16th Annual Mystic River Paddle and Herring Run
mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle/
Join in the festivities of Mystic River Watershed Association
A week from Saturday- May 20th.

Learn about how our parks took shape:
Civilian Conservation Corps history and film
DCR North Region - May Programs & Events (PDF file)

Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months
Calendar for 2012

MAY IS WETLANDS MONTH, and JUNE IS RIVERS MONTH! This calendar, covering river-and wetland-related events in Massachusetts from Saturday, April 28 to Wednesday,
July 4, has been compiled by the Mass. Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to provide you with the opportunity to participate in events in, on, along and about the rivers and wetlands of the Commonwealth. Take this opportunity to invite your friends, family, local leaders, legislators, and/or a favorite reporter to clean up, paddle, protect, enjoy and celebrate your favorite rivers, streams, salt marshes and freshwater wetlands, or experience new ones. Get some healthful exercise in and/or along the Commonwealth’s many scenic waterways and marshes.

Many activities require reservations in advance. Please call/e-mail ahead to inquire about any restrictions, fees, rain dates or cancellations that may apply. Any questions should be directed to the event organizers at the contact phone numbers and/or e-mails provided for each listing.

If you know of an event that is not listed on this Calendar but should be, send the info along to Russ Cohen at Russ.Cohen@state.ma.us , and he may be able to add it. You may also want to re-visit this Calendar from time to time to look for any newly-added events, updated info, etc. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ The Great Outdoors Blog for more info on these and other outdoor events and activities.

Event Listings by Week:

April 28th – May 4th
May 5th– May 11th
May 12th – May 18th
May 19th – May 25th
May 26th – June 1st
June 2nd – June 8th
June 9th – June 15th
June 16th - June 22nd
June 23rd– July 4th

Alewife — Directions — Places to Park

• New Alewife Reservation Parking Lot at Discovery Park
  Driving to the parking

  Drive west on Route 2 from Cambridge, to Belmont end of Lake Street.
  Turn left at underpass and immediate left again on Frontage Road to Discovery Park (large sign).
  Turn right onto Acorn Park Drive and go to end where there is a 20-space parking lot for Alewife Reservation visitors.
  Park (up to 4 hours).

  Walking from the parking — to meeting places

  Walk across bridge back towards Alewife T stop for meeting places to begin birding walks, educational tours or clean ups.

  Walking from the parking — to Little Pond

  From the new Alewife Reservation parking lot, go due south towards the river over the old parking lot that was pulled up.
  Do not walk on private gravel pathway.
  Go over lumpy ground by locust trees to behind the Bulfinch buildings along the river.
  Follow that pathway all the way up the river of 5,200 linear feet (one mile) to Little Pond through marsh, shrub, fields and woodlands. (This is an old fishing pathway used for years by local residents who used to swim and fish from the banks. Development and deadly impact threatens the area from an out-of-state developer.)

  Thanks to the DCR and the Bulfinch Company for building the lot.
  
  
• Dodge Co. Parking Lot — 165 Cambridge Park Drive
  Driving to the parking

  When coming into Alewife T area from Alewife Brook Parkway, go to red light.
  Continue down Cambridge Park Drive straight almost to end, to 165 Cambridge Park Drive.
  Turn right in second Dodge lot where you see cars parked (large willow trees in back).
  Park in the back of the lot. Your car will be safe.
  There is a picnic bench to sit.
  Dodge has been informed that you might be there.

  Walking from the parking

  From Dodge Co., walk down bikepath to Alewife T entrance, T Passenger Pickup, or Alewife Reservation Kiosk (all within 2 minutes of each other).

• Thorndike Field — parking places
  Driving to the parking

  Take Margaret Street from Lake Street in Arlington.
  You can get to Lake Steet from Mass Ave. or Route 2 going west. (Lake Street runs between Route 2 and Mass. Ave.)
  Drive to the end of Margaret Street (only one way to turn).
  There are parking places at the athletic fields (Thorndike Field).

  Walking from the parking

  From Thorndike Field, walk to Minute Man meeting place or Alewife Reservation kiosk or T Passenger Pickup (all within 2 minutes of each other).