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RIVERFEST 2024 Events

July 9 - July 16

COME, CONNECT, AND EXPERIENCE YOUR LOCAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS! A RIVERFEST SUMMER!

Enjoy free hikes, paddles, walks, and family fun during the month of July in this annual celebration of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic River. Explore all the rivers have to offer, just west of Boston!

 

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2024 UPCOMING RIVERFEST EVENTS

 

Riverfest Storytime
EVENT #5

RIVERFEST STORYTIME

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 10:00AM

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 11:00AM

   

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow! For children 5 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St.

Location: Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, W Concord

Paddle with OARS 3 Rivers
EVENT #6

PADDLE WITH OARS 3 RIVERS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 4:30PM

  

Enjoy a leisurely scenic 2–3 hour paddle with OARS 3 Rivers and get a taste of our 3 Wild & Scenic designated rivers. Come alone, or bring your whole family. Take photos at many scenic spots, such as the North Bridge, several old stone bridges dating to the 1800’s, Dove Rock, Egg Rock, and more. Meet some of OARS 3 Rivers staff and board members. Bring your own paddle craft and life jacket (required), or rent from South Bridge Boathouse ($5 discount/boat). This paddle is for a wide range of paddlers — go at your own pace up to 5 miles. Details will be sent to registered participants. For more information: office@oars3rivers.org. Pre-registration is required.

Registration for this event opens Thursday, June 27, 2024. Please check back then to register!

The Birth, Death, & Rebirth of Stone’s Bridge, 1674–2024
EVENT #7

THE BIRTH, DEATH, & REBIRTH OF STONE’S BRIDGE, 1674–2024

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 7:00PM

 

The New Bridge, as it was known for more than a century, was built over the Sudbury River at the south end of town in 1674. It went on to help drive the British out of Boston, help found Framingham, and play host to Henry David Thoreau. In 1955 it died as a bridge, but was reborn as a monument and one of the most photographed sites in Wayland or Framingham. Tom Sciacca, Wayland’s Representative to the River Stewardship Council, tells the story. Attend in person or via Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/stonesbridge. Wayland Library, 5 Concord Rd.

Location: Wayland Library, 5 Concord Road, Wayland

Photo Walk at Heard Farm
EVENT #8

PHOTO WALK AT HEARD FARM

FRIDAY, JULY 12, 6:00PM

  

Join Wayland photographer Hendrik Broekman for a stroll around the 86 acre Heard Farm Conservation Area. Woods, open fields, wetlands, over 200 species of birds, and the Sudbury River shoreline make Heard Farm a remarkable place with over three miles of trails, many of them old cart paths. Hendrik will provide tips for successful photography with your camera/phone. All ages and abilities are welcome. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Heard Rd. off Pelham Island Rd. Questions: (508)-358-2980.

Registration for this event opens Saturday, June 29, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Heard Farm, Heard Road, Wayland

Natural History of the Sudbury River Walk.
EVENT #9

NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SUDBURY RIVER WALK.

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 10:00AM

  

Enjoy the wonderful vistas of the meandering Sudbury River at Weir Hill, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge with Neela de Zoyso, botanist and instructor at the Native Plant Trust. Be introduced to the glacial sculpting of Weir Hill and the Native American history of the location. Learn about the floodplain trees, swamps of buttonbush and red maple, ferns, graminoids and other herbaceous species. The location has great observation platforms, and boardwalks for examining plants. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy after the the 2-hour walk. Meet in the refuge at 73 Weir Hill Rd.

Registration for this event opens Sunday, June 30, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury

“You Too Can be a Naturalist”
EVENT #10

“YOU TOO CAN BE A NATURALIST”

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 10:00AM

 

Join Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust on a journey of discovery of the floria and fuana that call the Concord River Greenway home. Explore the diverse array of wildflowers that grace our riverbanks, learning about their unique characteristics and ecological significance. Become a citizen scientist as we teach you how to use the free iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals. This leisurely 1.5-mile round-trip walk (1.5 hours) is suitable for all ages. Take your time to soak in the sights and sounds of nature, with plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge along the way.
Pre-registration at https://lowelllandtrust.org/wi… required.

Middlesex Canal Exhibits
EVENT #*

MIDDLESEX CANAL EXHIBITS

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

SUNDAY, JULY 14, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

  

Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum,
71 Faulkner St.

Saxonville History
EVENT #11

SAXONVILLE HISTORY

SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2:00PM

 

Join the Framingham History Center for an immersive 75-minute walking tour of Saxonville as we explore the rich tapestry of its history, land, and waterways. This tour will shed light on the business, social, and civic life of this vibrant neighborhood while also delving into the natural features and waterways that helped shape this historic community and that of Framingham. Meet on the Central St. Bridge over the Saxonvile Falls and Dam (across from the Saxonville Mills).

Registration for this event opens Monday, July 1, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Central Street Bridge over Saxonville Falls, Framingham

Changes in Concord’s Bird Life from Thoreau’s Day to Today
EVENT #12

CHANGES IN CONCORD’S BIRD LIFE FROM THOREAU’S DAY TO TODAY

MONDAY, JULY 15, 6:00PM

  

A colorful talk on what birds Henry saw versus today, presented by Peter Alden, author of the forward and scientific editor of the newly published “A Year of Birds”. Our grassland birds have become rare. A number of forest and marsh birds that used to nest here have vanished as breeders. Many southern species have come north due to a changing climate, bird feeders and a plethora of invasive plant fruits. Birds that were overhunted have come back big time. Henry never saw ravens, turkeys or turkey vultures let alone deer. What is the one bird Henry recorded often and is now extinct? Concord Public Library, 129 Main St.

Registration for this event opens Monday, July 1, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Concord Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord

Birding the Lincoln’s Codman Conservation Land and Farm Meadow
EVENT #13

BIRDING THE LINCOLN’S CODMAN CONSERVATION LAND AND FARM MEADOW

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 8:00AM

 

Join Lincoln Conservation Director, Michele Grzenda, on a 2-hour birding stroll around Codman Estates, Farm Meadow and North Codman Conservation Area. Meet 25 bird species commonly found in our neighborhoods, wetlands, and forests, and learn various field identification techniques by sight and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them; long sleeve shirt and pants (for mosquitoes). bug spray, and water.  Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Riverfest Storytime
EVENT #*

RIVERFEST STORYTIME

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 10:00AM

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 11:00AM

   

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow!
For children 5 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St.

Location: Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, W Concord

Walk with Thoreau Along the Middlesex Canal
EVENT #14

WALK WITH THOREAU ALONG THE MIDDLESEX CANAL

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 10:00AM

  

Join experienced guide Marlies Henderson for a 3-hour exploration of extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, from the Billerica Falls to River Neck Rd, Chemlsford, and back, reading passages from Henry David Thoreau’s Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. High boots recommended. Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Friday, July 5, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Yoga, Games, Art, and History at the Old Manse
EVENT #15

YOGA, GAMES, ART, AND HISTORY AT THE OLD MANSE

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 10:00AM – 4:00PM

    

Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day of entertainment at the historic Old Manse at 269 Monument St. Rain (some activities) or shine.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Join or watch talented artists as they paint “En Plein Air” (French for painting outdoors) on the grounds of the Old Manse. Learn how painters ply their craft, ask questions and revel in the magic. For more information, contact richard@dorbinart.com.

OUTDOOR YOGA

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 10:30AM – 11:30AM

Join On the Mat for a yoga class with gorgeous views of the Concord River. Accessible for all ages and skill levels. Bring your own mat. If rain, the yoga will be held under a tent.

RIVERFEST STORYTIME

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 10:30AM

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:30AM

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow! For children 5 and under.

NORTH BRIDGE: HISTORY AND MEMORY

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:00AM

Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History. Meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge.

WHO LIVES IN THE RIVER?

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:00AM – 2:00PM

Join Mass Audubon Naturalists for a family-friendly, hands-on exploration of who lives in our rivers. Visit with native turtles and investigate river water as you learn about the unique lifecycles of the animals and insects that live in the water and depend on healthy river ecosystems to survive.

FAMILY GAMES AND ARTS

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:00AM – 2:00PM

Play old fashioned yard games in the lawn. Create your own turtle hats, make a colorful journal, and other environmentally friendly art projects with Art for All and Musketaquid Arts & Environment. Summer readers, don’t forget to grab your hidden River Dragon Egg trading card.

EXPLORATION OF OUR RIVERS

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 11:30AM – 2:00PM

Our rivers are special. Did you know that Native American tribes lived here? That the “shot heard round the world” was fired here? Pick up your own copy of the River Ranger book and begin exploring. Earn your Junior River Ranger badge and certificate. Designed for kids 6–12.

NORTH BRIDGE: BATTLEFIELD WALK

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2:00PM

At Concord’s North Bridge on April 19, 1775 soldiers on both sides made decisions that changed the course of history. Learn about the battle from the perspective of the participants. Along the way, the 18th century battlefield and landscape will be revealed as you walk in the footsteps of the minute men. Meet a ranger at North Bridge Visitor Center.

GARDEN AND MEADOW POLLINATORS BY THE RIVER

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 3:00PM

Meet in front of the North Bridge Visitor Center for a guided walk through the Buttrick Gardens. Initially constructed in 1910 by the Buttrick family and conveyed to the National Park Service in the 1960s, the historic gardens and adjacent meadows contain an array of mid-summer pollinator plants. Learn more about plant characteristics that appeal to bees, butterflies, birds, and other species.

Bring binoculars and we will have some to share.

Paddle the Concord River
EVENT #16

PADDLE THE CONCORD RIVER

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2:00PM

  

Enjoy this 3-hour easy flatwater paddle, with leader Marlies Henderson, from just below the Billerica Falls toward the Lowell Centenial dam, and back. Bring your own canoe/kayak and life jacket (required). Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Friday, July 5, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Fairhaven Bay Nature Sunset Paddle
EVENT #17

FAIRHAVEN BAY NATURE SUNSET PADDLE

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 6:00PM

  

Join Lincoln Conservation Department Ranger Will Leona on a leisurely 2-hour sunset paddle along the scenic Sudbury River. See the river’s beautiful surroundings of nature and wildlife as the bustling daytime activity shifts to a quieter twilight setting. Learn about some of these animals and their differences in behavior such as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal periods of activity. Sightings may include great blue herons, bald eagles, barred owls and racoons. Bring your own kayaks or canoes and life jacket (required), sunscreen and clothing/footwear that can get wet, bug spray and a snack and water. Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Friday, July 5, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Sudbury Headwaters Walk
EVENT #18

SUDBURY HEADWATERS WALK

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 10:00AM

 

Join the Framingham Conservation Commission for a 1.5-hour walk in grassy and wooded areas in the Cochituate Brook Reservation and along th Cochitual Rail Trail between Lake Cochituate and the Sudbury River. Meet at Reardon Park, across from 4 Maymont Dr. For more info, email ConservationCommission@framinghamma.gov.

Location: Reardon Park Framingham

Carlisle Trail Walk
EVENT #19

CARLISLE TRAIL WALK

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 1:00PM

 

Enjoy a 3.5 mile walk (~3 hours) through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord River, starting at the Foss Farm conservation land and passing through Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the O’Rourke farm on the way to scenic Greenough Pond in the Greenough Conservation Land. Be prepared for wet conditions underfoot, bring drinking water and insect repellent. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the walk. Dogs are not permitted in the Refuge. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot, 0.3 mi west of the Concord River bridge on Rte. 225. For information, email Alan Ankers at carlisletrails@comcast.net.

Location: Foss Farm Parking Lot

Paddling the Upper Sudbury
EVENT #20

PADDLING THE UPPER SUDBURY

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 1:00PM

 

Join the Framingham Conservation Commission for a 2-hour paddle up the Sudbury River through central Framingham to the Stearns Reservoir. Bring your own boat and life jacket (required) to the canoe launch at 5 Kellogg St. For more info, email ConservationCommission@framinghamma.gov.

Location: 5 Kellogg Street, Framingham

Fowler Afoot’s River Walk
EVENT #21

FOWLER AFOOT’S RIVER WALK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 10:00AM

  

Join the walking book club, Fowler Afoot, to read The Boatman: Henry David Thoreau’s River Years by Robert Thorson. Enjoy a discussion of the book while strolling along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Meet at Fowler Library and walk to the trail together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will meet inside. 1322 Main St.

Location: Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, W Concord
EVENT #22

RIVER LAB

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2:00PM – 4:00PM

   

Let’s learn about our rivers! Join us for hands-on experimentation during this 2-hour drop-in. Pick up your own copy of the River Ranger book and start earning your Junior River Ranger badge and certificate. Designed for kids 12 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St

Location: Fowler Branch Library, 1322 Main Street, W Concord

River Wetland Wildlife: The Natural History of Well Meadow
EVENT #23

RIVER WETLAND WILDLIFE: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF WELL MEADOW

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 7:30PM

 

This slide presentation will feature wildlife from Well Meadow, the pristine wetland off Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River. Well Meadow was a frequent destination for Henry David Thoreau. Ron McAdow’s trail camera monitors traffic on a beaver dam that crosses the swamp. We’ll see images and videos of the wide variety of animals that use this bridge: mink, otter, bobcat, and many other species. Thoreau kept an appreciative eye on Well Meadow vegetation—we’ll hear his observations about some of the plants that anchor this rich natural community. Sudbury Valley Trustees, 18 Wolbach Rd. Sudbury.

About the presenter: Ron McAdow is the author of The Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers and other books. He served for a decade as Executive Director of Sudbury Valley Trustees.

 

Registration for this event opens Thursday, July 11, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Sudbury Valley Trustees, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury

Envisioning Brewster’s Woods
EVENT #24

ENVISIONING BREWSTER’S WOODS

FRIDAY, JULY 26, 9:00AM

  

Join Renata Pomponi, Senior Director of Mass Audubon, for a guided walk of their newest sanctuary, Brewster’s Woods. This historic property along the Concord River was once the home of William Brewster, a noted ornithologist and Mass Audubon’s first president. Learn about the history of the property as a place of inspiration and connection to nature during a 1.2-mile roundtrip journey along the Fisher Trail, an all persons accessible trail, looking for wildlife and passing through a diversity of field, forest, and wetland habitats. Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Thursday, July 11, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Wright Woods Walk
EVENT #25

WRIGHT WOODS WALK

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 10:00AM

   

Join Rachel Wheeler and John Myers for a guided loop walk in the Concord Land Conservation Trust’s Wright Woods beginning at the Fairhaven Bay Overlook and exploring the trails along Well Meadow and the Sudbury River. This 300 acre woodland is located between Fairhaven Bay and Walden Pond. In addition to appreciating local flora and beaver activity, you will learn about the history of the property, the stone terraces and boathouse, and the family that loved and preserved these woods. The 2-hour walk will cover approximately 2 miles of moderate terrain. Pre-registration required.

Registration for this event opens Friday, July 12, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Family Fishing & Festivities at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
EVENT #26

FAMILY FISHING & FESTIVITIES AT GREAT MEADOWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 10:00AM

   

Family Fishing & Festivities at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities. Bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the beautiful Sudbury River. Rain (some activities only) or shine at the Refuge Headquarters. 73 Weir Hill Rd. For Information call 978-444-4661.

CALLING ALL ANGLERS

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Beginners and experienced anglers come join MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program for demos on fishing. All equipment will be provided free of charge.

FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 11:00AM – 2:00PM

Archery, crafts and other nature activities, and self-guided hikes on the accessible boardwalk trail to discover the variety of riverine habitat. Summer readers, don’t forget to grab your hidden River Dragon Egg trading card.

EXPLORATION OF OUR RIVERS

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 11:00AM – 2:00PM

Our scenic rivers are home to wildlife, full of history, and offer lots of paddling and hiking trails for people. Pick up your own copy of the River Ranger book and begin exploring. Earn your Junior River Ranger badge and certificate. Designed for kids 6-12.

SNAKES OF NEW ENGLAND AND THE WORLD

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 1:00PM – 2:00PM

See a variety of local snakes close-up, and a few exotic ones too. Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will bring some of his favorites and talk about their lives and habits.

Location: Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury

Middlesex Canal Exhibits
EVENT #*

MIDDLESEX CANAL EXHIBITS

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 12:00PM – 4:00PM

  

Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St.

Bird and Butterfly Walk at Sedge Meadow
EVENT #27

BIRD AND BUTTERFLY WALK AT SEDGE MEADOW

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 8:30AM

 

Brian Harris, Wayland’s Conservation Department Land Manager, will lead a morning bird and butterfly walk at Wayland’s riverside Sedge Meadow Conservation Land. Meet at the Black Cat parking lot, located down a gravel road between 42 & 48 Glezen Ln. For more information, email bharris@wayland.ma.us.

Registration for this event opens Saturday, July 13, 2024. Please check back then to register!

Location: Black Cat parking lot (down a gravel road between 42 & 48 Glezen Lane, Wayland

History Paddle
EVENT #28

HISTORY PADDLE

SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2:00PM

 

Travel back in time as you paddle with Brian Donahue, Brandeis University history professor and expert on the Sudbury River. Paddle to Sherman’s Bridge through the wide meadows that prompted the founding of Wayland and Sudbury and hear stories of a fascinating and often contentious past. Meet at the Rte. 20 boat launch in Wayland. Bring your canoe or kayak and life jacket (required). Cars will be available at Sherman’s Bridge Rd. to shuttle you back. For more information: (508)-358-2980.

Location: Sudbury River Boat Launch, Rt. 20, Wayland