Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will present to the Watertown City Council on Tuesday, October 25th at 7 pm as a part of their Climate Resilience 101 trainings for local elected officials. Two items of note here: Weston is one of 23 communities in the Charles River Watershed (see map below) and Weston was once a part of Watertown until 1712-1713 depending on your calendar. This means we can sneak into their city council meetings as former residents of Watertown. Do not attempt to vote there, however.

Why should you care about this? Because we are all impacted by our neighbors. If you read the Climate Resilience 101 training document, you will see how. Watertown is investigating there removal of the dam on the Charles River in that city. In addition, you will see that Somerville has a super cool tree ordinance and yes, I know the Weston tree canopy is different from Somerville’s. Note that Somerville has a fantastic tree warden who I have met and much admire. In addition, there will be information shared about Indigenous Peoples in the area.

The presentation will include an overview of climate impacts in Watertown, recommendations for increasing resilience like removal of Watertown Dam, adoption of a tree ordinance and stormwater utility, and strengthening wetlands protections, and feature Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag nation, who will present the impacts of dams and the history of Indigenous Peoples.

WHO: Emily Norton, Executive Director, CRWA

Robert Kearns, Climate Resilience Specialist

Hartman Deetz, Mashpee Wampanoag

WHAT: Climate Resilience 101 for Watertown City Council

WHEN: Tuesday, October 25th at 7 PM

WHERE: Richard E. Mastrangelo Council Chamber149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 JOIN VIRTUALLY | STREAM ONLINE

Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.