Community Spotlight: North and South Rivers Watershed Association
For over 50 years, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) has worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the waterways of the South Shore. Founded in 1970 by a handful of river-lovers, the group connects people to the water that surrounds us through educational opportunities and experiences to foster a love and respect for this precious resource. “Education plus engagement equals healthy rivers,” says Samantha Woods, Executive Director of the NSRWA. “When people understand how water travels through our landscape, we can show them ways it can be harmed or enhanced.”
Making a Difference
Every year, NSRWA reaches over 2,500 South Shore middle school students through educational programs designed to teach them about their local watershed. The organization also relies on the efforts of more than 800 volunteers who contribute their time to protect rivers, streams, and watersheds throughout the region.
Thanks to their collaborative efforts, nine miles of river have been reopened in the North and South Rivers watershed by removing dams, and NSRWA has helped support the reopening of eight miles in other South Shore watersheds through its MassBays partnership. Additionally, 607 acres of shellfish beds have been reopened for harvest after years of closure due to contamination, a testament to their ongoing commitment to water quality.
The organization’s efforts extend to outdoor engagement, with over 2,600 people joining their hikes, paddles, and boating activities in the watershed each year. With the support of more than 1,500 members, NSRWA continues to grow its reach and impact.
“I have spent a lot of time being on and loving the ocean and when you do that, you start to watch to protect it. It is an amazingly inspiring resource and we owe it to future generations to care for it,” says Woods. “There are so many ways, big and small, that we can protect the waters around us.”
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land where water drains downhill into rivers, streams, and eventually the ocean. The North and South Rivers watershed encompasses 12 towns on the South Shore: Norwell, Hingham, Scituate, Marshfield, Hanover, Pembroke, Whitman, Hanson, Duxbury, Weymouth, Rockland, and Abington. Healthy watersheds are critical ecological systems that support life and provide clean water for human use.
“Estuaries, where fresh water meets the ocean, are the nurseries of the ocean. These are places where many fish and animals have their spawning grounds,” says Woods.
Connecting People to Water Conservation
NSRWA strives to connect people with their local environment and demonstrate how individual actions can have a meaningful impact. From promoting sustainable gardening practices at events like the Gardening Green Expo to offering volunteer opportunities like counting herring populations, they provide avenues for people to engage with nature and protect it.
One of their key volunteer efforts is the annual herring count that takes place in Norwell, Scituate, Marshfield, Pembroke, and Hanover. As herring populations have declined due to dams and other barriers, NSRWA works with communities to remove these obstacles, supporting the wildlife that depends on herring for survival, including striped bass, osprey, and eagles.
Get Involved
Becoming a member of NSRWA is a great way to support their efforts. You can also subscribe to their free e-newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and programs. Volunteers are always welcome, whether to count herring or help with other projects aimed at protecting the watershed.
Visit NSRWA’s website to learn more and see how you can contribute to preserving the beauty and health of the North and South Rivers watershed.
For more about organizations on the South Shore, visit the Lifestyle homepage.