Ipswich River Watershed Association

We’re having a pie potluck to celebrate Pi Day, won’t you join us? Last year our inaugural PIE Rivers Partners pie potluck on Pi Day was such a success we’re doing it again! Who: Ecological Management Professionals, Municipal Staff, and anyone else interested in the health of our watersheds. What to expect: Good conversation and a variety of pie! Beer, wine, and other drinks will be available for purchase. What to bring: Yourself, a colleague, and a pie to share! Sweet or savory, the choice is yours. Dust off that recipe book or pick up a pie from your favorite baker on the way over.

Join us for a quick call on Wednesday, November 20th at Noon to get an update on the the state of the Ipswich River. #IpswichRiver #Rivers #Drought #Massachusetts

Collectively we are reflecting on the impacts of the recent election results, including how those results affect the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) going forward. IRWA has been the voice of the River since 1977, through Democratic and Republican administrations, both at the state and national levels. Our commitment during the past 47 years to protect and restore the Ipswich River has not changed and will not change now. There is a lingering question for many of us about what role the federal government will play in environmental stewardship over the next few years. This makes the on-the-ground work that we do — stewarding and restoring our river, and having robust community conversations about how we are going to prepare for the impact of climate change — even more urgent and important. One of the benefits of being a community-based non-profit organization and not a government agency is that we get to continue to do our work in the ways that we think best protect our natural resources, regardless of the direction that the political winds are blowing. We choose to see challenges as opportunities. We will look to harness the energy of our entire community which is focused on a positive future for our river and our watershed community. Sincerely, Erin Bonney Casey Executive Director

With increasing development pressures and unclear regulations, riverfront delineation has become a hot topic. Careful review and scrutiny of projects near the river are essential to protect our rivers. Ipswich River Watershed Association has been involved in multiple disputes over this delineation. Read more about the methodology we use on our blog.

Many hands make light work! Thanks to everyone who helped clear the way for migrating fish who need to make their way through Alewife Brook to complete their life cycle!

We love how this article highlights the power of hands-on learning. From understanding river health to designing eco-friendly solutions, students are not just learning science—they’re becoming stewards of their community. Thanks to WPS Institute and Salem Public Schools for helping us shape the future of education and conservation.

We’re thrilled to share that the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded us a $137,053 Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant to create a detailed plan for improving habitat and conditions for diadromous fish in the Ipswich River. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game's Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), the Town of Ipswich, and the Town of Topsfield, working together to support the health and future of these essential migratory species. Read more about the comprehensive habitat assessment this grant will fund on our blog.

We're #hiring a new Advocacy Program Manager in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We are absolutely thrilled about receiving this grant!

Wow! We are excited to see that even David Byrne is a fan of dam removal!