First Annual Water Chestnut Pullathon!

Water chestnut control is an on-going project here on our rivers and ponds. This year for Riverfest, we tried something a little new. We turned it into a contest!  We challenged high school-aged students to compete with other sites to pull the most water chestnut they possibly could. Three sites participated - Icehouse Pond in Acton, Carding Mill Pond in Sudbury, and near the Route 27 Bridge on the Sudbury River in Wayland. What better way to spend a summer morning than canoeing, kayaking, and pulling some weeds?!  We will be hosting additional water chestnut removal events through until mid-August, so stay tuned for more opportunities!

Over 30 people, from kids to adults, volunteered and helped us pull water chestnut. Students from local schools, including Lincoln-Sudbury, Acton-Boxborough, Concord-Carlisle, and Hudson High participated as well as several girls from a Concord Girl Scout troop. 

Erikson's Ice Cream in Maynard and Eastern Mountain Sports in Acton graciously provided small prize items to our winning team and other participants.

Ultimately, our volunteers in Acton took home the prize, but not without a good run for their money!  Scroll on for some photos from the event!



The winning team with their pile!

Patriots' Day

History is one of the SuAsCo's five Outstandlingly Remarkable Values, and with good reason. Our area is steeped in history, and is commonly known for its role in the American Revolutionary War. The battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 were the first instances of open, armed conflict between British soldiers and the colonists, and mark the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Last Monday, April 16th, was Patriots' Day (observed), a Massachusetts state holiday that commemorates the events of April 19, 1775.

Reenactors gather from surrounding towns at Old North Bridge in Concord to reenact portions of the battle and to commemorate the deaths of British soliders whose bodies were burried at the bridge.

Britsh Regulars cross Old North Bridge

 Acton and Stow Minutemen gather to face the British

The Stow Minutemen  gather early in the morning of Patriots' Day and retrace the steps that the original Minutemen took on their march to Old North Bridge. They begin at 4:30 am and march through sleepy towns, playing fifes and drums and firing volleys from their muskets. The march is a little over 11 miles long, and they arrive at Old North Bridge just before 9:00 am, in time for the ceremonies at the Bridge.

Old North Bridge is part of Minuteman National Historical Park, which offers a wealth of information, activities, and events for visitors of all ages. They even have a Junior Ranger program! Visit the link to download one of their Junior Ranger booklets - one for ages 4-7 and one for ages 8-11.