Congratulations to Perkins&Will for winning a Merit Award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects for their work on river restoration strategies for the I-90/Allston Multimodal Project. Their work, A Living Shoreline: Charles River, was led by CRC board member, Gautam Sundaram, and was described by the jury as an “ambitious piece of analysis that boldly covers a wide area and provides an elegant solution.” The jury also noted that “the project can be a prototype, allowing the analysis to benefit all.” We certainly think so and congratulate the team who included Kishore Varanasi and Devanshi Purohit from cbt. The CRC appreciated being included as key stakeholder along with Charles River Watershed Association, People's Pike, A Better City and many others. Congratulations to all!

As a member of the DCR Special Commission, CRC Executive Director, Laura Jasinski, submitted a comment letter on behalf of the agency’s partners across the state with recommendations for creating a well-resourced, partnership-oriented DCR that is focused on equity and resilience. Read the letter signed by 45 organizations on our website.

The CRC is proud to join the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront to help raise awareness and elevate waterfront issues to ensure Boston’s rivers and harbor are an election priority for Boston’s residents and candidates for elected office. Stay tuned for more information on the coalition’s Mayoral Forum on Thursday, July 29th and look out for community events and programming from now through November! Read more here.

In May, we shared that Cambridge high school students had been developing a video game featuring our wetland that teaches elementary students about water quality and conservation (screenshot below). Everyone can now play the game here. Kudos to them for making cyanobacteria both menacing and fun! We are excited to be working with a new team from the Cambridge Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program as they continue to develop the game.

When we planted the floating wetland a year ago, we used several criteria to select 19 native species we thought could do well in the unique conditions. We’re thrilled to see so many thriving and the island looking green and lush! But since wave action and nesting geese took their toll in some areas, the team recently added a few new native varieties, including additional bulrush, dogwood and mountain holly (don't be fooled by its name!). Walk or boat by the island to track their growth.

Looking for a way to see friends, enjoy summer weather, and do some good for the community? Consider scheduling a Conservancy Volunteers event for your company or group! Reserve your day and learn more about our event safety protocols by contacting Sasha at svallieres@thecharles.org.

Evan Penn (he/him) is a city lover with a deep passion for environmental advocacy. He is a 3rd year student pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science & Landscape Architecture, giving him an understanding for the impacts humans have on the environment and the importance of preserving open spaces. Say hello when you see him in the parks supporting our volunteers and horticultural work.

Did you know Greenough Boulevard is closed to vehicular traffic through late November? Between Arsenal and North Beacon Street you can enjoy car-free walking, biking and skating along the Charles. Grab your favorite sneakers or wheels and send us a photo!

Celebrate and share the diversity and beauty found along the river. Tag and follow us on Instagram!

business partners, and leadership corporate sponsors, please visit our website.