from the board president and executive director

FY2014 ANNUAL REPORT2CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

Dearest Charles River Supporters,

In our 50th year, it would be traditional to look ahead, or back.

I neither want to look back nor look forward but choose -- this moment -- inspired in part by a thought from a Charles River admirer and Massachusetts native Ralph Waldo Emerson. (YES! he is contemporary, bear with me!)

“What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.”

The Charles River is about the people. People use the Charles River, steward it by action, by use. Today many of us are keepers of the river. We have a river that is a safe place to row and anyone, or their pet, who comes in contact with the waters of our river is unhurt. That came from within us!

The Charles doesn’t flood! Did you notice? The waters of the Charles do not rise up today under the weight of recent snow to flood the communities next to her; 25-30 billion gallons of rainwater are held in her Natural Valley Storage systems today. That came from within us.

Nature can heal itself. Given a chance, natural systems have a great power to restore themselves, rapidly. We know that when we mimic natural systems in how we occupy our land that the great waters, or pure white snow sheet, reflect back at us today and what is within us is affirmed.

The world is inspired by a clean Charles. Today the Charles is changing the world—really. Secretary of State John Kerry recently explained that the restoration of the Charles is an example of how the environment can change if we find what lives within all of us.

Don’t worry. LOOK at what our river IS, today…thank you for all that is within you and look at what we HAVE.

“The years teach much which the days never know.”

Tom SieniewiczCRWA Board President

Dear Friends,

Every year when it comes to writing for our Annual Report, I tend to focus on our accomplishments for the year. As I finish my 24th year as Executive Director, and begin my 25th and CRWA’s 50th, I’m reminded, however, of the seamlessness of what we do.

There is our advocacy work, improving developments, protecting our parks, working with agencies on interpreting and crafting regulation, legal filings, lobbying, and suggesting new ways of approaching old problems. There is our research science and engineering and design work. From developing landscape designs that work better with water, to monitoring the river and its tributaries to better understand nature and our impact on her, to writing software and computer models, CRWA never lacks for interesting things to do.

The most important aspect of our work, however, does not lie with the data we collect or the positions we take. The most important part lies with our people, the questions they ask, their interactions. Because most have been with us for years, even decades, their informed creativity and insight help us grapple with pollution problems and the specter of climate change in ways that address the problems while also protecting and restoring nature. Seamless, interconnected, tested.

There are no real stand-alone projects at CRWA. Each is intimately connected to the last and leads inevitably to the next. And scientific investigation is always surprising, often teaching us that what we expected to find was not the case at all. Uncovering real cause and effect relationships makes for new and more restorative solutions.

I am very proud of what we have accomplished over this past year, and over my 24 years. The Charles River is much healthier and more attractive. What we have learned over these years gives us real hope for the future. The projects underway now at CRWA have convinced me that a fully restored Charles River is within our grasp.

Your support of our work is essential. Science, engineering, landscape design, legal actions, and advocacy on behalf of the environment are often difficult to explain. But, over time, they make all our lives richer. Without you, and your faith in us to deliver, we simply could not do what we do. Thank you.

Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr. Executive Director

Charles River Esplanade, BostonFROM THE BOARD PRESIDENTAND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome Letter

Charles River Esplanade, Boston

CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION 3 FY2014 ANNUAL REPORT4

THEN When a group of citizens founded CRWA in 1965, the Charles River was heavily polluted from raw sewage, toxic industrial discharges, submerged cars and other debris, and leaching riverbank landfills.

A LOOK AT HOW FAR THECHARLES HAS COME

A Tale of Two Rivers

BY THE NUMBERS: A DEGRADED RIVER

• 20 dams built on the Charles, altering flow, trapping sediments, and impeding fish migration• 43 mills situated along the river’s banks discharged industrial waste directly into the river in the 1870s• 10 public Charles River beaches were closed to swimming by 1953 due to poor water quality• 1.7 billion gallons of wastewater flowed into the Charles annually through combined sewer overflows in 1988 • The river received a “D” grade in EPA’s First Annual Charles River Report Card, with the river considered safe for boating and swimming only 39% and 9% of the time, respectively

“[CRWA is committed to] strong science, robust civic engagement, and unprecedented innovation and entrepreneurism... [and has] built one of, if not the most effective watershed protection organizations in the world, and we are all the better for it”

--U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2014 Environmental Merit Awards Announcement

BY THE NUMBERS: A REJUVENATED RIVER

• 8,000 acres of watershed wetlands are now protected from development as part of the Natural Valley Storage Area, undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1974• 20 million shad fry have been released into the Charles since 2006, and adult shad are now returning to the river to spawn• Over 300 people participate in annual Charles River public swims every summer • 10 combined sewer outfalls are now closed, reducing the average annual discharge volume by 98.8%

Cow Island Pond, 1963

Lower Basin, 2013

1937 Postcard: Approaching Harvard University, Cambridge

NOW

With 50 years of strong and effective collaboration among CRWA, citizens, non-governmental organizations, local, state and federal agencies, businesses and schools, water quality in the Charles has improved dramatically. The river now provides a diverse wildlife habitat and has become one of the busiest recreational waterways in the country.

In April 2014, EPA New England presented CRWA’s Bob Zimmerman, Margaret Van Deusen and Kate Bowditch with its Environmental Merit Award for their outstanding contributions on behalf of the environment.

In September 2014, the EPA awarded the Charles River an A- for water quality, the highest grade since reporting began in 1995. In 2013, the Charles was safe for boating and swimming, 96% and 70% of the time, respectively.


Our

SAVING THE CHARLES RIVER SINCE 1965

History

1965 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015

1972President Nixon signs the Clean Water Act

1965CRWA founded byconcerned citizens

1983CRWA hosts the first Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race

1973Rita Barron becomes Executive Director

1966The Standells release “Dirty Water”

1990Bob Zimmerman becomes Executive Director

1994CRWA begins its water quality monitoring program

1995U.S. EPA launches the Clean Charles Initiative

2011CRWA, on behalf of the Charles, receives the Thiess International Riverprize

2014The Charles River Lower Basin receives its first A- for water quality2006

CRWA launches the American Shad

Restoration Program

The Charles in 1960The river is heavily polluted from debris, sewage and Industrial waste

2006CRWA launches its

Blue Cities Initiative

For an in-depth timeline of events in CRWA’s 50 year history, visit www.charlesriver.org/saving-the-charles-since-1965

1996Governor William Weld signs the MA Rivers Protection Act

2005CRWA repairs the Bleachery Dam to improve fish passage in the Charles

Rita Barron gives an interview about CRWA’s first public swim, July 1979

1977The U.S. Army Corps purchases the first acres of the Natural Valley Storage Area, a direct result of CRWA advocacy

1985The State found to be in violation of the Clean Water Act, prompting the creation of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the $4.5B cleanup of Boston Harbor

2010CRWA develops Charles River Nutrient TMDL studies


The Year in

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP When Bob Zimmerman became Executive Director in 1990, he quickly determined that setting the river on the path to rejuvenation required CRWA first to understand the fundamentals of how the river and its watershed worked.

Thus began the organization’s strong commitment to science, engineering and research. This commitment has provided sound support for CRWA’s advocacy and for the adoption and implementation of protective watershed policies.

Under his tenure, CRWA’s work has continually proven that solid scientific data and analyses are critical for successful river management. Re-creating nature’s resiliency is the most effective approach to achieving river health and sustainable

LEADERSHIP, STAFF AND GOVERNANCE

Review

water resources in urban areas.

Today, thanks in large part to Bob’s leadership, the Charles River is heralded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the cleanest urban river in the United States. CRWA’s work as investigator, catalyst, convener and forceful advocate for the river led to the Charles being awarded the 2011 Thiess International Riverprize for excellence in river management.

CRWA STAFF

Bob Zimmerman at the 2011 Riverprize Award Celebration in Brisbane, Australia

Robert ZimmermanExecutive Director

Margaret Van Deusen, Esq.Deputy Director and General Counsel

Kate BowditchDirector of Projects

Suzanne CarleoComptroller

Julie Dyer WoodSenior Scientist

Pallavi Kalia MandeDirector of Blue Cities

Amy RotheDirector of Advancement and Communications

Alexandra AshVolunteer and Event Coordinator

Elisabeth CianciolaAquatic Scientist

Cristina KennedyRita Barron Fellow

Bryan DoreRita Barron Fellow

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom SieniewiczPresident

Ralph AbeleVice-President

Eric EkmanTreasurer

Edward EnglanderClerk

Robert F. SproullPast President

Lee P. Breckenridge

Laurie Doyle

Diane Hall

James Healy

Jonathan Katz

Linda McLane

Beatrice Nessen

Stephanie Pollack

Sarah Slaughter

William J. Tedoldi

Beedee LaddCo-Chair Laurie DoyleCo-Chair

Jeffrey Bilezikian Gordon Burnes

Caroline Dixwell Cabot

Eugene Clapp

John Clark

John DeVillars

Maureen Febiger

Richard Forté

Kim Goslant

Elizabeth Johnson

Carolyn King

Virginia M. Lawrence

George Lewis

Sharon Malt

Richmond Mayo-Smith

Kelly McClintock

Greta Meszoely

Louisa Miller

Jerry Murphy

Jeryl Oristaglio

Margot Pyle

John Thomas

Edward E. Watts

BOARD OF ADVISORS

The Charles River in Winter, Boston

“Bob has always been ahead of his time. He not only sees the whole picture, he has the creativity and courage to push for transformative water solutions.”

--Julia Blatt, Executive Director, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance


The Year

UNDERSTANDING THE RIVER AND ITS WATERSHED Throughout CRWA’s history, we’ve found that the development and application of solid scientific data enables us to develop practical solutions that protect and rejuvenate the river and its watershed. Over the past 20 years, our science team, along with our team of highly-trained volunteer citizen scientists, has collected key water quality data, and as a result, the Charles has one of the most extensive data sets of any river in the United States. The data collected by volunteers is entered into CRWA’s Water Quality Database, which is used by CRWA and sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and municipalities to help identify sources of pollution and develop solutions. Through this process, CRWA serves as the catalyst for new policies that improve river and tributary health.

In 2014, citizen scientists also conducted benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and habitat assessments at seven watershed sites. A balanced biological community is one of the best indicators of waterway health, and studies of benthic macroinvertebrates including aquatic insects, crayfish and worms, allow CRWA to measure and monitor changes in water quality over time.

CRWA SCIENCE ANDRESEARCH LEADS THE WAY

In Review

Liz AdlerTimea AdlerShahidah AhmadCraig AustinLauren BallouClaire Barker Terry BaurleyTim BaurleyJeffrey BilezikianHeather BurnRita CabralDamon CarterWayne ChouinardAli CiblakAdele CoyneDiana DenningKathy DiamondDavid DobrzynskiDebbie DreyerElizabeth DreyerRoss DreyerPaul DurdaMina ElnaccashEarl FaheyMichele Forte-CruzKent FoxPaul FrankSebastian FreezeTim FulhamNate GardnerChristina Gasbarro

Nora GrantBruce GreenJonathan GridleyJohn HallidayRaymond HarpinBrenna HaynesMairead HelmesFred HewettJitka HiscoxJoseph IaccarinoCorey JacobsJessica JohnsonEmilie KadenSrivat KrishnamachariGinger LawrenceJonathan LeavyFielding LewisJoshua LiebermanMichal LiebermanSalome MaldonadoJohn MandigoLisa MawnMatt McCaffreyPatrick McHallamBrian MersonLeigh MeunierBarbara MeyerChristopher MooreShawn MooreVan MorrillJoseph Needleman

Bill NicholsonBrad NissenbaumKenneth NugentEmily O’HaraStephanie OleksykShirley ParishPat PolimenoStephanie RadnerSusan RedlichDianne RiceJennifer RooneyBob SchlauchMarc ShelikoffNorm SiemanLillian SimonsStephen SmithMichael SperrySumeeta SrinivasanSandy StarrAshley SykesBill TedoldiJohn ThurstonKaren TraceyTammy ViggatoHugh WalshPaul WhelanDanielle WilsonPeter WilsonWalter Yarbrough

2013-2014 CITIZEN SCIENTISTS

CRWA wishes to thank our dedicated team of 91 volunteers who, once a month, collect water samples, measure depth and temperature, and record river conditions at 35 sites along the 80-mile river.

BY THE NUMBERS: FIELD SCIENCE

• 91 Citizen Scientists participated in CRWA’s Monthly Monitoring Program• 35 sites along the Charles were sampled monthly for bacteria and other water quality parameters• 489 samples collected by staff and volunteers• 95% of samples analyzed for E. coli (bacteria) met boating standards • 86% of samples analyzed for E. coli met swimming standards • Only 2% of samples analyzed for phosphorus met recommended nutrient levels for the Charles

CRWA Citizen Scientist Nate Gardner collects samples at Nahanton Park in Newton


The Year

REPLICATING NATURE To fully restore the Charles River while adapting to a changing climate, we must shift from traditional water infrastructure to infrastructure that is resilient and treats water as a resource, rather than waste.

Beginning in July 2014 and funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, CRWA teamed up with the City of Boston Public Works Department, Boston Groundwater Trust, and VHB to design and retrofit an alley in Boston’s South End with permeable pavement.

CRWA’s Porous Alley demonstration project filters stormwater through a gravel substrate and infiltrates it back into the

PROTECTING THE CHARLES RIVER AND ITS WATERSHED

in Review

In May 2014, CRWA and the Town of Franklin conducted a hands-on training session on rain garden construction for local residents. Participants learned how to build a home rain garden to reduce stormwater runoff flowing into the Charles River while enhancing the beauty of their property.

In July 2014, CRWA, in partnership with the City of Chelsea and Chelsea Collaborative, completed construction of rain gardens at the Chelsea Housing Authority’s Mace Apartments. The project is designed to capture and filter stormwater flows from the parking lot before entering the adjacent Mill Creek. As part of the project, CRWA also supported Mace residents as they created a community vegetable garden on the banks of the creek.

“Stormwater pollution and groundwater do not understand our municipal or property boundaries, and we must work together to address these challenges… I applaud Charles

River Watershed Association for their vision…”--

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boston From the Mayor’s official press release commemorating the completion of the Porous Alley Project

YouthBuild Boston Volunteers Help Prepare the Community Garden at Mace Apartments

Porous Alley Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

ground. The alley helps replenish declining groundwater levels in the South End, which if left unaddressed, can severely compromise the foundations of surrounding buildings. CRWA will now be monitoring the alley’s performance and advocating for the installation of porous pavement in other areas throughout the watershed.

Franklin Rain Garden Training

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

In 2014, as a result of the multi-year Sustainable Water Management Initiative in which CRWA was deeply involved, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection adopted new permitting regulations for large water withdrawals, primarily by municipalities for drinking water. The regulations contain new biology-based streamflow standards to protect fish and aquatic habitat and require permittees to mitigate the impacts of increased withdrawals. CRWA is also appealing the Town of Shrewsbury’s 2014 withdrawal permit on behalf of environmental groups in the Blackstone River watershed. The permit allows for an increase in withdrawals, which are already impacting Poor Farm Brook, a cold water fishery.


The Year

PRESERVING AQUATIC HABITAT The invasive water chestnut, a prolific aquatic weed, plagues the Lakes District of the Charles River. It harms the river’s ecosystem, impairs water quality, and disrupts recreation. Since 2008, CRWA has organized teams of volunteers to hand-pull the weeds every summer to maintain recreational channels in the area.

In 2014, CRWA and Citizens Alliance for Noxious Weed Eradication (CANoE), a local citizens group, were successful in convincing the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to begin large-scale mechanical harvesting to eradicate the invasive plant from this idyllic stretch of the Charles. Mechanical harvesting will continue in 2015, funded in part by individual contributions and matching funds from DCR.


in Review

OUR WORK BRINGS RESULTS Sometimes the full impact of CRWA’s efforts is not immediately realized, but the longer-term results are remarkable, tangible improvements to the Charles River.

In 2014, An important component of CRWA and Conservation Law Foundation’s (CLF) 2011 settlement of their challenge to Kendall Cogeneration Plant’s Clean Water Act discharge permit came to fruition. CLF and CRWA maintained that heated cooling water discharged by the plant destroyed habitat for fish and wildlife.

Now, with the completion of a 7,000-foot steam pipeline connecting the Cambridge Kendall Plant with Boston, this thermal discharge to the Charles River will be eliminated. Part of Veolia’s “Green Steam” project, the steam will be used to warm Boston buildings. This will improve the ecology of the river while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Canoeists, fishermen, and boaters of all sorts can again explore the many scenic coves and channels that in recent years had been off limits to people and wildlife... This is a

happy day for all of us who love the river.”--

Don Swire, CANOE member and Newton resident Regarding DCR’s announcement of large scale mechanical harvesting in the Charles River Lakes District

CRWA Volunteers Pull Invasive Water Chestnuts From the Charles River Lakes District

Large Scale Mechanical Harvesting in the Charles River Lakes District

Kendall Station Co-Generation Plant in Cambridge

“We need more solutions like this… [The Green Steam Project] represents a serious-minded approach to restoring the health of the Charles, thinking about

sustainability and how the community can benefit at the same time.’’--

Curt Spalding, Administrator for EPA’s New England Region Regarding Veolia’s announcement of the completion of the Green Steam Project


The Year

OUR WORK BRINGS RESULTS (CONTINUED) CRWA teamed up with The Trustees of Reservations to challenge the Town of Medfield’s wetlands order for the remediation of the former Medfield State Hospital. In operation for over 100 years until it closed in 2003, the hospital dumped its waste on the banks of the Charles, creating a 3-acre site contaminated with asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials.

This wetlands appeal led to the Town and the MA Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) negotiating a far better site cleanup and river restoration project. Begun in 2014, the restoration work involves dredging contaminated river sediments, creating four million gallons of new flood storage, restoring the riverbank and providing new recreational opportunities. The Town has now purchased the hospital property from DCAMM.


in Review

In 2014, over 300,000 blueback herring and alewife returned from the ocean to spawn in the Charles. The river’s vibrant herring run is a testament to improving water quality.

Since 2006, CRWA, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have released over 20 million juvenile shad fry into the Charles as part of our American Shad Restoration Program. Adult shad are now returning to spawn: approximately 80 adult shad were seen on the DMF video camera installed at the Watertown Dam during the 2014 season.

Birds Gather at the Herring Run at Watertown Dam

River Restoration Efforts atMedfield State Hospital

“I appreciate all of CRWA’s time and effort in making this remediation and restoration project the success it has become.”

--John O’Donnell, Deputy Director, MA Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance

Regarding the plan to restore the former Medfield State Hospital Site

BY THE NUMBERS: 2014 RESULTS • 22 Franklin residents participated in CRWA’s rain garden training session, which was filmed and broadcast to approximately 27,000 Franklin residents.• 3 rain gardens at Mace Apartments containing 18 different plant species treat stormwater that flows over approximately 14,000 square feet of adjacent parking lot• 5 biological and 5 groundwater level categories for sub-basins across the state adopted in water withdrawal regulations in 2014 • 33.9 acres of invasive water chestnuts cleared in the Charles River Lakes District in 2014 with 87,843 pounds of plant material removed by 467 volunteers• 70 million gallons per day of heated water from the Kendall Power Plant will be prevented from discharging into the Charles by Veolia’s new Green Steam pipeline • 4 million gallons of additional flood storage and 72,000 square feet of wetlands created by the riverfront restoration project at the former Medfield State Hospital site, and 150 cubic yards of oil- contaminated sediments removed from the river • Over 300,000 herring returned to the Charles River to spawn and over 20 million juvenile shad fry released into the Charles since 2006


To the Next

LOOKING FORWARD Over the next 50 years the Charles River will continue to face threats from increased watershed development and the effects of climate change. Massachusetts will experience higher temperatures, periods of drought and more intense storms, and flooding, which will profoundly affect the environment and communities in the watershed. To address these immense challenges, CRWA’s efforts are focused on Water Transformation--- protecting our fish, wildlife and species diversity through preservation and creation of wetlands, riparian buffers, floodplains and forests, and promoting sustainable, green development that replicates natural hydrology.

ADDRESSING TOMORROW’SWATER NEEDS TODAY

50 Years

local officials to investigate the feasibility of implementing a small scale wastewater resource recovery and treatment plant in an urban setting. CRWA is also designing associated green infrastructure to facilitate treated effluent recharge, reduce flooding impacts and improve water quality.

Visualization of Constructed Wetland in an Urban Setting

Stream Daylight Visualization in an Urban Setting

CRWA’s work is more important than ever as we seek to integrate more natural and resilient water infrastructure systems with the built environment. Through our work, we strive to give what is typically considered “waste” a new value, while also advocating for sustainable water regulation, policies and development.

CRWA’s innovative Urban Smart Sewering project is investigating multi-faceted solutions to some of the most difficult problems facing our region. Our approach seeks to integrate stormwater, wastewater and drinking water management using a holistic approach that mimics nature’s use and treatment of water. Additionally, we are looking for opportunities to use all the valuable resources currently available in wastewater such as energy, water, nutrients and organic matter. We can no longer afford to waste this energy from readily available renewable sources. Distributed wastewater treatment combined with district energy systems and neighborhood green infrastructure installations will go a long way toward ensuring healthy, resilient, vibrant and ecologically sensitive urban communities. Over the past year, CRWA has been working with state and

Algal Bloom in the Charles River Lower Basin

TACKLING NEW CHALLENGES

Despite two decades of significant improvements, the Charles is still vulnerable. CRWA’s multi-year effort sampling and studying phosphorus levels in the river has shown that nutrient-laden stormwater remains a major problem impacting the health of the Charles. Excessive nutrients from atmospheric deposition, fertilizer, car exhaust, and leaf litter are carried to the river by stormwater runoff. Nutrients alter river habitat and water chemistry, feeding invasive weeds and causing toxic algal blooms. CRWA understands that moving beyond the way municipalities, businesses and transportation agencies currently manage stormwater to do it better will be challenging because it requires altering longstanding approaches. To help address this, CRWA developed Blue Cities Exchange, an online platform dedicated to helping residential and commercial property owners select the most effective and economical methods of reducing stormwater pollution from their properties. Blue Cities Exchange will help drive down the overall cost of reducing nutrient pollution to the Charles by maximizing treatment opportunities in optimal locations.


Year in

WORKING FOR YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY CRWA’s dedicated staff includes three environmental scientists, an urban designer, a watershed engineer, an attorney, and invaluable administrative personnel. Staff is involved in every aspect of protecting and restoring the Charles River, whether it is in the field, at the negotiating table, or in your community.

CRWA’s prestigious internship program provides college and graduate students an opportunity to put their skills to work. Our interns contribute to Blue Cities’ demonstration projects, collect water samples and data in the field, and coordinate volunteers for CRWA’s Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup and other events. We can’t thank them enough!

2013 - 2014 CRWA INTERNS

PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

ReviewVolunteers Brave the Rain at the 15th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup

CRWA Intern Mike Gendron collects water samples for CRWA’s Water Quality Notification Program

Leslie DamonMike GendronRachel GouldPam HelenikJitka Hiscox

Kami KolevaNathan LoomisTaylor McGinnisHong Minh LeBrian Pizzi

Charles SeiwertAnjana TamrakerCathleen Torres-Parisian Veronique Vicard

THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

We are thankful to each of CRWA’s dedicated volunteers for extending CRWA’s reach, and for sharing their talent, insight and enthusiasm. CRWA volunteers assist with a variety of projects and events including the Monthly Water Quality Monitoring Program (p. 9-10), the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup, the Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race, and more. For a complete list of all of CRWA’s 2013-2014 volunteers, please visit www.charlesriver.org/FY2014-volunteers.

STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL TIES

Begun in 2013 as a component of CRWA’s International Riverprize award, CRWA’s Twinning partnership in the Dominican Republic supports local efforts to restore the Arroyo Yerba Buena and Cañada Los Gatos, two urban streams located in the City of Jarabacoa.

CRWA hosted 10 delegates representing advocacy organizations and governmental agencies from the Dominican Republic for a week of collaboration and training in the watershed in July 2014. This visit included workshops and field trips organized by CRWA that inspired and assisted the delegation in their work. The delegation strategized with local groups and strengthened their technical capacity for developing restoration plans and monitoring programs for watersheds in the Dominican Republic.

Members of the Dominican Delegation with CRWA Staff

The delegates participated in many activities including a macroinvertebrate sampling training at Cheesecake Brook and a tour of the Alewife Reservation stormwater wetland to learn about how constructed wetlands treat runoff, provide stormwater storage, and support wildlife. A trip to a Red Sox game capped off the trip.

“The experiences and processes followed by CRWA will serve as our inspiration and guide for the restoration of the Yaque del Norte River.”

--Humberto Checo, Executive Director of Plan Yaque


BLUE HERON SOCIETY ($25,000 AND UP)

AnonymousBilezikian Family Foundation, Inc. Eaglemere Foundation The Harold Whitworth Pierce Charitable Trust Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation The Scherman Foundation’s Rosin Fund Surdna Foundation Veolia Energy Boston, Inc.

AMERICAN SHAD SOCIETY ($10,000 - $24,999)

Anonymous Leland Barron and Heidi Barron Blossom Fund Boston Duck Tours

Cabot Family Charitable Trust Cedar Tree Foundation ERM Group Foundation International American Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ladd McLane Harper Family Charitable Foundation, Inc. National Fish and Wildlife FoundationMargot C. Pyle Wakondah Trust

ALEWIFE SOCIETY($5,000 - $9,999)

Anonymous Foundation for MetroWest Haven Trust Mrs. Christina T. HobbsHorsley Witten Group jetBlue Airways

Next Generation Fund of the Roy A. Hunt FoundationPerls FoundationThe Puffin FoundationThe Silver Tie FundRobert F. and Lee SproullDr. and Mrs. Thomas S. ThornhillBequest of Kathleen F. Weller

HEADWATER SOCIETY($2,500 - $4,999)

AnonymousAbt AssociatesAmerican Rivers, Inc.Charles River ApparelThe Chelsea Community FundClif Bar Family FoundationHead Of The Charles RegattaHoughton Chemical Corporation

CRWA is grateful for the generosity of individuals, foundations, businesses, agencies, and other organiza-tions that support our efforts to protect and preserve the Charles River and its watershed.

Below is a summary of contributions and grant support from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. Due to space constraints, only gifts of $100 or more are listed.

Photo Credit: Maury Eldridge

FY2014

OCTOBER 1, 2013 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

Support

FY2014 FY2013

Grants | 56%

$704,858

$817,546

Contributions & Memberships | 32% $407,928 $436,949Special Events | 8% $95,657 $96,303In-Kind | 4% $45,889 $53,506Other Revenues | < 1% $2,156 $3,074 TOTAL REVENUE & SUPPORT

$1,256,488

$1,407,378

Foundations | 40%

Individuals | 30%Government Grants | 20%Corporations | 8%Other | 2%

FY2014 FY2013 Programs | 76%

$986,539

$1,005,757

Administrative | 12% $159,082 $162,002Fundraising | 12% $153,700 $155,697 TOTAL EXPENSES

$1,299,321

$1,323,456

NET CHANGE ($42,833) $83,922

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FY2014


Support

Edward and Linda Englander Douglas and Judy Fitzsimmons Richard S. and Mariele FortéFrederic Gardner and Sherley Gardner-Smith Kim and Carol Goslant Bruce Green Frederick Hewett Jay Cashman, Inc. Stephen G. and Rosemarie Torres Johnson Cathy and Ken KaplanLiza Ketchum and John H. Straus Christopher and Susan Klem Martin and Deborah Hale Foundation Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMr. and Mrs. Thomas K. McClintock Kenneth and Margaret McIntoshThe Midvale FoundationMilford Power LPSara Molyneaux and Don LawDeborah and Timothy MooreAlan NawojPhilip S. Harper Foundation Harland and Ann Riker David J. and Christine B. RootDeborah and John Saltzman Jon Skillman and Luanne Selk Lucy B. Stroock

Ms. Amy Domini ThorntonThe Triple T FoundationMs. Anne Van NostrandSheldon and Denisa Wagner Watertown Community Foundation Edward E. Watts, IIIThe Honorable William F. Weld Justin and Donna White Peter and Dyann Wirth Gerard Wolf Richard Wood Sara L. Wragge

RIVER ADVOCATE ($250 - $499)

Anonymous (5)Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. AbernathyMark S. and Carolyn AinSusan Ashbrook and Fritz CasselmanGeorge BachrachGeorge P. Baker and Lauren JenningsDrs. John and Barbara BalserAlicia BartonJohn and Molly BeardMichael and Elizabeth BiererDoris and Michael BoudensDavid S. Brown, M.D.Ray Brown

Laurie BurtAnn and Robert BuxbaumCambridge Boat ClubCambridge Trust CompanyLevin H. Campbell, Jr.John D. Curtin, Jr.Damon Family Fund of the Maine Community FoundationGeorge H. Darrell, Jr. and Deborah A. ClarkGregory and Beth DeBorWalter and Jane DemersMike and Jo DomenicaFrank Dunau and Amy DavisMr. and Mrs. George P. Edmonds, Jr.Edward H. Mank FoundationTom and Jinny ElliottJanet and Mark FaganRobert FlanaganJane T.N. FoggPaul FrankIan and Josie GardinerJack and Brenda GeisheckerJames and Melissa GerrityPeter E. Gluckler, Jr.Margaret and Peter GoldmanBob GolledgeLiz GoodfellowNancy HammettProf. Thomas and Abby Hansen

HEADWATER SOCIETY($2,500 - $4,999)

Johnson Ohana Charitable FoundationKatherine C. and David E. Moore Family FoundationKeewaydin FoundationKohl’s HeadquartersMassachusetts Service AllianceNBBJNew England BiolabsJeryl L. and Stephen M. OristaglioBob and Amy RandsRoberta and Bill SchnoorSkanska USA Building Inc.The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.The Village BankThe Wapack Foundation

RIVER CHAMPION($1,000 - $2,499)

Anonymous (3) Ralph W. and Ellen AbeleMrs. Charles F. AdamsAmgenBard, Rao + Athanas Consulting EngineersBeacon Hill Garden ClubBernardi Auto Group

Boston UniversityMr. and Mrs. Rodrigo BoteroStephen Burrington and Abigail SwaineThe Cadmus Group, Inc.CDM SmithMrs. Fay M. ChandlerChestnut Hill RealtyMargaret J. ClowesCoca Cola Bottling Company of New EnglandLaurie and Christopher DoyleMr. and Mrs. Alan J. DworskyMr. and Mrs. Robert K. FaulknerGunst Family FoundationBelle Linda Halpern and Mitchell A. RosenbergRobert C. and Michele C. HanssMrs. Francis W. HatchJutta B. HicksSusan JarviJonathan Katz and Norah WylieCarolyn KingVirginia M. LawrenceNancy Mayo-SmithMomenta PharmaceuticalsJane and Robert MorseMystic River Watershed AssociationPeter and Beatrice NessenMr. Morgan Palmer

The Paul and Edith Babson FoundationGeri and Douglas PayneBrent PlougheThomas Reilly, Jr. and Elizabeth PalmerMr. and Mrs. Peter W. RyanTom Sieniewicz and Martha EddisonJoel and Elinor SinerSperry TopsiderJohn and Susan TierneyAndrew Torchia and Amy WuArthur and Ingeborg UhlirVHBVenkat Venkatraman and Carolyn LattinMr. and Mrs. Holyoke L. WhitneyWoodard & CurranStephen Woodsum and Anne Lovett

RIVER STEWARD($500 - $999)

Anonymous (5)Susan W. Abbott Acadian Asset Management David H. Bass and Susan A. Hall Sue and Henry Bass Mr. and Mrs. Damon Carter, Jr.Anne and Jim Davis Mr. John DeVillarsEric and Carly Ekman

Museum of Science and Zakim Bridge, Boston


FY2014


Support

Robert and Jane AlterAmica Companies FoundationMrs. Shirley AmoryMary Susan AnknerDr. and Mrs. William S. AppletonMr. and Mrs. Rodney ArmstrongRobert Asher and Linda Silverman AsherSteven Atlas and Lestra LitchfieldCraig and Tara AubuchonMr. and Mrs. Roger AustinDavid and Sandra BairdJay BaldwinNeill BarberPhoebe BarnesMartin H. BaumanDr. James C. BeckNancy and Reinier BeeuwkesMs. Mary Bell and Bill JoplinPatricia D. BergerBarry M. BergerMr. Thomas A. BestPeter and Christine BlackRobert and Carolyn BlanksJulia Blatt and Ken SiskindDon and Marcia BlenkoBlum Family FoundationKenneth S. and Robin BogerBoston Marriott Newton HotelThomas B. Bracken

Roger R. Bradford and Martha StantonBrandeis UniversityAnne and Cameron BrandtLee P. Breckenridge and Robert A. MargoSierra H. BrightMr. and Mrs. Lalor BurdickMr. and Mrs. William T. BurginCharles ButtonFrederick C. CabotMr. and Mrs. Lawrence T. CabotMs. Caroline Dixwell CabotEdward and Kathleen CahillCambridge BioMedical Inc.David and Jennifer CampbellGreer CandlerEdward CardozaCarol R. Johnson AssociatesCharles River BankCharles River Garden ClubCharlesgate Yacht Club, Inc.Tom and Rachel ClaflinJohn F. Cogan, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. David S. CollinsMr. Stephen CongdonSylvia and John ConstableRobert and Jean CookPamela Coravos and Garrett StuckPaula V. CortesCharles Cossaboom and Diane Kemsley

William G. CoughlinThe Honorable Cynthia Creem and Harvey A. CreemMr. John E. CrossRichard CryanMary E. CurranSusan Davies and Richard TalkovDennie DavisJames and Elise DeaneVictoria DenningerRichard and Kathy DiamondMary L. DillBrian DonoghueDavid and Janet DrakeRoss and Debra DreyerJanet and Paul DudekKevin DunckelFrances B. EarlyEcological Landscaping Association, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. EisnerRobert J. EllertsenChristian B. ElliotJohn and Jody EmeryArthur F. EnsrothChuck and Lora FarkasSteven FinnMartha FiskeJoan FitzGeraldT. Corwin and Cynthia Dunn Fleming

RIVER ADVOCATE ($250 - $499)

Walter G. HiltzPhyliss Meaders HurleyAnn and Thouis JonesJoseph & Rae Gann Charitable FoundationJohn and Wilma KassakianWilliam S. KelleySam Kendall and Cathie ZusyTrudy LanmanMr. and Mrs. David S. LeeMr. Thomas A. LehrerLouisa P. and Robert MillerNancy and George MumfordJerome F. MurphyDr. Nan Niland and Ralph HelmickDavid N. Osser

David and Shirley ParishDr. James H. and Dr. Beverly K. PhilipWalter J. Popper and Fleet HillHarry and Ruthetta ReissMargaret E. RichardsonRiver City Shopping CenterDr. Marilyn and Mr. H. Jay SarlesLawrence and Phyllis SelterGregory ShenstoneSarah Slaughter and James NewmanNancy E. SpenceJudge and Mrs. George R. SpragueStop & Shop Supermarket Co.Donald J. and Harriet J. SwireGerald SwislowBen and Kate TaylorJohn and Kathleen ThomasJohn and Nathalie ThompsonSally Mapp Walker

Suzanne WeinsteinBancroft and Mercy WheelerWhite CorporationSally G. Withington

RIVER ASSOCIATE ($100 - $249)

Anonymous (14)Chip Ach Robert H. Ackerman, MDGeoff AdamsTom AdamsMary T. and S. James AdelsteinLeonard Albano and Kathleen BaskinAlchemy FoundationMr. and Mrs. John C. AllisDr. Seth L. Alper and Dr. Roberta S. Isberg

“[The Charles] is never anything other than completely and utterly satisfying – the most beautiful spot on the planet! Thank you for all that everyone at CRWA does to ensure

that it will forever remain that way.”--

Judith Spelke, CRWA member

Photo Credit: Maury Eldridge


FY2014


SupportPhoto Credit: Maury Eldridge


Margot C. Flouton and Robert A. BarnesMarc FogelSam and Margaret FogelTrudi and Robert L. FondrenDouglas FoyTom and Jill French John W. and Wilma E. FreyRobert H. FriedmanGarden Club of Back BayErnestine GianellyMark B. GoldbergRuth GoldmanDiana, Richard, Maya and Lily GombergLisa GoodheartJohn Goodman and Virginia JordanDon and Fran GratzRona H. GregoryMary B. Griffin and Andy O’NeillHank and Fran GrossmanHenry and Gale R. GuildSusan GulesianBrent C. and Serena D. HallDiane and Steve HallJohn S. and Nancy C. HammondJohn and Linda Hampton

Elizabeth P. and Steven B. HandlerDavid Harder and Deborah GreenwaldDavid HarrisStephen C. HarrisonDiana and Jon HaywoodPeter M. Hecht and Kristina JonesJohn C. and Arlene T. HeissFred HennieJohn HeratyPhilip B. HerrMr. and Mrs. John J. Herrmann, Jr.Ms. Sue HickeyBill Hoch and Denise ChicoineElizabeth and Melville HodderElizabeth Hohmann and David C. SeldinLynn and Bruce HolbeinAbigail B. HomerRuth H. HopkinsonJohn Horst and Barbara WallaceDr. and Mrs. Frank A. HowardJohn B. Howe and Teresa Masterson-HoweW. Jeffrey Hughes and Nancy StaufferMichael T. Huguenin and Sharon L. ChownGale HuntRoger and Janice G. HuntDr. and Mrs. Adolph Hutter, Jr.Tilia Klebenov JacobsClark JarvisC. A. Jones and P. L. Galison

Anthony JonesJoseph M. Hamilburg FoundationRobert JutstromMichael KanMr. and Mrs. Francis T. KeallyLeo Keightley and Martha CreedonKathleen and Neal KensleaMichael KerrTom Kilgore and Colleen MoynihanWilliam and Elisabeth Paula KingWilliam L. KingHarry and Chris KirschJudy and John KnutsonJudy and Eugene KohnShawn KonaryFulton and Margaret KornackLisa KunzeJohn H. LannonDouglas LarrickRichard and Jacqueline LeachMary LefkowitzBetsy P. and William R. LeitchMarion C.S. LetvinPersis and David LevyCricket Beauregard LewisMr. and Mrs. George LewisJohn LiskerJohn and Elizabeth LoderSteve Logowitz and Dorothea Black

Anne LysaghtBill Madigan and Kathy GoodfriendOwen MaelJames and Sarah Ann MahoneySharon and Brad MaltMr. and Mrs. Paul F. MarandettMr. Robert MarcouMr. and Mrs. Wesley W. Marple, Jr.Hugh and Arlene MattisonMatt MayerchakMr. and Mrs. Richard McAdooWalter H. McDonaldRichard and Beth McLaughryJames and Ellen MeadorsGeorge and Jane MetzgerBarbara Meyer and Michael PerloffHelaine MillerDavid MillerDaniel Mirel and Suzanne SinerEllen G. MootCorinne and Christopher MorahanVan MorrillMr. Aaron MorrisMr. Christopher MorssRosemarie Mullin and Thomas H. FriedmanFrederick O. J. MuziOgden G. NackoneyStuart and Marie L.H. Nagode

Ken Nakayama and Kate F. AndersonJohn and Marianne NelsonNewton Yacht Club, Inc.Nitsch EngineeringNoble and Greenough SchoolNorfolk Trout Club, Inc.Oak Hill Middle SchoolArleen O’DonnellRichard and Jill OetheimerJoan M. OustifineJane and Cosmo PapaRyan Park and Debra MinardJames and Kathleen PazzaneseAnne M. PearsonVerona M. PetersMr. and Mrs. Paul D. PetersonJohn G. PetraschPG & E Corporation FoundationNathan PhillipsPerry and Bill PhinneyMr. and Mrs. Daniel PierceMrs. Kathleen L. F. PinchesWilliam C. PisanoTom Powers and Pat KingDaniel RaizenJames A. Read, Jr.Joel and Deborah ReismanMr. and Mrs. Charles A. Rheault, Jr.The Richard F. Perkins

Charitable Lead Annuity TrustNorm Richardson and Daphne CollinsMargaret P. RichardsonLouise C. RiemerJim and Sandy RighterKatherine RikerSteven and Eleanor RingerLee T. RobbinsCornelia C. RobertsDavid and Fiona RomanPaul RomaryDr. and Mrs. Michael RonthalGlenn Rosen and Ann Dannenberg RosenLawrence and Denise RothschildSusan and Geoffrey RowleyJacqueline and Paul RoyceStuart P. Rubinow and Lucy SewallMario and Dolores Tocci RufoMarsha C. SalettJudy A. SamelsonEllen Sarkisian and John MaherEleanor Kimball SchallerWarren M. SchurJames Schwartz and Ann HochschildMiriam K. SchwartzKathleen and Richard ScrantonStephen and Peg SenturiaMr. and Mrs. Robert L. Severance


FY2014


SupportPhoto Credit: Maury Eldridge


Peter ShelleyMr. and Mrs. Ross SherbrookeMr. John R. ShieldsMichael Shwartz and Pamela GoodmanLarry Smith and Sandy Dandrinos-SmithDuncan Smith and Kathleen HallbergEdward J. Smith, Jr.Adrienne SmithMr. and Mrs. Edwin SmithSolomon + Bauer + GiambastianiIlene and Neal SolomonJane R. SoukupSusan and Robert SpeersAnne SperryMs. Caroline StandleyWilliam and Joanne StevensonMr. and Mrs. R. Newcomb StillwellMr. Benjamin B. StoneMr. and Mrs. Gregg StoneJessica C. Straus and David M. BersonSigourney Street

Peter Sturges and Sasha LauterbachMr. and Mrs. John M. SullivanKara Swanson and Washington Taylor IVElizabeth D. SweetJane and Chester SwettNicholas Tawa, Jr.Margaret TaylorWilliam J. Tedoldi and Betsy McCurranDaniel M. Teplin and Joanne FeinbergAndrew Thomas and Robin LeporeNicholas and Joan ThorndikeJean ThurstonMr. Jerome TomaselliThe Honorable Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.Tom and Mary Fran TownsendPeggy and Reed UedaElizabeth Van RanstDonna and Bill VelloAndrew Von HendyEric von HippelWillis G. WangWatertown Yacht Club, Inc.Rebecca WeissPeter F. and Anne Weller

Mary Allen WilkesJeffrey R. WilliamsGlen R. WilliamsonMr. and Mrs. Howard WinklerArnee R. and Walter A. WinshallMr. and Mrs. Henry N. WinslowJoan WinsteinJoan G. WislockiMary F. WolfsonGilbert K. WoolleyMr. and Mrs. Benjamin J. WoznickJoanne D. WuschkeMargaret F. YoungRaymond H. and Louisa YoungKathleen and Stephen Young

GIFTS IN HONOR OF

Ryan Park and Debra MinardIn Honor of Eric Olson

Joan WinsteinIn Honor of Keith J. Winstein

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF

Virginia M. LawrenceIn Memory of Dr. Alan Aisenberg

Leland Barron and Heidi BarronIn Memory of Rita and Leon Barron

Abigail B. HomerIn Memory of Rita Barron

Katherine C. and David E. Moore Family FoundationIn Memory of Kate C. Moore

Harland and Ann RikerIn Memory of Irene P. Morrill

Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. WinslowIn Memory of Bertram N. Pike

Wakondah TrustIn Memory of Ted Todd

GIFTS IN KIND

American Rivers, Inc.Bertucci’s Italian RestaurantBudget Dumpster, LLCCharles River ApparelCharles River Canoe & KayakCommunity Boating, Inc.Community Rowing, Inc.Massachusetts Department of Conservation and RecreationHyatt Regency CambridgejetBlue AirwaysSharon and Brad MaltMassachusetts Water Resources AuthorityMax Ultimate FoodMix 104.1/WBMX-FMPatagonia BostonREISpaulding Rehabilitation HospitalTriumvirate Environmental, Inc.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Boston Water and Sewer CommissionMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Massachusetts Environmental TrustMetropolitan Area Planning CouncilUS Environmental Protection Agency

Cover image source: Leatherndevil, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license, September 2011.

from the board president and executive director

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