Mystic Community Earth Day: Winchester Conservation Commission to Hold Event

Information via the Mystic River Watershed Association.

WINCHESTER, MA– Several organizations are joining together for the seventh consecutive year to coordinate numerous events for Earth Day in the Mystic River Watershed in Arlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Somerville and Winchester.

Comprising “Mystic Community Earth Day,” events will take place on Saturday, April 23, 30 and May 7 in honor of Earth Day (April 22) and focus on improving areas along the Mystic River, Aberjona River and Chelsea Creek, while drawing attention to the needs of the watershed as a whole. All events are free and open to the public. Volunteers needed!

The Mystic River Watershed is the most urbanized, densely populated watershed in Massachusetts, with over half a million people living in its 76 square miles. Due to its long industrial history and aging sewer systems, the water quality of the river is severely degraded and access to the riverfront is limited. Despite these challenges, residents, community groups, and organizations are working to improve the Mystic River, its tributaries, and surrounding communities.

The Winchester Conservation Commission is sponsoring its annual Aberjona River Cleanup on Saturday, May 7th from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Volunteers should meet at Town Hall Parking Lot, 71 Mt. Vernon Street, Winchester. Plastic bags and gloves will be provided. Please come with clothing to cover your feet and arms.

This year marks the 46th Earth Day, which was first hosted on April 22, 1970, and featured rallies, protests, and cleanups across the country with a strong college student presence. That day is often considered the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day 2016 will be observed nationwide on April 22nd and marked by many of the same activities as the original event 46 years ago.

Mystic Community Earth Day will include river and park cleanups, plantings, and trail clearings. For more information about any of the Mystic Community Earth Day events, please contact the respective coordinator from each organization

Contact: Elaine Vreeland at (781) 721-7152 or Evreeland@winchester.us