Forty years ago, the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) was founded to meet the challenges put forward by the passing of the Clean Water Act.
On Jan. 28, the association plans to make a big splash as it prepares to break new ice and kick off its 40th anniversary year with the Mystic River Polar Plunge at Mary O’Malley Park Commandants Way, Chelsea, from 1-2 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
Hot drinks will be served.
Rain, snow or shine — ample parking
The Plunge, featuring association staff, volunteers and others to be recruited, will dive into the Mystic River to celebrate and promote the recreational opportunities of the Mystic as well as the water quality testing and environmental policy efforts that MyRWA has led over its 40-year history.
MyRWA has chosen this challenging plunge to brace for the challenges that will face in the coming year and beyond. MyRWA is starting with a splash as it gets ready to:
· Build upon efforts to achieve a water quality rating that will make the river an uncompromised destination for people who come to enjoy its beauty and recreational potential.
· Recruit more volunteers to advance programs and help with the removal of water chestnuts, an invasive plant, from the upper river.
· Provide environmental education and outreach to youth groups and others along our watershed to advance their appreciation for sound environmental stewardship, and to increase their understanding of the river’s great history and importance to the Greater Boston area.
Prior to The Plunge, brief remarks will be made to launch this anniversary and to recognize the people who have joined MyRWA.
For more information see www.MysticRiver.org.