Wachusett Reservoir Watershed Education Programs

 

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.

Additional Resources

Wachusett Watershed Events

Wachusett Watershed Trip Tip

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: https://www.projectwet.org/distancelearning
• Project Learning Tree: https://www.plt.org/activities-for-families/in-your-own-backyard/
• Project WILD
  For parents: https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/wild-parents
  For educators: https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/remote-wild​
• MWRA: http://www.mwra.com/02org/html/edresources.htm
• US Forest Service Digital Resources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/kids
• The National Environmental Education Foundation:   https://www.neefusa.org/resource/water-quality-backyard-activity-guide

Videos and Resource Guides

 

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

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

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]

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

Additional Resources

Quinapoxet Dam Removal Project Announcement

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.

Additional Resources

Guide to Dogs in DCR Parks

Dog Waste and Surface Water Quality

Wachusett/Sudbury Education Coordinator

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

Kathryn Parent
[phone]
[e-mail]