VOLUNTEER

Charles River Watershed Association has a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year, depending on our current projects. Most volunteer events take place in spring and summer, and more information is below. If you would like additional information about working with CRWA on any of the projects below or volunteering in another capacity, please contact Rebecca Scibek Wickham. Click here for contact information

In addition, we have a volunteer email list, which is mailed to on an as-needed basis whenever we have upcoming volunteer projects. If you would like to be added to the list, please use the form below or contact Rebecca.

Storm Drain Stenciling

Stenciling a storm drain consists of spray painting a message next to a street drain reminding people "Don't Dump — Drains to the Charles River." This is an ideal project for school groups, scouts, environmental clubs, stream teams and others. CRWA provides reusable stencils and directions for organizing a stenciling project, as well as advice, support, and connections to municipal officials. Click here for more information.

Remove Invasive Water Chestnuts from the Charles

CRWA and Charles River Canoe and Kayak are partnering to help rid the river of water chestnuts each summer in July. We will be working based out of the Charles River Canoe and Kayak boathouse on Commonwealth Ave in Newton. Click here for more information about the 2008 project.

Water Monitoring

Volunteers are needed to take water quality samples on a monthly basis along the Charles River for CRWA's  monthly water quality monitoring program. Sampling generally occurs the third Tuesday of each month at 6am. There are more than 30 sampling locations all along the river, from Milford to Boston. 

Volunteers will be fully trained by a CRWA staff member, and equipment will be provided. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least twelve months of sampling. Sampling results are sent out to volunteers on a monthly basis, along with a letter explaining the results. Volunteers receive a discount at CRWA events and a subscription to CRWA's newsletter, the Streamer.

Click here to view current site vacancies. Individuals can also ask to be put on the waiting list for a site that is already filled. Interested individuals should contact CRWA's volunteer coordinator Rebecca Scibek Wickham. Click here for contact information.

Web Site Support

Volunteer needed to maintain CRWA's website by uploading new pages and editing existing page, approximately four to eight hours per month. Knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver and basic html helpful. Interested individuals should contact CRWA's volunteer coordinator Rebecca Scibek Wickham. Click here for contact information.

Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup

CRWA needs volunteer groups from businesses, universities, high schools, boy and girl scout troops, neighborhood groups, and other civic-minded groups to participate in our Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup in April - next year the Cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2009. If you have a work, school, church, or neighborhood group that would like to participate in the cleanup, contact Rebecca Scibek Wickham.  Click here for contact information.

Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race

Many hands are needed to help with CRWA's annual canoe and kayak race the last weekend in April.  Pitch in prior to the event or at points along the river on race day. Contact Meg or Sally at Classic Communication for more information at 508-698-6810 or click here for contact information.

Environmental Science Internships