Concord to Celebrate Virtual Riverfest - June 17-21

Although The Umbrella Arts & Environment program will not be hosting our traditional Summer Solstice and Cardboard Boat Race Challenge this year, we're delighted to say that the SUASCO River Stewardship Council has devised a terrific virtual celebration and set of resuorces for self-guided river exploration. We're glad to share the information below. 

Summer is here! There’s no better time than now to experience the Wild and Scenic Rivers in your own backyard. We invite you to come and celebrate the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers at Virtual Riverfest.  Nothing can completely replace the festivities of past in-person events, but we encourage you to explore, learn, and enjoy our rivers through activities that you can do at home or on your own along our rivers.   

Riverfest is the annual celebration of the federally protected Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers. Congress designated the rivers in 1999, and this year we celebrate over 20 years of dedicated work to protect and enhance the rivers. Riverfest is your opportunity to explore why the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord are so unique and special!

This year’s activities will highlight the historic, recreational, scenic, and ecological values of our Wild and Scenic Rivers. From interactive historic tours to interpretive paddles and walks to recreational maps and other resources, there is something for people of all ages! Kids can earn their Junior River Ranger badge, enjoy a Wild & Scenic Film Festival, take a nature photography class, or learn about the rivers on a virtual watershed tour. Bring out your inner naturalist by grabbing your binoculars and smart phone and observing and identifying wildlife along the rivers. Take in the local history of the rivers with a virtual museum tour or interpretive talk with a ranger at Minute Man National Historical Park. Looking for something more adventurous? Ride for the Rivers, go on a RiverQuest, or use our recreation guides to plan your own excursion.

The River Stewardship Council (RSC) was created to promote the protection of these river resources. The Council is a partnership of representatives from each of the eight shoreline communities, state and federal agencies, and two regional conservation organizations. The virtual content of Riverfest is volunteer led/created by partner organizations of the RSC.

For a full listing of virtual and self-guided content and resources, please visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org.