Year In Review: 2024

A Busy Year of Progress and Partnerships

In 2024, NepRWA made significant strides in protecting and improving the Neponset River Watershed. From building climate resilience to expanding community programs, these accomplishments reflect our commitment to a healthier environment for all.

Below is just a sampling of some of our key accomplishments.

Water Quality and Habitat

Kicked off the second year of the Embrace-A-Stream project with Greater Boston Trout Unlimited, featuring a new website, signage, stream monitoring, and a 2025 pilot program to teach middle schoolers about fish and coldwater ecosystems.
Completed data analysis from our 2023/24 Community Water Monitoring Network (CWMN) Program, based on 41 sites and six months of collection by our volunteers.
Presented annual water quality findings to the public. (Watch the presentation video)

*CWMN volunteers play a crucial role in our water monitoring program, helping protect and restore the Neponset River Watershed.*

Completed the first phase of a salt marsh study to evaluate habitat quality.
Released our 4th annual EPA Water Quality Report Card, sharing updates on water quality and highlighting areas for improvement.

Received the Community Leadership Award from Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) for engaging youth in a unique rain garden Legacy Project.

*NepRWA, volunteers, and EPIC Service Warriors built a rain garden at the West Street Urban Wild in Hyde Park, in partnership with the City of Boston.*

Assessed road crossing culverts to improve wildlife passage, manage stormwater and flood risks, and enhance local ecosystems, while securing funding to replace the High Plain Street culvert in Sharon for better fish passage.

*Volunteers make an impact by collecting vital data for stream health.*

Started an Estuary Health Assessment with Woods Hole Group and Trustees of Reservations to identify issues like historic fill, agricultural ditches, and invasive species — and plan restoration projects.
Met with local town conservation committees to explore funding and plan for how to tackle invasive species management.
Continued working with towns through the Neponset Stormwater Partnership, a regional group managed by NepRWA, to reduce stormwater pollution, protect waterways, and support compliance with federal clean water regulations.

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

Worked with the Resilient Neponset Community Advisory Group to build climate resilience and met with Select Boards from seven municipalities to discuss project goals.

Brought together residents and organizations to discuss climate risks and adaptation in the Neponset Estuary.
Invited Stoughton residents to support climate resilience planning and implementation in their town, through the Stoughton Community Advisory Group.
Upgraded the Neponset River Watershed Flood Model to better analyze and optimize flood reduction strategies, helping to protect communities and improve resilience.
Expanded our Water Conservation Program to include Foxborough, Sharon, and Walpole, helping towns protect streams, reduce climate emissions, and save money for residents and businesses.

Advocacy and Collaboration

Celebrated the completion of the infamous Lewis Chemical Site cleanup in Hyde Park with the EPA, a major milestone for environmental health.

*Long-time Neponset advocate, Vivien Morris*, *at the Lewis Chemical event.*

Advocated for the cleanup of contaminated soils at Riverside Square and laid the groundwork for a new trail to provide enhanced access for the community.
Cheered progress on community connectivity improvements via the Northern Greenway extension on the Neponset Greenway Trail.

*Progress on the Northern Greenway Extension brings the Tenean Beach to Morrissey Boulevard trail closer to reality.*

Participated in the ongoing Lower Neponset Superfund Community Advisory Group, to ensure the community has a say in cleaning up contaminated river-bottom sediments.
Continued to partner with the Sharon Lake Management Advisory Committee on a sustainable lake management plan and phosphorous pollution reduction for Lake Massapoag.

*Helped promote sustainable practices and lake health with yard signs through the “Love Our Lake” outreach program.*

Education and Community Engagement

Visited over 3,000 fifth graders in the Watershed to teach about water conservation, stormwater, and climate. (Sept-June)

*Engaged with students to teach water conservation, stormwater, and climate action during our school outreach program!*

Hosted a week-long summer program for Boston Public School middle schoolers, teaching them about stormwater, aquatic wildlife, and estuaries.

*Middle schoolers explore the River during our week-long summer program with Boston Public Schools!*

Partnered with Morrill Memorial Library in Norwood to offer a new school vacation program introducing elementary school students to the Neponset River ecosystem.

*In partnership with Southwest Boston CDC, NepRWA staff taught students about water quality and aquatic life during our summer youth program!*

Hosted a well-attended workshop in Hyde Park to strengthen community connections to the Neponset River, bringing residents together to explore the River’s history and share personal stories about our connections with nature.

*Hyde Park residents gathered with NepRWA staff for a lively community event.*

Hosted annual spring and fall River cleanups across the Neponset Watershed with hundreds of volunteers, from Walpole to Dorchester.

*Volunteers of all ages make a significant impact in our Watershed cleanups!*

Celebrated upcoming park improvements at Doyle Park in Hyde Park with a neighborhood event.

Public Art and Events

Added a new 20×8 foot mural to Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester, continuing the legacy of public art along the Neponset River Greenway. In partnership with the Neponset Greenway Council, artist Ashley Jin, and PowerCorps Boston, community members contributed ideas and sketches during workshops.

*For the first time in over a decade, a new mural has graced Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.*

Hosted Neponset Day, an annual family-friendly event by the Neponset River in Dorchester, featuring free boating, activities, and community fun, with hundreds of attendees.

*Hundreds attended Neponset Day *for free boating and family fun*!*

Invited Quincy residents to tour the Neponset Estuary and learn more about local climate impacts and NepRWA’s adaptation efforts.

*Quincy residents tour the Neponset Estuary with NepRWA staff.*

Co-hosted the Annual Pumpkin Parade at Pope John Paul II Park with our partners, drawing a large, enthusiastic crowd to this festive community event.

*Kids enjoy festive fun at the Annual Pumpkin Parade in Pope John Paul II Park!*

Last but not least…

Welcomed three new staff members, expanding our expertise and capacity (April, June, October), and shared an intern with Greater Boston Trout Unlimited to run the Embrace-A-Stream Program.