Riverfest 2024 Celebrates Sudbury, Concord, Assabet Rivers

SUDBURY, MA — Riverfest 2024 kicked off this week, offering a series of events and activities highlighting the history and ecology of the Sudbury, Concord and Assabet rivers.

The Assabet and Sudbury create the Concord River, itself a tributary of the Merrimack River. But each of the three local rivers have their own rich pre- and post-colonial histories, and are vital ecosystems that support the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and other local natural areas.

The River Stewardship Council planned Riverfest along with an array of local educational and environmental groups, offering free hikes, storytimes, paddles and talks through July 28. Here are the upcoming events (descriptions from the River Stewardship Council Riverfest website):

July 11, 7 p.m.

The Birth, Death and Rebirth of Stone’s Bridge, 1674-2024, Wayland Public Library

The New Bridge, as it was known for more than a century, was built over the Sudbury River at the south end of town in 1674. It went on to help drive the British out of Boston, help found Framingham, and play host to Henry David Thoreau. In 1955 it died as a bridge, but was reborn as a monument and one of the most photographed sites in Wayland or Framingham. Tom Sciacca, Wayland’s Representative to the River Stewardship Council, tells the story. Attend in person or via Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/stonesbridge.

July 12, 6 p.m.

Photo Walk at Heard Farm, end of Heard Road, Wayland

Join Wayland photographer Hendrik Broekman for a stroll around the 86 acre Heard Farm Conservation Area. Woods, open fields, wetlands, over 200 species of birds, and the Sudbury River shoreline make Heard Farm a remarkable place with over three miles of trails, many of them old cart paths. Hendrik will provide tips for successful photography with your camera/phone. All ages and abilities are welcome. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Heard Rd. off Pelham Island Rd. Questions: (508)-358-2980.

July 13, 10 a.m.

Natural history of the Sudbury River walk, 73 Weir Hill Road, Sudbury

Enjoy the wonderful vistas of the meandering Sudbury River at Weir Hill, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge with Neela de Zoysa, botanist and instructor at the Native Plant Trust. Be introduced to the glacial sculpting of Weir Hill and the Native American history of the location. Learn about the floodplain trees, swamps of buttonbush and red maple, ferns, graminoids and other herbaceous species. The location has great observation platforms, and boardwalks for examining plants. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy after the 2-hour walk. Meet in the refuge at 73 Weir Hill Rd.

July 13, 10 a.m.

You Too Can Be a Naturalist, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust

Join Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust on a journey of discovery of the floria and fuana that call the Concord River Greenway home. Explore the diverse array of wildflowers that grace our riverbanks, learning about their unique characteristics and ecological significance. Become a citizen scientist as we teach you how to use the free iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals. This leisurely 1.5-mile round-trip walk (1.5 hours) is suitable for all ages. Take your time to soak in the sights and sounds of nature, with plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge along the way. Pre-registration at https://lowelllandtrust.org/wi... required.

July 13, noon to 4 p.m., July 14, noon to 4 p.m.

Middlesex Canal Exhibits

Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St.

July 14, 2 p.m.

Saxonville History

Join the Framingham History Center for an immersive 75-minute walking tour of Saxonville as we explore the rich tapestry of its history, land, and waterways. This tour will shed light on the business, social, and civic life of this vibrant neighborhood while also delving into the natural features and waterways that helped shape this historic community and that of Framingham. Meet on the Central St. Bridge over the Saxonvile Falls and Dam (across from the Saxonville Mills).

July 15, 6 p.m.

Changes in Concord’s Bird Life From Thoreau’s Day to Today, Concord Public Library

A colorful talk on what birds Henry saw versus today, presented by Peter Alden, author of the forward and scientific editor of the newly published “A Year of Birds”. Our grassland birds have become rare. A number of forest and marsh birds that used to nest here have vanished as breeders. Many southern species have come north due to a changing climate, bird feeders and a plethora of invasive plant fruits. Birds that were overhunted have come back big time. Henry never saw ravens, turkeys or turkey vultures let alone deer. What is the one bird Henry recorded often and is now extinct? Concord Public Library, 129 Main St.

July 16, 8 a.m.

Birding the Lincoln Codman Conservation Land and Farm Meadow

Join Lincoln Conservation Director, Michele Grzenda, on a 2-hour birding stroll around Codman Estates, Farm Meadow and North Codman Conservation Area. Meet 25 bird species commonly found in our neighborhoods, wetlands, and forests, and learn various field identification techniques by sight and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them; long sleeve shirt and pants (for mosquitoes). bug spray, and water. Pre-registration required.

July 16, 10 and 11 a.m.

Riverfest Storytime, Fowler Library

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow! For children 5 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St.

July 20, 10 a.m.

Walk with Thoreau along the Middlesex Canal

Join experienced guide Marlies Henderson for a 3-hour exploration of extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, from the Billerica Falls to River Neck Rd, Chemlsford, and back, reading passages from Henry David Thoreau’s Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. High boots recommended. Pre-registration required.

July 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Yoga, Games, Art and History at the Old Manse

Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day of entertainment at the historic Old Manse at 269 Monument St. Rain (some activities) or shine.

July 20, 10:30 a.m.

Outdoor Yoga

Join On the Mat for a yoga class with gorgeious views of the Concord River. Accessible for all ages and skill levels. Bring your own mat. If rain, yoga will be held under a tent.

Riverfest Storytime, July 20, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow! For children 5 and under.

July 20, 11 a.m.

North Bridge History, Minute Man National Historical Park

Learn about the momentous battle at Concord’s North Bridge, where the British Army suffered its first casualties of the war, and the legacy of this event in American History. Meet a Park Ranger at the benches by the North Bridge.

Find more events on the Riverfest website.