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Warmup Event, June 8th

RiverFest Warmup! Paddle Through History and Wildlife. Join the Merrimack River Watershed Coucil and Lowell National Historical Park for an easy paddle which passes under the Old North Bridge replica, part of the Minute Man NHP, then proceeds through the Great Meados National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at Lowell Road Boat Launch. For information, call Julie Smith (603) 891-0267, or email cantdog@comcast.net. Concord/9:30am

Weekend-long (June 14th & 15th)

Look for the orange markers on the map for events taking place thoughout the weekend of June 14th &15th

On this Hallowed Ground – Interpretive talk. Join a National Park Service Ranger for a 20-minute interpretive program at the benches by the North Bridge. The American Revolution of April 19, 1775, and the 19th-century American Literary Revolution. Discover how these two important revolutions in American history are linked and remembered today. Concord/11:30am, 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm

Photo Contest Winners Display. Come to the North Bridge Visitor’s Center at Minute Man National Historical Park to view the winners of Sudbury Valley Trustees’ 5th annual juried photo contest. Photos will be recognized in three categories; the rivers, people on the rivers and flora and fauna on the rivers. Concord/10am–3pm

Historical Exhibits. The Middlesex Canal Museum invites you to view a series of exhibits highlighting Billerica through history and its relationship to the Concord River. The Middlesex Canal Museum in North Billerica is open with no admission charge. Billerica/12–4pm

Exploring Concord: A Film and Self-Guided Walking Tour. Enjoy free admission to this award winning film highlighting many interesting sites along the rivers. Shown on the half hour on a continuous basis in the Museum’s wheelchair accessible theatre. Receive a copy of film’s accompanying “Exploring Concord” driving/walking tour brochure which directs visitors to the five outdoor vantage points. Concord, ongoing.

Make your own sailboat. After viewing the film, Exploring Concord, shown at the Concord Museum, assemble and color a small wooden sailboat to take home. Concord/ongoing

Concord River Pontoon Boat Tours. See the Concord River from a new angle. Here’s your chance to see a little bit of this Wild and Scenic River. The boat will be leaving the Bedford Boat Landing and tour the river for about 1 hour. To book a seat, call 978-667-1632 or email betsy.gallagher@comcast.net. Leave your info, which trip you’d like to be on & how many in your party & I will call you back to confirm. Bedford/10am and noon

Riverfest Sculpture Walk. Musketaquid Arts and Environment invites you to explore by water or land a sculpture path along the rivers at the Old Calf pasture. Local artists will create sculptures to honor our Wild and Scenic Rivers. Walk with the artists on Sunday, see listing below. Concord/ongoing

Lock to Lock Canal Tour. Join a NPS Ranger for this 1 hour and 45 minute boat tour of Lowell’s historic canal system. Be among the first people in 100 years to follow this route, including ‘locking through’ three impressive granite lock chambers. Reservation required. Call 978-970-5000. The Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center & Exhibits will be open from 9:30–5pm. Lowell/ 11:00, 12:15, 2:00, 3:15

History, Music, Art and More at the Old Manse. Join Trustees of Reservations for a festive weekend at the Old Manse. Throughout the weekend there will be many events taking place. Other fun family events will occur on Saturday and Sunday, see the listings below.

• Interpreters will offer walking tours of the Manse and discuss connections to literature, nature, the river and urbanization.
• Landscape and wildlife painting exhibit by Tom Wilson will be on display through the weekend.
  Cold drinks and food will be available.
• Old Manse Bookstore book sale will be ongoing throughout the weekend, conducted outdoors and indoors.
• Music will be provided early afternoon on Saturday by Acoustic Folk Duo October Rose and in the late afternoon (4-6 pm) will be provided by Two for the Show.
• Poetry Al Fresco on Sunday. Local poets from The Concord Poetry Center will share their river and nature-inspired poetry, and materials will be available for you to write and share your own. 2 pm

Music on Sunday will be by contra-dance band Roaring Jelly. Concord/10am–6pm

Saturday (June 14th)

Look for the blue markers on the map for events taking place Saturday, June 14th

Sunrise Paddle and Birding. Celebrate Riverfest with a sunrise paddle and birding along the Carlisle section of the Concord River. Meet at the Bedford Boat Landing on Rt. 225 at the Carlisle/Bedford town line. Stop at a casual riverside restaurant for breakfast and to compare notes. Bring your canoe or kayak, life preserver, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, money for breakfast, drinking water, and nature guidebooks. Unmotorized boats only. Canceled if bad weather. Bedford/5am

A River Blessing. Wright Tavern Center for Spiritual Renewal hosts a simple ceremony of music, song, poetry, silent reflection and prayer. Come to Egg Rock for a blessing in honor of the spirit of the river and the river of life. Park on Nashawtuc Road and follow signs to Egg Rock, or come by boat! Led by Mary Elizabeth Wheeler, Director of the Wright Tavern at First Parish in Concord. Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a guided walk along the river immediately following the river blessing. Concord/8am

Assabet River Walk. Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a walk to explore the varied riparian landscapes along the Assabet. Park along the Nashawtuc Road causeway and meet at the corner of Nashawtuc and Musketaquid Roads. Concord/9–10:30am

Rivers as Highways: It’s for the Birds! Join Refuge staff at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord for a morning bird walk. Discover the importance of rivers for bird migration and survival. Walk will begin at the Concord Impoundments off of Monsen Road in the main parking lot. Contact us at 978-443-4661 x34 for more information. Concord/10am

Concord River Paddle. Join members of the Appalachian Mountain Club on a paddle from Bedford to the North Bridge and return. Along the way stop and walk the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Time for walking around the North Bridge too. Bring a PFD, water, lunch or snacks. Led by Mac Meyer and Mike Connolly. Call 781-275-0511 to register and for details. Bedford/9am

RiverQuest Join the Organization for the Assabet River to explore the Assabet from Damonmill to the Calf Pasture. Put in your canoe or kayak between 10 and 11 a.m. and paddle down the river searching for clues and stickers. This is a family-friendly paddle that takes between one and two hours. Treats await the paddlers at the end. Call OAR at 978-369-3956 or email OAR@assabetriver.org to register and reserve a space in the shuttle back to Damonmill to retrieve your car. Concord/10–11am

Assabet River — Fishing Class for Kids! Would your kids like to learn how to fish? Concord Outfitters will run a fishing class for children ages 6-13 years old on the banks of the Assabet River in West Concord. Pre-registration is required. Call 978-318-0330 or email by 6/12 to andy@concordoutfitters.com. This event is sponsored by OAR and made possible by the generosity of Concord Outfitters. Concord/9–11am

Who Is Hiding in Vernal Pools? Join staff from the Walden Woods Project and the Vernal Pool Association to explore the hidden treasures of SuAsCo watershed - vernal pools! In these important habitats for wildlife you’ll find salamander larvae, frog tadpoles, beetles, bugs, and much more! Great for adults and kids over the age of 7. Please wear footwear appropriate for walking in the woods. In case of a rainy forecast, call the night before. For more information and to make reservations visit www.walden.org or call 781-259-4707. Park at the Walden Pond State Reservation’s parking lot, $5. Concord/9–11am.

Mill Brook Explorations along the Emerson/Thoreau Amble. Take a guided natural history tour along the Mill Brook with Thoreauvian naturalist Walter Brain. The walk will explore portions of the Emerson/Thoreau Amble, a new trail winding through wetlands, fields, and woods in the Town Forest that were once traversed by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The walk is limited to 10 people. To sign up or for more information call the Concord Natural Resources office at (978) 318-3285. Concord/10am

Birds, Flowers and Invasive Alien Plants Join naturalist Peter Alden for a fun and educational hunt in the woods and meadows around Concord. Learn about the natural environment, how invasive species threaten our landscapes and what we can do to control them. Meet at the Old North Bridge. Concord/11am

Wading and Wonder — the River and its Critters! Join Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary naturalists along the banks of the Concord River for some family fun. We will bring native wildlife that depends on healthy river habitats and discover what lives in the water using nets and other tools. Explore the watershed through field work, stories, crafts and fun. At the Old Manse.
Concord/10–2pm

Sculpture Path — Meet the Artists. Come to the Old Calf Pasture to enjoy creative art pieces along the banks of the river and meet the artists. Listen to Two For the Show and Friends at the Road Boat Landing, at noon. Guided walk at 1 pm. Concord/noon
Float Back in Time. Take a ride on a pontoon boat from South Bridge Boat House, courtesy of Martha’s Catering, and learn about the history of the Concord area through the eyes of NPS Ranger, Lou Sideris who will narrate the trip. Space is limited so register at 978-371-1785. Concord/2–3pm

Walk the Trails of Billerica. Enjoy a leisurely walk with Sudbury Valley Trustees at our Ralph Hill Conservation Area within the town of Billerica’s Vietnam Veterans Park. Beginning at the trail head off Treble Cove Road, we’ll explore all the trails in the park. We’ll take a short break on the Concord River. This conservation area represents some diverse natural environments — the large rock outcroppings and the dramatic slopes down to the river are especially scenic. Billerica/10am–12pm

Hike or Boat to Learn about Two Brothers Rocks. Join the Bedford Historic Preservation Commission at Two Brothers Rocks for a talk about the historical significance of this site in Bedford’s history. If you want to hike to the site, meet at the intersection of Dudley and Emery Roads at 10:00 am for a half mile trail hike. If you want to boat, meet at the Bedford Boat Landing on Rt. 225 at 10:00 am for a short paddle over to the rocks, where we will meet up with the hikers. Call 781-275-2795 for more information. Bedford/10am

River Trail Walk and Picnic. River Trail Walk and Picnic. Join the Carlisle Trails Committee to walk the River Trail through the Concord River floodplain using new boardwalks. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at scenic Greenough Pond; we’ll supply desserts. Return by the Red Tail Trail through fields and pine forests and over a beaver dam. Waterproof boots and mosquito repellent recommended. Total distance 3.5 mi, 3 hrs round trip. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot, 0.3 mi west of Concord River on Rte 225. Carlisle/11am

History Paddle. Do you know when the Wayland Sewer Commission was attacked by an armed protest mob in Billerica? Why was the river “dammed at both ends and cursed in the middle”? Celebrate the River with Brian Donahue, Professor of History at Brandeis and expert on the history of our river. Meet at the River Road launch site (near Rt. 27) with your canoe. We will paddle to Sherman’s Bridge through the wide meadows with frequent stops to hear stories of a fascinating and sometimes lurid past. Refreshments will be served! If you plan to come and have space in your boat, or if you need space in someone else’s boat, or have any questions, call 508-358-2571. Wayland/9–11am

Tales for the Earth. Friends of the Wayland Public Library invite you to join Diane Edgecomb, award winning master story teller, to celebrate Riverfest with an afternoon of stories on water, waterways and a ‘whole earth’ ethic. Diane delights audiences of all ages with her joyful performance style, enlivening both original stories and folklore pieces, especially those celebrate the natural world. Meet in the Raytheon Room at the Library. Wayland/3pm

SuAsCo Open House. Visit the headquarters of the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council — look through our resource library, learn about the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers, view our “Stormwater Matters” display, participate in storm drain marking, and enjoy some refreshments. 118 Great Road, Stow/12–3pm

‘Open River’ and Trail Dedication. Join 4th grade students behind the Thoreau School on the banks of the Assabet River for tours and displays of the new river trail. Learn about ‘bullying’ plants, hear some river inspired poetry and help to celebrate the dedication of the new trail at 2pm. Concord/1–4pm

Wading and Wonder — the River and its Critters! Join Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary naturalists along the banks of the Assabet River for an afternoon of family fun. We will bring native wildlife that depends on healthy river habitats and discover what lives in the water using nets and other tools. Explore the watershed through field work, stories, crafts and fun. Behind the Thoreau School. Concord/1–4pm

Family Fun Day on the Sudbury River. Join the Sudbury River Watershed Organization, Southborough’s Open Space Preservation Commission and Recreation Commission for a fun-filled afternoon on the Sudbury River. All Activities located within walking distance from the Corner of Bridge and Wood Streets. More information at www.sudburyriver.org.

Free Canoe Rides on the Sudbury River Learn About and Build Fairy Houses using materials provided by Mother Nature Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt on trails alongside the Sudbury River in Hopkinton and Southborough

Fishing Demonstration with hands-on opportunity for youngsters of all ages to fish

Meet Gordon Morrison, award winning children’s book author and illustrator of nature books
Southborough/12–3pm

Historical Walking Tour. Stroll through Saxonville and visit more than a dozen significant sites! Meet Brett Peruzzi at the Athenaeum (corner of Watson Place and Concord St.) North Framingham/1pm

Twilight Canoe in Fairhaven Bay Join the Lincoln Conservation Staff for a tour of Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River during a magical time of day. Listen to bird calls and view wildlife as the light casts a glow on the trees. Meet at the Canoe Landing off of 117. Bring your own kayak or canoe or call if you are in need of a boat. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, a warm layer, and a life jacket. Call (781) 259-2612 for more info or to reserve a seat in a boat. Lincoln/7–8:30pm

Family fun at Muldoon Park in Lowell. Spend the day with your whole family on and along the Concord River. Get your feet wet, learn about river history and the river’s future, listen to music, participate in art projects and much more! Muldoon Park on Billerica Street in Lowell.10am–2pm

• Family Float Tour on the Concord River Join the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust and other organizations for this city-wide River Fest event. Hop on board for a float tour on the Concord River. Learn about this summer’s upcoming construction of the Concord River Greenway from LP&CT! Bring a picnic and a t-shirt for fish and nature printing.
• A River Runs Through It Visit the American Textile History Museum booth at Muldoon Park to experience the history of Lowell’s rivers and surrounds, from when Native peoples occupied the area up to early contact with the colonists, using our giant floor map and manipulatives. Make your own miniature canoe, and take it for a run down our hands-on Concord and Merrimack Rivers map.
• Make your own Native American Necklace. Join members of the Greater Lowell Native American Cultural Association at Muldoon Park where you can make your own children’s necklace while learning about the history of the Native American community and how they are active today in Lowell and along the river. For more information call 978-677-7153 (after 6 pm) or email
• The River and Its Critters! Join Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary naturalists at Muldoon Park for some family fun! See native wildlife that depend on a healthy river habitat and discover who lives in the water using nets and other tools. Explore the watershed through field work, stories, crafts and fun
• Banjo and Fiddle Music Join Alex Demas, National Park Service Ranger for some toe-tapping music by the banks of the Concord River!

Sunday (June 15th)

Look for the red markers on the map for events taking place Sunday, June 15th

Bird Walk, Sudbury River/Carol Getchell Nature Trail. Celebrate the sounds along the Sudbury River with Michele Grzenda, Framingham Conservation Agent, as she leads a bird walk and nature hike on the Carol Getchell Nature Trail. Bring bug spray. Meet at the end of Little Farms Rd., off Elm St. Framingham/7am

Canoe Trek from Framingham Center to Saxonville. Join us for an easy morning paddle along the scenic Sudbury River from the Historic Center of Framingham to the Saxonville millpond. No experience necessary. Meet at the canoe landing off Central St. near the intersection with Edgell Rd. Bring a canoe or kayak. A few canoes are available. Call 508-532-5460 to reserve. Canoes provided by The Learning Center for Deaf Children. Framingham/10am

Nature Walk along Great Meadows and Dudley Park Join Rebecca Markey to explore birds, plant life and the past from this historical setting along the Concord River. Learn how to become a “Refuge Ranger’ by working from our provided Nature Journal and earn a patch and certification. Bring a pencil and binoculars… but, please, no pets. Meet at the Nashua Road/Route 4 parking area. Billerica/11am–1pm

Help Solve the Mystery! Join the Land Stewardship Committee of the Carlisle Conservation Commission for a discussion of mysterious linear features seen in aerial photos of the wetlands around Foss Farm which are aligned with astronomically interesting directions. Walk to see the actual structures. Meet at Foss Farm parking lot on Rt.225, For information call 978-369-5649. Carlisle/2pm

Floating Dixieland Jazz Concert. Come to the riverbank or paddle along beside as the Silverleaf Jazz band, playing on board the S.S. Purcell, cruises the Sudbury and Concord Rivers between the South Bridge Boathouse and the Old North Bridge. Concord/12–2 pm

Sunset Paddle. What better way to end the Riverfest weekend then to paddle along the Sudbury River as the sun sets and the moon rises. Join Tom Arnold, Sudbury Valley Trustees volunteer for an easy paddle and then raft together under the moon. Feel free to bring and share a dessert, a light beverage and a camera. Starting and ending at River Road, just off Route 27. This paddle is limited to 16 persons. Canoe rentals are available on a limited basis for $20. Call 978-443-5588 for info. Sudbury/7–9pm

Celebrate Father’s Day with your family at the Wayside Inn. Events for young and old along the embankment near the Grist Mill at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury.

• Relax with Folk Music! Sit back on the grass, or enjoy a picnic while listening to Two for the Show, a fun musical duo. Grist Mill embankment. Sudbury/noon
• Birds, Flowers and Invasive Alien Plants. Join naturalist Peter Alden for a fun and educational hunt in the woods and meadows around the Wayside Inn. Learn about the natural environment, how invasive species threaten our landscapes and what we can do to control them. Meet at the Grist Mill embankment. Sudbury/11am
• Snakes of Massachusetts and the World. Do you ever wonder what kinds of snakes live in your yard and places nearby? Here is your chance to see a variety of local snakes close up, and a few exotic ones, too. Rick Roth, herpetologist, will bring some of his favorite snakes to the embankment at the Grist Mill and will talk about their lives and habits. Info: 978-281-3480, cavpt@yahoo.com. Sudbury/1pm
• Rubber Duck Race. The Hop Brook Protection Association and the Sudbury Ponds and Waterways Committee are sponsoring a kids’ Rubber Duck race in Hop Brook at the Grist Mill. The race will be preceded by a brief history of the Grist Mill and Hop Brook. Cheer for your duck as it makes its way down the canal, over the waterwheel and across the finish line! Gift certificates will be awarded winners. Open to kids 12 and under. For more information, call 978-443-9638. Sudbury/2pm