Belmont Rower Looks Out for the Charles River

By Zeus Smith

As a US National Team rower, Belmont resident Maggie Fellows spends a lot of time on the Charles River.

Since 2021, the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) has mobilized a cohort of passionate community leaders like Fellows to push for climate-smart policies and practices right in their backyards. Called River Advocates, this program brings together volunteers from various backgrounds and experiences to learn effective advocacy strategies and steward a more climate-resilient future.

The River Advocates program is a crash course in civic engagement––by joining, volunteers find a community of like-minded individuals interested in learning about direct actions to affect meaningful change. Recently, the program has grown significantly. Over 25 local leaders have signed up for the program and are pushing for policies like stronger wetlands protections, stormwater utilities, and more.

“As an Olympic hopeful, I am frequently on the water,” says Fellows. “Because I’m out there so often, I see how climate change and human influence affect the Charles. I am very concerned about the future of our planet and want to find a way that I can make a difference in the community. The River Advocates program provides me with resources so that I can learn more and take action while I’m still training for rowing.”

What this looks like is very different in each of the 35 cities and towns that make up the Charles River watershed. From navigating the ins and outs of municipal bylaws and ordinances to strengthening environmental protections to championing green infrastructure and tree canopy to even state-level legislative advocacy, these leaders foster the change we need to see to assure a clean, resilient Charles River for future generations.

River Advocates are active in Waltham, Brookline, Cambridge, and, of course, Belmont, where there is much to do. CRWA’s research reveals that the town is one of only two in the watershed with neither a specific local tree ordinance nor a local wetlands protection bylaw that expands protections for isolated wetlands, intermittent streams, and vernal pools. These policies can improve wildlife habitat, control stormwater pollution, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the River Advocates program, Fellows has been pushing for change––particularly around invasive plant species, water quality, and sewer overflows.

“Climate change is majorly affecting the Charles River and stressing the ecosystem,” Fellows said. “For example, changing precipitation patterns lead to more frequent intense rainstorms, causing flooding, increased runoff, and higher incidences of combined sewage overflows. More nutrients and higher temperatures lead to more cyanobacteria blooms and the proliferation of invasive species. Reducing climate change is one of the biggest ways we can make a difference for the entire watershed. That means taking action to reduce our carbon emissions.

“How can we do that? Drive less, reduce energy inefficiencies in our homes, eat local, plant trees, vote for leaders who act on climate, and so much more. Don’t let the magnitude of the problems keep you from taking small steps in the right direction,” advocates Fellows.

Fellows is a dedicated and reliable member of the River Advocates program, always bringing creative energy to these pressing environmental issues. In addition to the River Advocates, she is a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby, a bipartisan group of volunteers working to raise awareness and lobby elected officials to pass climate legislation.. She is truly committed to this work, and CRWA is lucky to have her on the team.

“Climate action can’t wait. We are running out of time to make the changes necessary for a livable future world. Everyone can have an impact, and that action starts on the local level,” says Fellows.

Want to get involved? Become a River Advocate! Visit crwa.org/river-advocates to learn more about the program and sign up.

Zeus Smith is CRWA’s associate attorney. He works at the local, state, and federal levels to protect the Charles River and its watershed.