. The group will then paddle from downtown Westfield to Robinson State Park in West Springfield. Cost of this event is $5 per person to cover the cost of insurance. Contact Henry Warchol at (413) 562-3467 or Bill Rose at (413) 786-0195 for more info.

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June 10th – June 16th

June 10th (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Dragon Boat Festival, 9:00AM- 5:00 PM, sponsored by the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival of Boston. The Dragon Boat Festival is a centuries-old cultural and sporting event, and the Boston club has been making it local for many years. The festival features boat races, arts and crafts, Asian cuisine, and it is free and open to the public. Click here for up-to-date info.

June 10th (Sunday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip, Bartholomew's Cobble, 8:30AM-11:30AM, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Paddle the winding Housatonic and explore the rich and varied habitats of the river. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, and bank swallows. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $15, Child (10–16) $10; Nonmembers—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15. Call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

June 10th (Sunday) – CONCORD RIVER – Afternoon Canoe on the Concord River, 1:00PM – 4:30PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Join us as we paddle an historic and beautiful section of the Concord River . Learn about the role of the Concord Impoundments in the Revolutionary War and watch for birds as we paddle through parts of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Fee: $32/members, $36/non-members; canoes and paddling gear are provided. Click here or call (508) 655-2296 to register or for more info.

June 10th (Sunday) – SUDBURY RIVER –Flatwater paddle in Framingham, sponsored by the Wampanoag Paddlers. Paddle through one of the best birding spots in New England. Contact George Estano at (781) 848-8686 for more info.

June 10th (Sunday) – QUABOAG RIVER (Chicopee Watershed) – Discover the Quaboag. A 2-hr guided paddle of the Quaboag River raises awareness of the River’s unique wetland environment, natural habitat of rare and endangered species and its historic value to the region. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. $10.00 per person departing from the Landing on Rt 148 in Brookfield. For information call 508-867-5561 or visit www.whiteslanding.com for directions. Reservations required.

June 10th (Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER –Kite Festival on the Merrimack, 12noon – 4:00PM at Pemberton Park in downtown Lawrence, sponsored by Groundwork Lawrence. The Kite Festival is a family-friendly event that includes free kite-making and kite-flying at Pemberton Park on the banks of the Merrimack River. Youth volunteers are needed to help with kite-making (advance training required). To volunteer or learn more, please send an e-mail to Rose Gonzalez, Stewardship Program Manager, at rgonzalez@groundworklawrence.org. Call (978) 974-0770 for more info.

June 10th (Sunday) – WEIR RIVER ( Boston Harbor Watershed) – Weir River: From Source to Mouth, 9:00AM - 12noon, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s South Shore Sanctuaries. Description of event: The Weir River divides Hull from Hingham, and this trip will go up one side of the river and down the other, from streets named for steamboats to the story of George Washington Boulevard, all the way back around to World’s End. We’ll seek the river’s origins, its Native American land use tales, and enjoy the beauty of a summer’s day on the water’s edge. Click here or contact John Gall uzzo at (781) 837-9400 or jgalluzzo@massaudubon.org to sign up or for more info.

June 10th (Sunday) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS – Low Tide Paddle and Exploration, 12:30PM - 2:30 PM, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association. Join Carolyn Sones to explore the salt marsh at low tide. Can we find the remains of the wreck of the schooner “Emma” off of Damon’s Point? What animals and birds inhabit the creeks when the tide goes out? Be prepared to get a little muddy! Pre-registration is mandatory, as space is limited. Suggested donation if $10 per boat. PDFs are required. Please e-mail Paula Christie or call her at (781) 659-8168 to pre-register or for more info.

June 12th (Tuesday) – WEST RIVER (Blackstone Watershed) – Evening paddle in Uxbridge, 6:15PM, sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Paddlers. You'll have the chance to see lots of wildlife as you paddle upstream through this stretch of clean, clear flatwater. This scenic paddle is suitable for all levels of experience and is part of a series of Tuesday night paddles in the Blackstone Valley. Click here or contact Cheryl at StoneFoxFarm@juno.com or (401) 647-5887 for more info.

June 13th (Wednesday) – QUINSIGAMOND RIVER (Blackstone Watershed) –Sunset Paddle on the Quinsigamond River, 6:30PM - 8:30PM in Grafton, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Put in at the Ekblaw Landing and paddle upstream into the wildlife-rich Snow Marsh. Enjoy the sunset, birds, frogs, and fish as we paddle this beautiful stretch of the river while learning how you can help protect it. This program is part of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015 series. Directions will be sent upon registration. For ages 10 and up. Fee: $10.00 Adult Members, $12.00 Adult Non-members, $7.00 Child Members, $9.00 Child Non-members. For more information and to register, call Broad Meadow Brook at (508) 753-6087.

June 14th (Thursday) – NASHUA RIVER – “Creating Rain Gardens” workshop, 5:00PM – 7:30 PM at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition and The Trustees of Reservations. Rachel Calabro of Mass. Riverways and Mike Clark of Weston Sampson Engineers will present a free workshop on the benefits of rain gardens as well as the specifics on how to place, create, and care for them. RSVP to mwc@commonwaters.org or (978) 534-0379.

June 14th (Thursday) – NEPONSET RIVER –40th Anniversary Celebration for the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA), 6:30PM in Canton. Enjoy two featured presentations, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, a brief business meeting, an awards ceremony and a mystery raffle. The highlights of the evening will be presentations by noted local historian Anthony Sammarco and Chief of Environmental and Energy Services for Boston, Jim Hunt. Sammarco will discuss historical industrial development along the Neponset River and how it has shaped the river corridor today, and Jim Hunt will broach the future of the river and how new projects can increase both the protection of the river and public access. This celebration will take place in the modern, light-filled building of the Reebok International Headquarters in Canton. There is a requested donation of $35 per person. To learn more and to register, click here or contact Carly at rocklen@neponset.org or (781) 575-0354.

June 16th (Saturday) – WESTPORT RIVER –4th Annual River Run Race, sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA). Registration begins at 8:30AM; races start at 10AM (rain or shine). The race starts at the Hix Bridge Landing and finishes (upstream, with the incoming tide) at the Head of Westport. Kayakers and canoeists will be able to participate in either a family-fun course or a competitive paddle. If you don’t have a boat, don’t let that stop you from coming out and having fun; kayak rentals are available on race day at a discounted price from Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures. Transportation of kayak to race start is included. (You must pre-arrange for your boat.) Call Osprey Sea Kayak at (508) 636-0300 to reserve. Entry fee includes a tee shirt (while they last), water and fruit, and juice and snacks at the end of the race. Click here or contact the WRWA office at (508) 636-3016 or wep@wrwa.com to register or for more info.

June 16th- September 15th (Saturdays) – NORTH AND SOUTH RIVERS –Yoga at the River’s Edge, 8:30AM, sponsored by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA). Now in its 11th year, this is one of NSRWA’s most popular programs. Yoga is a delightful way to begin a summer day. Join yoga teachers Kezia Bacon- Bernstein, Marnie Bacon, Jerry Mulhall, Mary Norton, Page Railsback, Jayne Sutton, and Kate Stone at various outdoor sites along the river to relax, stretch and breathe. Please bring a blanket, large towel, or sticky mat. Beginners are welcome—no previous yoga experience is necessary. Donation per class: $10 per person NSRWA members, $12 per person for non-members. No classes on rainy days. Please e-mail Paula Christie or call her at (781) 659-8168 for more info.

June 16th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – Father's Day Weekend Canoe & Breakfast, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Celebrate Father's Day early with a relaxing canoe trip! Watch the morning mist rising off the water. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and other birds gliding over the water. Enjoy the beautiful views as we paddle through Rocky Narrows Reservation and Broadmoor to the South Natick Dam. A hearty breakfast will be served midway on the banks of the river. Fee: Fee: $38/members, $44/non-members; canoes and paddling gear are provided. Click here or call (508) 655-2296 to pre-register or for more info.

June 16th (Saturday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER - River Cleanup, 8:30AM – 12noon, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association. Clean-up location will probably be in Lawrence. Contact Bob Rauseo at (978) 851-9505, bob_otter@comcast.net or ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for cleanup location or last-minute weather details.

June 16th (Saturday) – QUINSIGAMOND RIVER (Blackstone Watershed) – Birding the Quinsig by Canoe, 7:00AM - 9:00AM in Grafton, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Put in at the new Ekblaw Landing at the corner of Worcester Street (Route 122) and Wheeler Road, and paddle upstream to escape into the wonderfully rich Snow Marsh, 30 acres of wetland habitat protected by a partnership of Ducks Unlimited and MassWildlife. Quietly observe birds, dragonflies, frogs, and turtles. Also learn about streambank stabilization and stormwater improvement projects. Fee: Adults $10/M, $12/NM. Canoes and paddling gear provided. Click here or call (508) 753-6087 to sign up or for more info.

June 16th (Saturday) – CHARLES RIVER – 28th Annual Cambridge River Festival, 12 noon – 6:00PM (rain or shine), sponsored by the Cambridge Arts Council. Revolving along a one-mile stretch on the banks of the Charles River, the River Festival celebrates the City’s cultural diversity through music, dance, and the arts. Captivating people of all ages and backgrounds, nationally-recognized musicians and visual artists will entertain at this lively and free outdoor celebration. C ontact Jane Beal, Director of Community Arts, or Elizabeth White, Community Arts Administrator, for more info.

June 16th – 17th (Saturday-Sunday) – SUDBURY, ASSABET AND CONCORD RIVERS – 6th Annual Riverfest, sponsored by the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council. Riverfest has grown into a celebration including over 50 events on and along the rivers. All weekend long, from dawn to dusk, there will events suitable for the whole family. Canoe trips, bicycle rides, hikes, bird walks, treasure hunts, lectures, narrated walks, history lessons, concerts, art exhibits, storytelling are all included. Click here or contact Lee Steppacher at (617) 223-5225 or lee_steppacher@nps.gov for more info.

June 16th (Saturday) – CONCORD RIVER – “RiverFest on the Concord”, 10:00AM – 1:00 PM, Muldoon Park Boat Launch in Lowell, co- sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Zoar Outdoor, REI, and Lowell National Historical Park. Join us for flatwater raft trips (first-come, first-served) for the entire family (ages 5 and up). Kids can create fish prints and learn about water quality testing. Contact Kristin McCauley at kmccauley@lowelllandtrust.org or (978) 934-0030 or for more info.

June 16th (Saturday) – ASSABET RIVER –RiverQuest (part of RiverFest), sponsored by the Organization for the Assabet River (OAR). Explore the Assabet from Damonmill to the Calf Pasture take-out along Lowell Road . Put-in between 10:00 and 11:00AM and paddle down the river searching for clues and stickers along the way. This is a family-friendly paddle that takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete, depending on how fast you paddle and how intensely you observe. Call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 to pre-register and save a space in the shuttle back to Damonmill to retrieve your car.

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June 17th – June 23rd

June 17th (Sunday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Guided Canoe Trip, Bartholomew's Cobble, 8:30AM-11:30AM , sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Paddle the winding Housatonic and explore the rich and varied habitats of the river. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, and bank swallows. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $15, Child (10–16) $10; Nonmembers—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15. Cost includes all required equipment. Call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

June 21st (Thursday) – SLOCUMS RIVER (Buzzards Bay Watershed) –Women’s Canoe Trip, 5:30PM - 8:00PM, sponsored by the Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies, 430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth. Ladies only! Enjoy paddling along the historic Slocums River with the Center’s Liz Moniz and make new friends along the way. Transportation and all equipment provided. Bring footwear that you won’t mind getting wet, as well as a snack and drink (non-alcoholic). Fees: $20/members, $25/non-members. Registration required (12 spaces available).  Contact the Lloyd Center at (508) 558-2918 or click on www.lloydcenter.org to register or for more info.

June 21st (Thursday) – CONCORD RIVER – Solstice Celebration Picnic + Paddle, 7:00PM, co-sponsored by the Organization for the Assabet River (OAR), Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) and the Musketaquid Center for the Arts and Environment. A musical picnic supper at the Old Manse is followed by a twilight paddle past the drumming and bonfire at Old Calf Pasture, and up the Assabet and Sudbury Rivers.  Bring your candle lantern (see OAR’s web page for instructions on how to make one) if you plan to join the flotilla of canoes and kayaks, and enjoy the longest day of the year with us. This event is quickly becoming another one of Concord ’s favorite traditions! Call the OAR office at (978) 369-3956 for more info.

June 23rd (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Sheffield Float Trip, 9:00AM, sponsored by the Housatonic Valley Association. Meet at the covered bridge off of Route 7 to put-in for a meandering, eight mile paddle downstream through scenic farmland and rural landscapes, reaching the Ranapo Road take-out by mid-afternoon. Interested participants should call the HVA office at (413) 394-9796 to pre-register, as carpooling and shuttling vehicles will need to be arranged. Registrants should bring their own canoe/kayak, lunch for enjoying at a riverside spot en route, sun screen, and plenty of water to drink.

June 23rd (Saturday) – MILLERS RIVER –Flatwater paddle, sponsored by the Millers River Watershed Council (http://www.millersriver.net/mrwc/). The put-in will be around 10:00AM at 3 Pipes in Baldwinville; then the group will paddle down the Otter River to the Millers, and the take-out will be at the Army Corps’ Birch Hill Dam project in South Royalston. People need to bring their own boats and paddling gear. Contact Ivan Ussach at ivanuss@hotmail.com or call (978) 2489491 for more info.

June 23rd (Saturday) – SHAWSHEEN RIVER –7th Annual Canoe Paddling Instructional Session 1:00PM - 4:00PM at Pomps Pond in Andover, sponsored by the Shawsheen River Watershed Association (SRWA). Master Instructor Ken Doran and his SRWA associates will cover transporting the canoe safely, entering and exiting a canoe, required and suggested gear, and the responsibilities of the person in the bow and stern. Emphasis will be on learning how and when to use the different paddling strokes. He will cover the J, sweep, and sculling strokes. He will also cover the most efficient technique to navigate the twists and turns a meandering river like the Shawsheen takes. You’ll hear the term ‘pull the water toward the boat’ quite often. There is a $5.00 per person fee for this event. Call (978) 686-7050, Jack Brady at (978) 851-9505 or write ShawsheenRiver@comcast.net for more details; check the Calendar section of www.shawsheen.org for last minute and weather related updates

June 23rd (Saturday) – QUABOAG RIVER– Music by the River. Afternoon/evening of open-air music by the Quaboag River. On display will be photographs provided by local photographers of surrounding wildlife, natural habitat and historic scenes from the Quaboag River. For information call 508-867-5561 or visit www.whiteslanding.com for directions.

June 23rd (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Ipswich River Source to Sea Canoe Trips: Middleton segment, 8:45AM, sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and the Middleton Stream Team. Local naturalist Pike Messenger will lead paddlers along a beautiful, meandering stretch of the Ipswich River in Middleton. Meet at Pine Street, a tiny gravel road off Boston Street, Middleton, just before the bridge crossing over to Peabody and Bostik. We plan to take out at Peabody Street Landing at about 1 or 2 PM. If for some reason you can't go all the way there are places to depart at South Main Street (Route 114), and Maple Street (Route 62). Bring bathing suits if you want to swim en route. We'll stop at the Middleton Stream Team's latest woodland project, which may be called "Rachel’s Rest" after the late Rachel Carson, for lunch en route. The trip is one of IRWA's annual Source to Sea Canoe Trips down the Ipswich River. Bring your own canoe or kayak, PFD, and lunch. Contact Emily Levin at (978) 887-2313 or elevin@ipswichriver.org for more info.

June 23rd-24th (Saturday-Sunday) – TAUNTON RIVER – “Wild and Scenic River Run” overnight paddling trip, sponsored by the Taunton River Watershed Alliance (TRWA). The event begins at 9:00AM Saturday at the Whitman Street – TownRiverBridge near Route 104, just above the point where the Town and MatfieldRivers join to become the TauntonRiver. After spending the night at Camp Titicut Reservation, which is located at the Bridgewater/Middleboro town line, the paddlers will continue to the WeirRiverfrontPark in Taunton. The trip will end there between 3-4PM Sunday. Rental canoes and kayaks are available from Canoe Passage Outfitters in Taunton (508) 824-1146). Pre-registration is required; click here to sign up or for more info. TRWA’s quarterly members’ meeting will also take place on Saturday June 23^rd at 6:00PM at CampTiticut. Members and their families and friends are invited to get there early and bring a picnic supper. Drinks and dessert will be provided.

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June 24th – July 4th

June 24th (Sunday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Sheffield Covered Bridge to the Cobble Guided Canoe Trip, 9:00AM - 2PM, sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations. Explore an extraordinarily scenic 9-mile stretch of the Housatonic River, rich with wildlife and local history, with a local naturalist/guide. Bring a picnic lunch. Fees: Trustees members—Adult $25, Child (10–16) $15; Nonmembers—Adult $35, Child (10–16) $20. Click here or call (413) 229-8600 to register or for more info.

June 24th (Sunday) – FORE RIVER ( Boston Harbor Watershed) –Fore River: From Source to Mouth, 1:00PM – 4:00 PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s South Shore Sanctuaries. The Fore River is known for its shipbuilding history, and for the massive bridge that spans it near its mouth, but there’s much more to it than that! For instance, who knows the history of Idlewell? What birds can be seen at Mosswetussett Hummock? Who is Watson Field named for? Where is King’s Cove? For that matter, where’s Raccoon Island? Join John Galluzzo for a trip along the Fore River from its beginning to end, from Eastern Neck to Factory Pond to Hough’s Neck. Call (781) 837-9400 to sign up or for more info.

June 24th (Sunday) – DEERFIELD RIVER – Whitewater paddle, Charlemont, MA, sponsored by the Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association (RICKA). Put in is at the Zoar Picnic Area (below the Gap) and take out at the East Charlemont Picnic Area (across from the Hill Top Motel) – about 9 miles. Appropriate skills and equipment required – quickwater with class I and II rapids.  Check the whitewater message board the morning of the trip for the shuttle time - we will shuttle 2 hours after the power company begins its release.  This will allow the water time to reach the lower section where we will be paddling.  If you want to check yourself, the dam release phone number is (800) 452-1737 and the dam code is 255123. RSVP required - contact Bill Luther [Prijon@juno.com, (508) 761-7961] or Erik Eckilson [eckilson@cox.net, (401) 765-1741] to sign up or for more info.

June 30th (Saturday) – DEERFIELD RIVER – Raft Trip, 9:00AM – 4:00PM in Charlemont, sponsored by the River Management Society (RMS). Join RMS members and other river enthusiasts for an exciting paddle on the Deerfield River, nationally known for the successful negotiation by paddlers to secure a full flow schedule for recreation during the local utility’s hydropower relicensing.  Learn how this happened while rafting the “Dryway”, a Class III-IV section. RSVP required by June 1st. Contact Michael Crane at (802) 657-3720 or Michael@craneassociates.us to sign up or for more info.

July 1st (Sunday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Canoe Trip, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch for frogs, fish, herons, muskrats, and signs of beavers along the meandering Housatonic River. This leisurely paddle will take us through the George Darey Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area. Join Sanctuary Director Rene Laubach to learn about the natural history of the waterway that is the heart of the Berkshires. Meet at the Housatonic River-Decker Boat Launch in Lenox. Canoes and paddling gear provided. Fee:Adults $20.00 m/ $25.00 nm. Call the Sanctuary at (413) 637-0320 to register.

July 1st (Sunday) – SLOCUMS RIVER (Buzzards Bay Watershed) –Flatwater paddle, sponsored by the Wampanoag Paddlers. Put in at the town landing in the pretty Russells Mills section of South Dartmouth. Paddle down the Slocums on the outgoing tide down to Demarest Lloyd State Park, which has a nice beach and fishing. The incoming tide helps power the return trip. Contact Jim Howell at (508) 588-0066 for more info.

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