Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Education Programs

Learn about education programs offered at the Wachusett Reservoir.

DCR's Division of Water Supply Protection offers many opportunities to discover the nature and history surrounding the Wachusett Reservoir, which provides drinking water to three million people.  Programs are also available at the Sudbury Reservoir, the emergency supply reservoir for greater Boston communities.

Interpretive Programs

View the brochures below to find out about the current interpretive programs at the Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoirs.

Send an email to [e-mail] to join our email list to receive the program schedule and updates of upcoming programs directly to your inbox.

StoryMap Trail Guides

StoryMaps use maps, pictures, and words to help you on a self-guided hike in different locations around the Wachusett Reservoir.

• Gate 22 to Horseshoe Cove
• Gate 25 - Gates Cove
• North Dike and Pollinator Meadows Loop
• North Dike to Wachusett Dam

Interactive Public Access Map

The Division of Water Supply Protection has developed an interactive map with detailed information about public access roads and trails, fishing, and hunting in the Quabbin Reservoir, Ware River, Wachusett Reservoir, and Sudbury Reservoir watersheds.  There are two ways to access this map: one is an online program that is accessible from your desktop computer or mobile device’s web browser; the other is through an App you can download directly to your mobile device and use in the field.  The mobile device App is recommended for use in the field.

Click here to directly access the on-line DCR-DWSP Public Access Maps. 

Please see the Instructions for using DCR Division of Water Supply Protections Public Access Maps in ArcGIS Field Maps for information about the mobile app.

Activity Guides and Environmental Education Websites

Activity Guides

• DCR Division of Water Supply Protection Water Cycle Activity Guide
• DCR Division of Water Supply Protection Watershed Model Activity Guide

Links to Environmental Education Websites

The following are educational resources curated with the support of the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES):

• Project WET
• Project Learning Tree
• Project WILD - for parents
• Project WILD - for educators
• MWRA
• US Forest Service Digital Resources
• The National Environmental Education Foundation

Videos and Resource Guides

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You skipped the video, Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Moose Meander.

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You skipped the video, Maintaining Grasslands and Pollinator Meadows at Wachusett Reservoir.

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Click here for additional videos about the DCR Watershed system.

Teacher Resource Guides

• Resource Guide for Wachusett Field Trip Video
• Resource Guide for Watershed Model Video

Wachusett/Sudbury School Programs

Classroom programs and field trips are offered to schools and groups in or bordering the watershed areas, and to MWRA service communities. Program topics include:

• Water quality
• Properties of water
• Watersheds
• The cultural and natural history of the watershed areas

Group Visits

Groups larger than 25 people wishing to visit DCR/DWSP property must first obtain a permit from the Wachusett/Sudbury section headquarters.

Groups of 10 or more people wishing to visit the Poutwater Pond Nature Preserve must obtain a permit from the same address.

Download the permit applications:

Group Access to Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Permit Application

Group Access to Poutwater Pond Nature Reserve Permit Application

You can also request the form by mail:

Group Permits
180 Beaman St.
West Boylston, MA 01583
[phone]

Teacher Workshops

The Wachusett Interpretive staff offers teacher workshops on:

• Watersheds
• Water quality monitoring
• Project WET
• Project WILD
• Project Learning Tree
• The DCR/MWRA water system history
• Other topics

Stillwater Farm

The Stillwater Farm Interpretive Site in Sterling is an environmental education facility managed by the Division of Water Supply Protection.

This 55 acre site on the Stillwater River hosts an 18th century farmhouse and a self-guided interpretive trail. This facility provides individuals and groups an opportunity to better understand the connections between land use and community character, and between natural resource protection and land management. Stillwater Farm, through scheduled programs and events, demonstrates both past and present interactions between the working landscape and resource stewardship. Particular emphasis is given to watershed related issues and dynamics.

Stillwater Farm Interpretive Trail Brochure & Map

Kiosk Posters

Kiosks are placed around the Wachusett Reservoir watershed with information about various sites and facilities.

• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Wachusett Reservoir
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Wachusett Dam
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - North Dike
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Old Stone Church
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Oakdale
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Vernal Pools
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Moose
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Small Mammals
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Monarch Butterflies
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Rare Birds
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Loons
• Wachusett Reservoir Kiosk Poster - Salt Smarter

Why Dogs Aren't Allowed at Wachusett Reservoir

Dogs are not allowed on any DCR Division of Water Supply Protection lands in the Wachusett Reservoir watershed.  Dog waste is full of harmful bacteria, excess nutrients, and sometimes parasites and viruses. Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium can last for long periods of time in dog waste. When dog waste is left on the ground, heavy rain and snowmelt wash the waste into streams and tributaries, compromising water quality.

While all the open space around the Wachusett Reservoir seems like a good place to walk a dog, it is not allowed by DCR's Watershed Protection regulations.  People are encouraged to take their pets to visit other DCR property that allow dogs and reminded to always pick up their waste. DCR has produced a brochure and videos to further explain the impact dogs have on drinking water supplies.

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Wachusett/Sudbury Education Coordinator

For additional information or to arrange a program, please contact the Wachusett/Sudbury Education Coordinator:

Kathryn Parent
[phone]
[e-mail]