Welcome to the Millers River Watershed Council!
MRWC has the goal of helping people discover what makes the Millers River and its tributaries a natural treasure, one you can enjoy and help protect. MRWC welcomes your input.
2013 Solstice Paddle June 21st Friday Evening Join fellow solstice paddlers on this the longest day of the year for a peaceful person powered cruise down the Millers River Blue Trail.Paddlers can leave their boats in Athol at Cass Meadow/Rich Park at 5-5:15 PM, then drive your car to Orange Riverfront Park and catch the $1 shuttle back for the launch in Athol by 6 PM.The 2 hr +/- paddle will culminate with a visit to a local ice cream stop for fellowship. RSVP…. by June 18th.
It’s here! Spring of 2013: Trib Watch. A new volunteer water quality monitoring program 
involving temperature, flow, and Macro-invertebrates (bugs). All geared to help citizens help MRWC track stream health. We still Need field Volunteers! or help Support Program If you want to get in or near the water and learn more about our local streams, join the team! Or help in house with the data. Thank You.
2013 Bacteria Sampling MRWC began sampling June 12th, see results at www.connecticutriver.us under the “is it clean?” tab. The Millers sites run across northern MA. Your continued support is welcome. Adopt a Site or Support 2013 program.
Plant Road paddlers access along the Otter River ready for 2013. Volunteers reinstalled the access ShoreMax mats at the Plant Rd put-in alo
ng the Otter River Blue Trail. The mats help paddlers put their boats in the water without “sinking” into the mud.
MRWC is also working on further improvements for access along the Otter River. Let us know if you want to help.
May 18th, Blue Trail Opening Day Big Success! Thanks to all who came out to clean up and thanks to Peak Expeditions who joined with a crew. We got a lot done and the Trail is ready for 2013!
Upper Millers/Otter Trail: are you interested in helping with a new leg of the Blue Trail? 
A New Blue Trail Map is in the works and we need input from area paddlers and history buffs. Next we will need trail stewards. Join the adventure!
Contact watershed@millersriver.net for details.
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Stream Continuity/Culvert Survey Project: MRWC is partnering with Millers River TU to survey the condition of culverts at stream crossings across the watershed. Failing culverts restrict fish and small wildlife passage and risk road wash-outs. The ongoing survey will identify and help prioritize where improvements are needed. We need volunteers for 1-3 Saturdays this spring/summer/fall and team leaders. Contact watershed@millersriver.net about this effort.
2012 Bacteria Sampling Report Released MRWC has released the 2012 sampling report for its bacteria monitoring efforts last summer. Both the FULL report and SUMMARY report are available. Adopt a Site or Support 2013 program.
MRWC releases 2005-09 Macro-Invertebrate report. See full report on our Resources page. Aquatic insects are good indicators of water quality.
There’s more:
Rain Garden Pocket Guide now available: published by the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition, this full-color guide is full of photos and illustrations that make building a rain garden simple, fun and affordable.
what is a rain garden?
As a Partner in MWC’s Billion Gallons a Year (BGY) Stormwater Reduction Campaign, MRWC will provide a free copy of the Guide to watershed residents and businesses, while they last. Please contact MRWC to request a copy of the Guide. A modified pdf version of the Guide is also available for download. Contact us
Blue Trail The adventures continued in 2013!
Millers River Blue Trail Guide available. MRWC has released the official Millers River Blue Trail guide in (2) versions, a $3 waterproof edition and a complimentary non-waterproof version. A number of local retailers are carrying the waterproof guide while the complimentary copy can be found at the Athol & Orange public libraries.
