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  • A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
 

41st Run of the Charles: Boston's Premier Paddling Race

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ORGANIZATION: Charles River Watershed Association

  • A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
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The Run of the Charles, Boston’s premier paddling race, returns on Sunday, April 27! From experts to novices, individuals to corporate relay teams, all are welcome. Kicking off the paddling season, the event is the largest flat-bottom boat race in New England and draws over a thousand racers and spectators each year with the help of nearly 100 volunteers.

Run of the Charles is one of the signature events of Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), the leading science and advocacy organization for the Charles River and its watershed. The work accomplished by CRWA over the past 50+ years has significantly improved the health of the 80-mile-long Charles River. CRWA has played a major role in restoring the Charles River, re-establishing it as a destination for paddlers and nature lovers alike.

If you are able to join us to volunteer, please sign up and I'll send detailed volunteer instructions.

8 Shifts

  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST - Spots available: 8
    DCR's Artesani Park, Brighton (set up, registration)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 07:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST - Spots available: 7
    Newton Boathouse Public Parking; Weston (registration)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 08:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST - Spots available: 9
    Moody Street Dam, Waltham (registration, portage help)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 09:30 AM to 01:30 PM EST - Spots available: 5
    Watertown Dam, Watertown (portage, check in for Relay)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM EST - Spots available: 7
    DCR's Artesani Park, Brighton (race timer assistants)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 02:30 PM EST - Spots available: 6
    Bleachery Dam, Waltham (portage assistance)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 10:30 AM to 02:30 PM EST - Spots available: 7
    Watertown Bridge, Watertown (check in for Relay)
  • Sun Apr 27, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 03:30 PM EST - Spots available: 10+
    DCR' Artesani Park, Brighton (raffle sales, Finish Line Fun help, assist in Beer Garden, clean up)
More Shifts

More opportunities with Charles River Watershed Association

No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.

About Charles River Watershed Association

Location:

41 West Street, Floor 8, Boston, MA 02111, US

Mission Statement

One of the country's oldest watershed organizations, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) was formed in 1965 in response to public concern about the declining condition of the Charles. Since its earliest days of advocacy, At Charles River Watershed Association, we strive to: Develop a sound, science-based understanding of interactions in the watershed. Define long-term, cutting-edge solutions to watershed problems. Promote sustainable watershed management practices with government agencies and private entities. Advocate for the protection, revitalization, and expansion of public parklands along the Charles.

Description

The Canoeing for Clean Water Initiative strives to protect the Charles from invasive plant and animal species. The Water Chestnut Removal Prgram focuses on a specific threat the the river: The Water Chestnut.

This plant impacts recreational use of the river for boaters and swimmers and neighbors by narrowing the paddleable areas of the Charles. In addition or being a hinderance, the water chestnunt also decreases both the amount of sunlight reaching the river, as well as the flow rate of the water. Both of these factors lead to decreased oxygen levels, increased water temperatures, and less nutrient availability to more prodctive plant and wildlife.

Events will place up to 30 volunteers out on the river to hand-pull the weeds. Canoers will proceed to fill baskets and bring them to on land disposal sites where they will unload and then repeat the process again. Events last for 3-4 hours and usually start in the mornings around 9AM. Overall it is a fun day of free canoeing and a rewarding and beneficial experience for both the volunteers and the river.

CAUSE AREAS

Community
Environment
Sports & Recreation
Community, Environment, Sports & Recreation

WHEN

Sun Apr 27, 2025
07:30 AM - 04:00 PM
This opportunity has 8 shifts

WHERE

Multiple locations Charles River, MA 02493

(42.366764,-71.303116)
 

DATE POSTED

November 29, 2024

SKILLS

  • Fundraising
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Water Recreation
  • Environmental Education

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • People 55+
  • Public Groups
  • Private Groups

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 16
  • It's a 4 hour time commitment and we do ask for volunteers to stay for the whole shift.
  • The event is rain or shine. If you sign up, you will get detailed instructions prior to the event with exactly what will happen at your requested location.

Private Group Details

  • Group Size Range 1 - 50+
  • Event can be held at a volunteer group location (e.g. office, park)
  • No Donation

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