Event Calendar

There’s lots to learn and love about the Ipswich River! Please check back often for event updates.

Join us for an event at Riverbend or elsewhere. Our Riverbend property, with a quarter-mile frontage on the Ipswich River, is located in Ipswich on County Road (Route 1A). It includes trails, canoe dock, green building, and water-wise demonstration projects and gardens.  Staff are present weekdays from 8:30am – 4pm. Click here for directions.

Ipswich Arts & Illumination Celebration

Saturday, September 28: Downtown Ipswich along the Riverwalk from Ebsco to Town Hall.

Stroll along the river while viewing fifteen floating bonfires, and enjoying musical performances, poetry readings and a local history performance. This free event is open to the public thanks to support from the MA Cultural Council and the Town of Ipswich Recreation Department.

Paddle the Estuary

Sunday, September 8: 1 – 3pm,  Pavilion Beach, Little Neck Rd, Ipswich

Join us for an exploration of the Ipswich River estuary. We will begin and end at Pavilion Beach between Great Neck and Little Neck in Ipswich. This trip is BYOB (bring your own boat), life jacket, water and snacks.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

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Paddle the Ipswich River in Middleton

Saturday, June 15: 8:30 am to 12:30pm

Join local paddling experts from the Middleton Stream Team for a river adventure from Farnsworth Landing at Route 114 to Peabody Street. Please bring your own boat, pfd, lunch and water.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Ipswich River Tree Walk

Dan Mayer

Sunday, June 9, 1 – 2 pm, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join Joe Sandulli and Dan Mayer on a guided tree identification walk around our Riverbend headquarters and neighboring properties. We will begin at the IRWA parking lot and will explore the trails while Joe and Dan point out significant riparian and upland trees and their notable characteristics for identification.  This short walk of about .75 miles is easily accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities.  Leashed dogs are allowed.  The walk should take about an hour. Dan Mayer, president of Mayer Tree Service, studied arboriculture and forestry at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, is a Massachusetts Certified Arborist and has been involved in the tree care industry since 1984.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Ipswich River Clean Up

Saturday, June 8: 8am – 2pm; Ipswich River Park Gazebo on Central St. in North Reading

Join the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Reading/North Reading Stream Team for the annual Ipswich River Clean-up. Volunteers are needed to work on shore or by canoe and kayak. Bring your own tools, gloves and boat if possible. Meet at the Ipswich River Park gazebo at 8:00 AM.

Questions: Ryan O’Donnell at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org

Watercolors and Wildflowers

Saturday, June 8: 9am to 1pm at 143 County Road, Ipswich

Explore the use of watercolors in the field at our headquarters with Sandy McDermott from Birchtree Studios! This four-hour workshop will be devoted to using graphite and/or pen & ink with watercolor washes to interpret the wildflowers in our surroundings. Space is limited. Fee: $60.00, includes a donation to IRWA.

Contact Sandy McDermott for more information 603-583-0721.

Alaska, Salmon and the Ipswich River

Sunday, June 2, 7 – 8:30pm, Gould Barn, 1 Howlett St, Topsfield

Join us for a viewing of this new short film by film maker, writer and fly fisherman Ryan Peterson. An interactive discussion with the filmmaker and Executive Director Wayne Castonguay will follow. Spectacular Alaskan wilderness photos will be shown during the discussion of the surprisingly similar challenges facing rivers in Alaska and the Ipswich River, including impacts on communities, dams and fisheries.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Annual Dock Opening Celebration

Sunday, May 19: 2 – 5 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for the annual opening of our Canoe Dock! You don’t need to go to Maine or New Hampshire to enjoy nature. From our stretch of river you can see turtles, cardinal flowers, silver maples, and perhaps even a river otter. Canoes will be available for paddling what many people say is the most beautiful section of the river. Celebrate the river together, enjoy DownRiver Ice Cream, go for a paddle and NEW this year: tour our new property. It doesn’t get much better than that!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Paddle the Ipswich River in Ipswich: Winthrop Street to Riverbend

Canoe dock at Riverbend — members use our boats for free!

Sunday, May 19: Noon to 2 pm

Join members of the Ipswich Stream Team for a paddle through one of the least developed section of the river. The timing of the trip is such that you will end at our headquarters just in time for the Annual Dock Opening Celebration! Please bring your own boat, pfd, and water.

RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Birding Paddle Trip with Essex County Ornithological Society

Saturday, May 11: 6 am to 10:30 am

Paddle the Wenham Swamp section of the Ipswich River while birding with the experts at the height of warbler migration! Put in is at Route 97/High Street in Topsfield and take out is at Willowdale Meadows on Topsfield Road near Bradley Palmer State Park.

RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Greenscapes 101

Tuesday, April 23, 7 – 8:30pm, at the Memorial Hall Library, 2 N Main St, Andover

Greenscapes are environmentally friendly yard and lawn care practices that require very little water and chemicals to maintain. We will discuss the basics steps to achieving a beautiful chemical free lawn and garden that is safe for children and pets, has healthy plants, and also conserves water (which saves you money).

For more information contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Riverbend Garden Clean Up

Thursday, April 18: 8am – 10:30am (or come when you can!) at 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for the first garden clean up session of 2013 and help us get the gardens ready for spring.  Learn more about native plants, rain gardens and Greenscapes techniques while you’re at it! Bring a friend! We need your help!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Roads, Runoff and Water Management Conference

Thursday, April 11: 8:30am to 1pm at the Topsfield Fairground’s Coolidge Hall, Topsfield.

This conference will explore the current science and emerging regulatory requirements in the areas of Water Conservation, Stormwater Management and Road-Stream Crossings (bridges and culverts) and provide cost-effective tools to respond to the new regulations in these areas. Expert speakers will focus on ways that municipalities can work proactively toward meeting the new requirements while protecting the environment.

Please rsvp by April 4th to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Author Presentation: Pike Messenger
The Water Closet: The Ipswich River Watershed and Beyond

Tuesday, April 9: 7pm – 8pm; Hamilton-Wenham Library, 14 Union St, So. Hamilton

Join us as Mr. Messenger reads, reminisces, and shares his wonderment of the natural world.

For more information: hwlibrary.org or 978-468-5577

Organic Lawn Care

Monday, April 8: 7pm – 8pm; Topsfield Library, 1 S. Common Street, Topsfield

Learn how to maintain a healthy, natural lawn without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic landscaper, Javier Gil will go over simple steps to an organic lawn. Learn about soil conditions, grass seed selection, fertilization, compost tea, and insect/disease control. Bring your questions!
RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org

Middleton Stream Team Work of 1000 Viewing and Discussion

Marion Stoddart in Work of 1000.

Wednesday, March 27: 7pm; Flint Public Library. 1 S. Main Street, Middleton

Beginning with a short 20 min film on Marion Stoddart – a citizen who took on the challenge of cleaning up one of America’s most polluted rivers, the Nashua River, and won! The film will be followed by a talk on what is happening in our own community and the Ipswich River by Pike Messenger. Light refreshments will be served and signed copies of Pike’s book “The Water Closet” will be available after the program for $20.

New Leader: New Directions

Wednesday, March 27: 5:30pm at Zumi’s at 40 Market Street, Ipswich

Wayne Castonguay, Ipswich River Watershed Association’s new Executive Director, will be speaking at Zumi’s Cafe about the exciting new year ahead for the organization.

RiverWatch Trainings

(Chose the most convenient):
Saturday, March 2: 10am – 12pm; Mattera Cabin, Reading
Saturday, March 9: 10am – 12pm; Lura Watkins Museum, Middleton
Saturday, March 16: 10am – 12pm; IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Join us for the  annual training for water quality volunteers. RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

“Slow the Flow” a Special Greenscaping Workshop

Saturday, March 16: 9:30am – 11:30am at the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers, 15 Sylvan Street Danvers, MA 01923

Fish Count Training

Tuesday, March 19: 7pm – 9pm; IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Training for current and new volunteers. All are welcome and please bring friends!

RSVP: fishcount@gmail.com

Fish Habitat Survey Training

Sunday, March 17: 9:30am – 3:30pm; IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Help us map fish habitat! Volunteers assess stream crossings and wildlife barriers in the Parker, Ipswich and Essex watersheds.

Contact Brian at bkelder@ipswichriver.org for more information.

Crane Beach Walk

Tuesday, January 1st: Noon to 2pm at the TTOR’s Crane Beach Parking Lot, Ipswich, MA

Join us for a natural history hike through the dune trails at Crane Beach. We will explore the pitch pine forests, dune trails, and cranberry bogs behind the beach. Moderate hike on mostly sandy trails. Space is limited due to the fragile environment so please rsvp in advance.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Evergreen Scavenger Hunt -December 2012

Celebrate the spirit of the season by searching for decorated evergreen trees hidden within Greenbelt’s Reservations and on other conservation lands in the region, including our very own Riverbend (IRWA’s headquarters at 143 County Road). This month-long event encourages you to GET OUTDOORS and explore. Downloadable clues available on December 1st!

Fall Hike at Bradley Palmer – To be rescheduled

Sunday, November 4: 1 pm – 4 pm at Bradley Palmer State Park

Enjoy a late fall afternoon exploring along the Ipswich River in Bradley Palmer State Park.

For more information contact Ryan at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200.

Riverside Garden Makeover: From Nothing to Native Paradise

Thursday, October 18: 9:30am – 10:30am

Kate Hone will present her native landscaping journey. Kate’s one-third acre parcel with 91 feet of Ipswich River riverfront is  just downstream from the IRWA’s Riverbend headquarters. Over one season, with help from a Slow the Flow Grant from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Kate replaced non native species and barren mulched areas with drought tolerant and native plants. She also removed all impervious buried plastic sheeting from all areas of property, shrunk the lawn footprint and added rain barrels for irrigation. Come see the transformation process and learn first hand how to apply it to your property. Optional site visit to follow.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

IRWA Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 13: 4 – 6 pm; Gould Barn, 1 Howlett St. Topsfield, MA.

Welcome new Executive Director Wayne Castonguay at our 2012 Annual Meeting. Refreshments and social hour begin at 4 pm, and the membership meeting starts promptly at 4:30 pm. We will present our annual Volunteer Awards and recognize and thank our River Stewards. Please join us for this informative and inspiring meeting – free and open to the public!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Trails & Sails Lecture: Milling Around the Ipswich

Sunday, September 30: 10:30 am – noon at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

The Ipswich River Watershed Association will present a free talk on the history of the mills along the Ipswich River. “Milling Around the Ipswich River” will be grist for the history buff from Ipswich to Wilmington. After the talk, take a walk on Riverbend’s trail to the river and see our native plant and rain garden and green roof.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Paddle the Ipswich River – Source to Sea

Get out for some fun paddles this spring/summer from the source of the Ipswich River to the sea! Each trip will explore the natural beauty of this meandering river and discover the wildlife and plants along the way. All are welcome for any or all trips!

May 6: Ipswich (Winthrop St to Riverbend)
June 2: Middleton (Pine St to Peabody St)
June 30: Reading (Ipswich River Park to Pine Rd)
July 14: Topsfield (Rt 97 to Bradley Palmer) -paddle to be rescheduled; email for details
Sept 15: Ipswich Estuary (Pavilion Beach)

All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PFD, water and snacks. Rain cancels trips. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200.

New Property Clean Up

Saturday, September 8: 9 am – noon; Location to be determined.

Volunteers are needed to help IRWA clean up our new property across the river from Riverbend!

Contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200 for more details.

Tune into the River Concert

Friday, June 22: 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30) at Governor’s Academy Performing Arts Center, Byfield

Celebrate Kerry Mackin’s inspiring leadership and IRWA’s 35th anniversary  at Kerry’s retirement party.

Miranda Russell in concert!  A powerful and moving vocalist, Miranda Russell’s performance centers on nuanced treatments of a wide range of favorites from Joni Mitchell to Cole Porter; she “will knock your socks off – should you be wearing any this close to the beach.” (Boston Phoenix)

For more  information on buying tickets, sponsorship opportunities or making donations in Kerry’s honor please click here.

Ipswich River Clean Up

Saturday, June 9: 8am – 2pm; Ipswich River Park Gazebo on Central St. in North Reading

Join the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Reading/North Reading Stream Team for the annual Ipswich River Clean-up. Volunteers are needed to work on shore or by canoe and kayak. Bring your own tools, gloves and boat if possible. Meet at the Ipswich River Park gazebo at 8:00 AM.

Questions: Ryan O’Donnell at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org

Restoring the Ipswich River to Health

Wednesday, May 23: 7 pm at Ipswich Town Hall, Room A

The Ipswich Conservation Speakers Series is hosting Kerry Mackin, the Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association.  Ms Mackin’s presentation will focus on how the river sustains both people and the environment and the specific serious threats that the Ipswich River faces today. Free and open to the public

Annual Dock Opening Celebration

Sunday, May 6: 2-5 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for the 2nd annual opening of our Canoe Dock! You don’t need to go to Maine or New Hampshire to enjoy nature. From our stretch of river you can see turtles, cardinal flowers, silver maples, and perhaps even a river otter. There will be free ice cream, generously donated by Down River Ice Cream, and canoes will be available for paddling what many people say is the most beautiful section of the river.

*NEW this year demo a Hovie Stand Up Paddle Board with rowingforall.com

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Middleton’s 5th Earth Day Festival

Sunday, April 29: 1 – 4 pm at Memorial Hall soccer fields, corner of Rt 62 and 114

This fun event will feature music, games, green demos, refreshments, music and a raffle with over 15 possible prizes including Red Sox tickets, eighteen hole golf round, artwork, and a family four pack to tickets to the Topsfield Fair with parking!Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at mrsR123@aol.com. Rain date May 6th.

Lawn Repair Workshop – Spring Rejuvenation

Saturday, April 28: 10 – 11 am at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Steve Morris, Master Gardener and Organic Land Care Professional will lead a one hour, hands on lawn repair workshop using IRWA’s own demonstration Pearls Premium Low Maintenance Lawn. This eco friendly grass seed means you mow once per month, seldom or never water and you save money.  If you are interested in improving your own lawn come learns some tips from an expert!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Earth Day Bird Walk with Jim Berry

Sunday, April 22: 7 – 8 am at IRWA’s Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

IRWA’s headquarters, on 15 acres of mixed habitat including a 1/4 mile of riverfront, is a great place for birding. We should see wood ducks, mallards, Canada geese, wild turkeys, great blue herons, turkey vultures, and several species of woodpeckers, swallows, and warblers, among other birds.  Other possibilities are beavers and otters.

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Stream Team Caucus

Saturday, April 14: 1 – 3:30pm at the Lura Woodside Watkins Museum, 9 Pleasant St, Middleton

IRWA sponsors several Stream Teams comprised of citizen volunteers who advocate for their local segment of the Ipswich River watershed. These volunteers have undertaken many projects to protect the Ipswich River and educate their communities about the river. Join us for a brainstorming session to energize and plan some great projects for 2012. Carrie Banks from the Division of Ecological Restoration will also do a short training on the Adopt-A-Stream shoreline survey project. Current and prospective stream team members are welcome! This is a great opportunity to get involved in your local river community!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Native Plant lecture by Doug Tallamy

Saturday, April 7: 10am at the Newbury Elementary School, 63 Hanover Street, Newbury

A free lecture by Doug Tallamy, author of “Bring Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens”, at the Newbury Elementary School sponsored by the Parker River Wildlife Refuge’s Slow the Flow Campaign. Free and open to the public.

Riverbend Garden Clean Up

Friday, April 6: 8:30am – 11am at 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for the first garden clean up session of 2012 and help us get the gardens ready for spring.  Learn more about native plants, raingardens and greenscapes techniques while you’re at it! We need your help!

RSVP to cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Middleton Stream Team, Spring Family Hike: Vernal Pool Life

Sunday, April 1: 1 – 4 pm at Mill Street, a quarter mile north of Peabody Street in Middleton

Bring your family to visit several vernal pools and their inhabitants on this hike through glacier carved woodlands. Bring a shallow white plastic open container and a net for catching small water creatures. Rain date is April 8th, same location. Contact streamteam@comcast.net or call 978-777-4584 for details.

Slow the Flow Kickoff Workshop: Greenscaping in the Great Marsh

Saturday, March 31: 8:30 – 3pm at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA

Would you like to learn more about environmentally friendly lawn and garden practices? Come learn from local experts about the estuary, how daily human activities affect it, then learn what you can do around your yard to help keep the estuary healthy.This full day workshop will inform residents how increased urbanization and climate change are impacting the Plum Island Estuary and will provide examples of organic land care practices they can do in their own backyards to protect the watershed.

Registration required. Contact: 978-465-5753,  fw5rw_prnwr@fws.gov

Herring Count Training

Tuesday, March 20: 7 – 9 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Training for current and new volunteers. All are welcome!

RSVP: fishcount@gmail.com or rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or call – 978-412-8200

RiverWatch Training

Saturday, March 3, 10:00 to 11:30  at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

We will begin another great year with our annual training event on Saturday March 3 from 10:00 to 11:30  at our Riverbend office. We will discuss IRWA news, share past results and distribute new chemicals and equipment. Following the training will be a brown bag lunch presentation on dam removal by Restoration Programs Coordinator Brian Kelder.

Please make every effort to attend as the training is mandatory for our quality assurance protocol. RSVP to Ryan by Feb. 24^th. We look forward to seeing you there.

Fireside Chat: Leadership Transition

Sunday, February 26: 3 – 4:30pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Please join the IRWA Board and the Selection Committee for a fireside conversation regarding the Executive Director search process and our vision for IRWA in the next five years.

To RSVP, please email  irwainfo@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Marine Debris Lecture

Wednesday, February 15, at 7 p.m. at the Ipswich Performing Arts Center

The Town of Ipswich Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC), in conjunction with the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and iCARE,  will be hosting “Just One Word…”, a riveting performance/lecture discussing plastic debris in our oceans.  Karen Ristuben, a Gloucester resident and Hamilton-Wenham teacher is the speaker.  You will be moved by her powerful presentation based on her July 2011 voyage through the North Pacific Gyre.  Karen recently gave this presentation at the Marine Mammal Conference in Tampa, FL and will be presenting at the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Salt Lake City at the end of February.  This presentation is free and will be followed by refreshments in the lobby of the PAC. For more information, call 978 356 6613.

Towards A Free Flowing Ipswich

Wednesday, February 8th, 7 – 8 pm at IRWA Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Interest in river restoration has grown exponentially in Massachusetts over the last few years. Dam owners, communities, non-profits and government agencies are removing dams in order to restore rivers and eliminate threats to public safety.  Beth Lambert from the MA Division of Ecological Restoration and IRWA’s Brian Kelder will explore opportunities to restore the Ipswich River by removing aging dams. They will discuss 1) the role and function of dams; 2) how dams impact river ecosystems; 3) the dam removal process; and 4) dam removal projects in the Ipswich River Watershed.

RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Macroinvertebrate Presentation and Workshop

Saturday, January 14th: 1 – 4 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for a workshop about the fascinating world of aquatic macro-invertebrates. Learn about what collecting and studying these seldom seen creatures entails and how they can be used to measure water quality. Expertise in invertebrate taxonomy is not required. Learn how to get involved with the Ipswich River Watershed Association Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program.

RSVP to Ryan at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or call – 978-412-8200 ext. 15

Crane Beach Dune Walk – EVENT FULL

Sunday, January 1st: Noon to 2pm at the TTOR’s Crane Beach Parking Lot, Ipswich, MA

Franz Ingelfinger will lead us in a natural history hike through the dune trails at Crane Beach. We will explore the pitch pine forests, dune trails, and cranberry bogs behind the beach. Moderate hike on mostly sandy trails.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Fall Hike: Ward Reservation, Andover/North Andover MA

Sunday, November 20th: 1 – 4 pm at the Trustees of Reservation’s Ward Reservation

See a rare quaking bog and climb Holt Hill to enjoy the best view in the region. Easy to moderate hike.

For more information and to rsvp, please contact Ryan at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or call – 978-412-8200 ext. 15

Fireside Chat – SWMI update

Sunday, Nov 13th: 4 – 5:30 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Sip hot cider and hear a policy update from  Kerry Mackin on the latest developments in Sustainable Water Management and the reaction to our petition.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

The Fall Garden and Putting it to bed -Lecture and Workshop

Friday, October 21, 9 – 10am lecture and 10-noon volunteer garden work,  Riverbend, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Denise King of Denise King Landscapes Designs, who was instrumental in designing and planting the native plant garden and rain gardens at Riverbend, will be presenting on the fall garden; how to extend the season and what to plant to maximize your fall garden colors. She will also lead us through the steps of putting your garden to bed for the winter. After the indoor presentation, we will head out into the gardens for some demonstrations and some practice putting Riverbend’s gardens to bed. If you would like to stay for the garden workshop, please dress appropriately and bring any tools you like to use (small rake, clippers, gloves).

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

IRWA 2011 Annual Meeting

Saturday, October 1, 4 – 6pm, Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

The Ipswich River Watershed Association’s Annual Meeting will be held at Riverbend on Saturday, October 1st.  We are pleased to be joined by Wayne Castonguay, Ipswich Shellfish Board and life long river rat, who has agreed to be our featured speaker for the evening. Wayne will present A Personal History: Ipswich Shellfish.

Refreshments and social hour begin at 4:00pm, and the membership meeting starts promptly at4:30pm.  In addition to hearing from Wayne Castonguay, we will present our annual Volunteer Awards and recognize and thank our River Stewards. Please join us for this informative and inspiring meeting – free and open to the public!

Please RSVP with Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200.

Trails & Sails Lecture: Milling Around the Ipswich

Saturday, September 17th, 10 – 11 am at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

The Ipswich River Watershed Association will present a free talk on the history of the mills along the Ipswich River. “Milling Around the Ipswich River” will be grist for the history buff from Ipswich to Wilmington. After the talk, take a walk on Riverbend’s trail to the river and see our native plant and rain garden and green roof.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Source to Sea: Ipswich Estuary

Saturday, September 10, 9am to noon, Pavilion Beach, Little Neck Rd, Ipswich, MA

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200 for more information.

Source to Sea: Topsfield Magical Mystery Tour

Saturday, July 30th, 8:30am – 11:30am

Jim MacDougall will lead a tour of the Ipswich River somewhere in Topsfield. There are two sections of the Ipswich River he is considering. Either of them has its limits due to weather, so we can’t say which one we’ll do until about 2 days before the 30th.

Register with Cynthia Ingelfinger if you plan to join us. We will send directions on the 28th. Email cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200

Writing Down the River

Please join us for a Writers Workshop with Jason Kirkey on Saturday, July 30th, 1-4pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Source to Sea Paddle from Pine Street to Thunder Bridge

Saturday, July 9, 2011, Please meet at Farnsworth Landing (river and route 114), south Middleton, by 9 AM. Take out will be the Peabody Street landing

The river is running low now. While challenging when low; it is also very interesting. The tough ones are the trips we most remember. July is water flower time; in the last couple years on paddles they’ve been spectacular. Let’s see if we can’t get the whole MST team out there for a long paddle with a leisurely picnic en route. If the water is higher and faster we can dine at Rachel’s Rest.  Neighbors Butch and Liz Cameron say people are reading our sign and stopping.

All are welcome.  Bring friends and family.  If folks lack a vessel let Pike know well ahead of time.  978-774-1507

“Stormwater and Its Impact on Ipswich’s Famous Shellfishery”

Wednesday, June 8, 7 – 8pm, Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA

The Ipswich Conservation Commission is hosting a free Speaker Series Event presented the by Wayne Castonguay, Program Director of The Trustees of Reservation. The event will be held  in the Town Hall on the 2nd floor in Room A.

14th Annual Audubon Nature Festival

Sunday, June 5, 10am – 4pm, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA

Jim MacDougall will be representing IRWA at the Audubon Nature Festival. Jim will be leading fly-tying lessons to all ages and helping kids create unique Father’s Day gifts. Click here for more event details.

The Reading/North Reading Ipswich River Stream Team Presents: The 21st Annual Ipswich River Cleanup

Saturday June 4, 2011, 8 AM–2 PM (Light Rain or Shine)

Meet at Gazebo in the Ipswich River Park, Central Street, North Reading

Groups needed for particular sections so plan your own sections with friends. Needed: Canoes, Saws, Trash scoopers, Enthusiasm! Trash bags provided. Lunch by Cenci’s Catering. T-shirts provided (limited number).

For information contact: Butch Conary (781) 942-7505, Email: buttie36@verizon.net

Bird Walk with Jim Berry

Sunday, May 22, 7 – 8 am,  Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Learn about the birds that live and breed along the Ipswich River with veteran birder and neighbor, Jim Berry. Warbler migration should be in full swing.

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200.

2011 Source to Sea Canoe Trips

Spend a summer Saturday morning out on the Ipswich River for a fun river paddle led by local experts. All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PFD, water, snacks, and proper attire for a hot sun, a thunderstorm, and getting a bit muddy.

May 22: Ipswich (Winthrop St. to Riverbend)
June 11: Reading (Mill St to Pine Rd)
July 9: Middleton (Boston St to Peadbody St)
July TBD: Topsfield
Sept 10: Ipswich (Pavilion Beach)

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call 978-412-8200 for more information.

Greenscapes 101

Wednesday, May 4, 7-8pm, at the Hamilton-Wenham Library, 14 Union St. S. Hamilton

Greenscapes are environmentally friendly yard and lawn care practices that require very little water and chemicals to maintain. Cynthia Ingelfinger, IRWA’s outreach coordinator, will talk about the basics steps to achieving a beautiful chemical free lawn and garden that is safe for children and pets, has healthy plants, and also conserves water (which saves you money).

For more information go to www.hwlibrary.org or call 978-468-5577

Earth Day Native Plant & Rain Garden Tour and Compost Tea Workshop

Saturday, April 30, 1-3pm, Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Rue Sherwood, a local landscape designer, will lead us on a tour of Riverbend’s native plant and rain gardens. Rue specializes in residential garden design and emphasizes a sustainable approach to design, construction and maintenance, and encourages the use of native plantings, rainwater management and recycling of materials.

Believe it or not, composting is fun, and the compost you make is great for your garden. Curt Dragon, certified organic landscaper, will show us how to make compost tea for an inexpensive fertilizer that is “nature’s perfect plant food.”

Please RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org, or call 978-412-8200

Ice Breaker on the Ipswich River

Saturday, April 30, 9 am – Topsfield Canoe launch on Route 97, about a mile south of the intersection with US-1.

The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association is hosting this early season canoe trip! In high water the Ipswich is always a nice trip with plenty of deep water moving along at a pleasant rate. The trip features the section from the Route 97 canoe launch in Topsfield down to the landing just below the Asbury Road Bridge in Ipswich. Usually, it takes less than three hours even with a short break along the way. Plan to arrive at the Route 97 canoe launch in time for a 9am departure and bring a picnic lunch for the take out. For additional information, contact Steve Lapey at 978-374-1104 or stevelapey@comcast.net

Trout Unlimited Work Day at Riverbend

Saturday, April 16, TU Noreast Chapter will be at Riverbend building a trail from the house, across a knoll, to the canoe dock on the Ipswich River and doing various other clean up projects. Thank you Trout Unlimited.

“Organic Lawns for Homeowners” Workshop

Saturday, April 9, 9 am – Noon at Alfalfa Farm Winery, 267 Rowley Bridge Road, Topsfield

The three-hour workshop is recommended for homeowners and anyone who cares for lawns. It will cover all aspects of caring for one’s own lawn organically, including the organic approach to lawn care, soil testing and soil health, growing healthy grass, mowing, seeding, aerating and topdressing techniques and how-to-find organic supplies, compost and materials needed. The workshop will also include a hands-on component including a demonstration of organic lawn equipment and cultural practices on organically maintained properties.

The workshop fee is $25 ($5 discount for NOFA/MOFGA members). For more information or to register for any of the workshops, please contact Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or Kathy@nofamass.org. Online registration is available at www.nofamass.org.

“Yard As Habitat” with Ipswich Audubon’s naturalist, Scott Santino

Wednesday April 6, 7-8pm at the Hamilton-Wenham Library, 14 Union St. S. Hamilton

Attract birds & butterflies by planting native wildlflowers, shrubs and trees. Raffle drawing for a Butterfly Bush. Also featuring IRWA’s Greenscapes program, Hamilton-Wenham Gardening Club & Curbside Compost representatives.

Free to the public, for more information go to www.hwlibrary.org or call 978-468-5577

“Straight Talk” about Organic Lawncare

Tuesday, March 29, 7-9 pm at the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St, North Reading, MA

Please come to a talk about Organic Lawncare – by lawn expert Tom Spence of Northeast Nursery.  The process and products of organic lawns will be discussed, including straight answers about how to create and maintain an organic lawn, or use partial organic methods.  Organic simply means natural, non-synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.  Methods to make your lawn less vulnerable to drought, and how to use less water will be discussed.  Organic products will be on hand, explained, and there will be a free raffle for products.  For info email janet62@comcast.net

Cost: Free and Open to all

Middleton Stream Team Spring Family Hike – Vernal Pool Life

Sunday, March 27, 1-4 pm at Old Hundred Lane off Forest Street in Middleton

Bring your family to visit several vernal pools and their inhabitants on a hike through glacier carved woodlands.  We’ll start near the entrance to Old Hundred Lane off Forest St, about 0.8 mile from its intersection with Route 114.  Plan to arrive a little prior to 12:55 PM and park on the shoulder of Forest St.  March is mud time so be prepared for some wet going in places. To better see some of these small creatures, bring a small open top white plastic container and a net or sieve; we will identify and return them to their habitat afterward.

Questions?  Check our website: middleton streamteam.org for status or Streamteam@comcast.net or call (978) 777-4584

Herring Count Training

Tuesday, March 22, 7 – 8 pm at Riverbend, IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Please join us for the 12th annual Herring Count Training! Trained volunteers will then be able to sign up for 10-minute slots to count fish swimming up the fish ladder in downtown Ipswich from April-June. The Pew Charitable Trust’s Herring Alliance will also be doing a presentation about herring populations and fisheries regulations. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome!

Please RSVP: fishcount@gmail.com or rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200

Brown bag lunch and panel discussion: Living History: Ipswich Residents Reflect on the River

Monday, March 7, 2011: Noon at the Ipswich Museum, 54 South Main Street, Ipswich, MA

Cost: free to IM members, $5 community

Kerry Mackin, Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association will be one of four distinguished panelists addressing such topics as the shellfish and boat building industries, the mills, and the impact of the river on the landscape. Complimentary beverages and desserts will be served

For more information: PeopleAndPlaceProject.com or IpswichMuseum.org

RiverWatch Volunteer Training

Saturday, February 26th: 10-11:30am at IRWA’s Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for the annual training for water quality volunteers. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP : rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200

Winter Tracking Hike

Sunday, February 13th: 4 – 5:30 pm at IRWA’s Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Come enjoy a peaceful late afternoon hiking the trails around Riverbend looking for signs of winter wildlife and learning about how animals adapt to the winter environment. Families are welcome! We’ll have hot chocolate and snacks by the fire afterwards.

Please RSVP by February 11th to cingelfinger@verizon.net or 978-412-8200

Natural History and Protection Strategies for Vernal Pools

Thursday, Jan 27, 7 – 9 pm at the Topsfield Town Library Meeting Room

1 S Common St, Topsfield, MA (978) 887-1509

Join Matt Burne, Conservation Director, Walden Woods Project and Leo P. Kenney,  President of the Vernal Pool Association in an exploration of the natural history of vernal pools and the wonderful wildlife that rely on them, and learn about protection strategies, including official certification, and landscape scale conservation challenges.

Award-winning film Flow

Wednesday, Dec 8, 7 – 9 pm at the Hamilton-Wenham Library

14 Union St, South Hamilton 978-468-5577

Light refreshments by Organic Chef Kim Gregory

Join IRWA Executive Director Kerry Mackin afterwards for a discussion about the world’s dwindling fresh water supply. www.flowthefilm.com

Perspectives on Nature Exhibit and Lecture Series

Wednesday, Dec 1, 6:30 – 7:30 pm at the Ipswich Museum

54 South Main St, Ipswich 978-356-2811

Join IRWA Naturalist, Jim MacDougall at the Ipswich Museum as part of their “Perspectives on Nature” exhibit and lecture series for his perspective on finding inspiration in nature as it relates to the Ipswich River.

Dam Safety and Removal

Wednesday, Nov 17th, 7 – 8 pm at the Ipswich Public Library

25 North Main Street, Ipswich 978-356-6648

Did you know that the Ipswich River Watershed has over 50 dams? Selectively removing unwanted, aging dams is one of the best ways to restore river health and reduce threats to public safety. Join us for a presentation by Beth Lambert from the MA Department of Ecological Restoration on dam removal and related issues in the Ipswich River Watershed.

Ipswich Stream Team Meeting

Tuesday, Nov 9th, 6:30 – 8 pm at IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich 978-412-8200

Come meet the Ipswich Stream Team and help us brainstorm ideas for projects in 2011.

Fireside Chat

Sunday, Nov 7th, 4-6 pm at IRWA, 143 County Rd, Ipswich

Join us for a discussion with IRWA Executive Director, Kerry Mackin, about Safe Yield and how the State is going to protect stream flow and keep our rivers from being pumped dry.

RSVP: irwainfo@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200

Open House for New Members

Maybe you’ve paddled on the Ipswich River or enjoyed a scenic view.  Perhaps you’ve volunteered for IRWA or made a donation, but never formally become a member.  IRWA works to protect and restore clean water, healthy habitat, and recreation for people, fish and wildlife.  Your membership makes it all happen. Members are the bedrock of our organization, and now is the time to join!

What: Open House for New Members.  Explore Riverbend’s trails and the new members-only canoes and boat launch; learn about IRWA’s work; share snacks and drinks with Board and Staff.

When: Sunday, October 24, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Where: Riverbend, IRWA, 143 County Road (1A), Ipswich

Please RSVP by October 17^th to cingelfinger@verizon.net or 978.356.2623

We look forward to seeing you!  Bring your friends and neighbors and enjoy autumn on the river.

Source to Sea Paddle Trips

May 23: Ipswich (Winthrop St. to Riverbend)

Reading 2009

June 12: Reading (Mill St. to Pine Rd.)

July 10: Middleton (Boston St. to Peabody St.)

July 24: Topsfield (Peabody St. to Rte 97)
August 14: Topsfield (Rte 97 to Bradley Palmer)
Sept 18: Ipswich (Choate Bridge to Pavillion Beach

Spend a summer Saturday out on the Ipswich River for a fun river paddle led by local experts. All trips are BYOB (bring your own boat), PFD, water and snacks. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Trish at irwainfo@ipswichriver.org or call 978.412.8200 for more information.

Friday, September 10:8:30 a.m. – noon
Volunteer Work Day

Water is the source of life and too often in short supply. You’re invited to a 9/11 volunteer work day to install a demonstration lawn showing how to have a great lawn without watering or chemicals.  We’ll prepare two beds and plant two demonstration lawns using Pearl’s Premium Grass Seed, Shady and Sunny.  No watering once established.  People, pet and planet-friendly. Please bring spading forks, spades, shovels and work gloves.  8:30 – noon, followed by BYOB (baglunch).  We supply the water!

Please RSVP to Trish at taldrich@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200, ext 12.  Thanks to Pearl’s Premium (pearlspremium.com) for donating seed and Agresource (agresource.com) for donating compost.

Ipswich River Watershed Assn, 143 County Rd (Rt 1A), Ipswich

Wednesday, June 9: 7:30 p.m.
Our Ipswich River
A talk by Kerry Mackin
Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main Street, Ipswich
978.356.6648

Saturday, June 5: 8 am – 2 pm
20th Annual Ipswich River Cleanup
Hosted by the Reading/North Reading Stream Team
Ipswich River Park, Central Street, North Reading
Light Rain or shine Lunch by Cenci’s Catering and limited number of T-shirts provided! Groups needed for particular sections. Plan your own sections with friends. Needed: Canoes, Saws, Trash scoopers, Enthusiasm. Trash Bags provided. For more info, contact Butch Conary at 781.942.7505 or buttie36@verizon.net

Wednesday, May 26
Water 2020 Summit
Hosted by the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
Doyle Conservation Center, Leominster

Sunday, May 23: 2-5 p.m.
Canoe Dock Grand Opening
Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich
Ribbon cutting, ice cream from DownRiver Ice Cream, bring your own picnic supper!
Paddle what many people say is the most beautiful section of the river.

For other events happening in the watershed, be sure to check out:

• Middleton Stream Team
• Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Mass Audubon)

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