2010 Small Grants Program has been broadened to include projects that use the arts to engage the public, increase awareness and appreciation of  our river resources.  Other projects that help to protect and enhance the outstanding river values are also very welcome. Please consider appropriate projects – submissions are due by June 14th.  Click on the link to get a copy of the RFP including all the details you need to apply.

 2010 Small Grants Program Request for Proposals.

Is there an inspiring project, innovative strategy or creative program in your town that protects the watershed?  Do you know an unsung hero whose work builds an environmental legacy for future generations?

If you do, then please consider nominating them for a River Steward Award.   The League of Women Voters, in partnership with the RSC, honors  river stewards each year as part of he Riverfest celebration.

  In past years, awards have been given to teachers at the Green Meadow School in Maynard who created a progam called A Vernal Pool Named Grace, a group of indivduals in Bedford who worked together to restore 2 Brothers Rock site, Varlisle trails Committee and 2 men in Wayland who created  Wayland Cleans Up!

River Steward Award Nomination Form.  Click on the link to get the nomination form.

Gifts of Great Meadows is a slide presentation with musical accompaniment  composed by Richard Sebring, horn player with the Boston Pops.  The slides of winter ice formations along the river are complemented by seasonal music.  Gifts of Great Meadows supported in part by the RSC, Sudbury Valley trustees and US Fish and Wildlife Service, was introduced by Keith Lockhart and performed at all Pops concerts of the 2009 winter Poposa season.  It is a beautiful example of the inspiration created by these rivers.  To hear an interview with Lockhart about the program, click here.

Riverfest will be held on June 12 and 13, 2010. Save the date!  More information about this year’s  events will be posted in the coming months. 

If you, or your organization are interested in hosting an event in the Sudbury-Assabet-concord Watershed, please contact me.

The 2009 Small Grants Program RFP is now available.  Proposals are due by June 30th.  This year the eligible applicants has been expanded to include not only town entities,  but also community based 501 (c)(3) organizations.  The Small Grants Program is designed to help support local efforts to protect or enhance any of the outstanding resource values for which the Sudubry Assabet and Concord Rivers were designated as part of the Wild and Scenic River System.   Click on the link2009 Small Grants RFP.

Four communities were awarded grants under the Small Grants Program in 2007.

The Town of Billerica received funds to help support the eradication of water chestnuts in the impounded area upstream of the Faulkner Dam.  The Conservation Commisssion will work with Organization for the Assabet River and Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust to rally  volunteers and pull the chestnuts.

Sudbury received funds to enhance a Sudbury River Overlook on Water Row.  The Conservation Commission will take  the lead to clear vegetation, install a bench and an interpretive display at the site.

Bedofrd received funds for the Davis Elementary School to expand the SUASCO Watershed Education Project.  This is done in partnership with Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm and teaches students about river ecology, including a trip to the river.

The Town of Framingham received two grant awards.  One will be used by the Conservation Commission to design and place interpretive markers along the Caroll Getchall Nature Trail.  The other will allow the Department of Public Works to place additional stormdrain markers throughout the Town.