Exploring Lawrence’s Riverfront

What happens when a wild and powerful river winds through the heart of a city? You’ll find some unexpected surprises.

Join MRWC’s John Macone as we explore the wild side of the Merrimack  as it powers its way through Lawrence. We’ll see evidence of the autumn’s fish migration, point out the various ways that shad, herring and eels make their way over the 30-foot high dam, and see the Great Stone Dam from an unusual vantagepoint. We’ll also look at the vast amount of human interaction along the Lawrence shoreline, from archaic Native American ceremonial sites to the complex dam and canal system that once powered the mills.  What impact does the dam have on the natural world? We’ll talk about it. And, we’ll learn about how the river is harnessed for drinking water, and how you can take part in a program that will test your tap water for contaminants.

The tour route is about a mile long, and will last a bit more than an hour, starting and ending in Pemberton Park in Lawrence (the park’s parking lot is in the vicinity of 400 North Canal Street). This is a free event, but pre-registration is required. To sign up, please click on this link.