Spring Herring Celebration!
Thank you to all who joined us for our first-ever Spring Herring Celebration!
We enjoyed connecting with so many at Watertown Dam for a conversation about the small-but-mighty migratory fish that return to the Charles River each season! River herring play an essential role in the river ecosystem, but populations in the Charles River are in decline as their passage upstream is blocked by the presence of defunct dams.
The evening featured several speakers: Climate Resilience Specialist Robert Kearns presented on the history and impacts of Watertown Dam, Deputy Director of Advocacy Jen Ryan spoke about our vision for dam removal and river restoration in Watertown, River Science & Restoration Program Manager Lisa Kumpf presented on the ecological impacts of dams on river health and climate resilience, and Hartman Deetz, of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, spoke about the vital importance of restoring migratory herring runs in the Charles River and their cultural significance to the Nipmuc, Massachusett, and Wampanoag people.
Additionally, Brandeis student Nicholas Ong and Communications & Outreach Manager Julia Hopkins unveiled the Voices of A Resilient River project, a pop-up art installation created in collaboration with artist Andy Li, students from the Brandeis Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation program, and Charles River Watershed Association. The project, based on oral history interviews with residents from the Charles River Watershed, culminated in seven hand-crafted lanterns exploring themes of climate change, resilience, and hope. The lanters were only displayed for the evening by Watertown Dam, but stay tuned for future opportunities to see them! Learn more about the project here.
