Upcoming Programs
The NRWA offers walks, workshops, and lectures providing the most current science presented by leaders in the fields of natural resource protection, land management and stewardship, water science and river restoration, climate resilience, wildlife biology, and other fields relevant to our mission. These programs are open to the public, and generally free of charge.
Join us to learn more about our watershed and have an opportunity to gather with other conservation-minded individuals.
Upcoming Programs
NRWA Curiosity Club
If you have ever looked at the natural world and wondered “Why?”, “What?” or “How?” then Curiosity Club is for you! Join Nashua River Watershed Association Education Staff for an hour of exploration with nature specimens, magnifiers, microscopes and plenty of time to investigate and find answers.
Fearless With Color: Selected Works in Watercolor
Experience the bold, expressive watercolor paintings of artist John Barnard in Fearless With Color, throughout September at the Prescott Community Center in Groton, with an opening reception on Friday, September 11, from 5:00–8:00 PM.
NRWA Annual Meeting 2026
Join us to celebrate the progress we’ve made together to protect the nature of our communities, and the positive impact for our individual and collective well-being. — Thurs Nov 12th from 7 to 9pm. Registration required.
Video: Dam Removals in Massachusetts
In this video presentation, the Nashua River Watershed Association gives a general overview of why and how unsafe dams are removed, and what changes you might expect to see in your community as a result.
Adopt-a-River Program: Seeking Volunteers
NRWA is seeking volunteers for our Adopt-a-River Program to scout and remove invasive water chestnut for high risk segments of the Nashua River.
Video: NRWA Paddling 101
ACA Certified Guide Stacey Chilcoat presents a talk about paddling equipment & safety, paddling options and accessibility, and best practices when exploring the diverse habitats of our local rivers. She also introduces NRWA’s new online paddling maps.
Fundamentals of Dam Removal for Dam Owners and Municipalities
The NRWA recently hosted and recorded a free webinar for municipalities, dam owners, and other entities interested in learning about the fundamentals of dam removal in their communities. View the video. View the PPT slides. Please note, the NRWA will be...
Climate Impact in the Nashua River Watershed: What is Happening and Actions We Can Take: Free Five Part Series
In 2022, the NRWA presented this speaker series on “Climate Impact in the Nashua River Watershed: What is Happening and Actions We Can Take”. Each presentation was recorded and is available for viewing thru links on this page or on our YouTube channel. 2022...
Upcoming Programs
NRWA Curiosity Club
If you have ever looked at the natural world and wondered “Why?”, “What?” or “How?” then Curiosity Club is for you! Join Nashua River Watershed Association Education Staff for an hour of exploration with nature specimens, magnifiers, microscopes and plenty of time to investigate and find answers.
Fearless With Color: Selected Works in Watercolor
Experience the bold, expressive watercolor paintings of artist John Barnard in Fearless With Color, throughout September at the Prescott Community Center in Groton, with an opening reception on Friday, September 11, from 5:00–8:00 PM.
NRWA Annual Meeting 2026
Join us to celebrate the progress we’ve made together to protect the nature of our communities, and the positive impact for our individual and collective well-being. — Thurs Nov 12th from 7 to 9pm. Registration required.
Video: Dam Removals in Massachusetts
In this video presentation, the Nashua River Watershed Association gives a general overview of why and how unsafe dams are removed, and what changes you might expect to see in your community as a result.
Adopt-a-River Program: Seeking Volunteers
NRWA is seeking volunteers for our Adopt-a-River Program to scout and remove invasive water chestnut for high risk segments of the Nashua River.
Video: NRWA Paddling 101
ACA Certified Guide Stacey Chilcoat presents a talk about paddling equipment & safety, paddling options and accessibility, and best practices when exploring the diverse habitats of our local rivers. She also introduces NRWA’s new online paddling maps.
Fundamentals of Dam Removal for Dam Owners and Municipalities
The NRWA recently hosted and recorded a free webinar for municipalities, dam owners, and other...
Climate Impact in the Nashua River Watershed: What is Happening and Actions We Can Take: Free Five Part Series
In 2022, the NRWA presented this speaker series on “Climate Impact in the Nashua River Watershed:...
Past Programs
Learn to Fly Fish Workshop
Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Squan-a-tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) leads this hands-on, full day Learn to Fly Fish Workshop, a no pressure beginner’s class with the opportunity to learn all the basics from experienced instructors. Space limited to 10; registration required.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities: Invasive Water Chestnut Training and Pulls
Training in June: In-person in Groton and Virtual
Group Pulls in July: Ayer, Nashua, and Pepperell
Volunteers are needed to help scout and pull invasive water chestnut plants to prevent their spread in our waterways. Can you help?
Caterpillars of New England: Celebrating Spring Biodiversity – Virtual
Thursday, May 14 beginning at 7:00 pm on Zoom
The NRWA is hosting The Caterpillar Lab for a video- and photography-packed presentation revealing the caterpillars whose ecosystems we inhabit, and our roles as neighbors, stewards, and champions of these incredible insects. Registration required; register online today.
The World of Turtles with Sy Montgomery & Matt Patterson
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL TO CAPACITY
Saturday, April 18th beginning at 1:00 PM
Arlington Street Community Center
36 Arlington Street, Nashua, NH 03060
Join award-winning author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson for an engaging, family-friendly exploration of the fascinating world of turtles.
Semi-Aquatic Mammals of the Nashua River and Merrimack River Watersheds
Wednesday, February 18 10:00 AM at the Nashua Senior Activity Center
Learn more about otter, beaver, mink, and more through original photos and videos. Registration required.
Dam It: Partnering with Beavers to Save the Planet with Author Ben Goldfarb – Virtual
Thursday, March 12 beginning at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Join Ben Goldfarb, author of the acclaimed book, “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers” to learn more about “nature’s engineer” the North American beaver and their role in wetland restoration, some of the most valuable habitats for natural and human communities. Registration is required; register online.
Water’s Journey: A Three-part Series- Virtual
Part 3: Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Part 1 & 2 can be viewed on NRWA’s YouTube channel
Water is at the heart of all that the Nashua River Watershed Association does, and understanding the science of hydrology– how water moves through our watershed- is essential to our work. Join NRWA Board members as they lead this series covering basic hydrology concepts, human and climate alterations to natural hydrology, and actions we can take to protect and restore our natural hydrology. Registration required; register online.
Winter Sowing: Get a Head Start on Your Spring Garden
Jan. 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the NRWA River Resource Center
Winter sowing is a way to get a head start on your garden by planting seeds outdoors in the winter in order to develop healthy seedlings ready for planting in spring. You can winter sow many types of plants including perennials, vegetables, and herbs. This presentation will focus on the winter sowing of native perennials. Registration required; register online.
NRWA Storytime at Groton Public Library
January 13 from 10:30 to 11:00 am at the Groton Public Library
NRWA Education Director Gaynor Bigelbach visits the Groton Public Library to read aloud two of Amy MacDonald’s charming picture books about Little Beaver, and lead a simple craft project. For children under age 5.
How Animals Prepare for Winter
December 21 from 1:00 to 3:00pm in Devens
Join the fun of this winter solstice program at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge’s Bill Ashe Visitor Facility. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Registration required.
Past Programs
Learn to Fly Fish Workshop
Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Squan-a-tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) leads this hands-on, full day Learn to Fly Fish Workshop, a no pressure beginner’s class with the opportunity to learn all the basics from experienced instructors. Space limited to 10; registration required.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities: Invasive Water Chestnut Training and Pulls
Training in June: In-person in Groton and Virtual
Group Pulls in July: Ayer, Nashua, and Pepperell
Volunteers are needed to help scout and pull invasive water chestnut plants to prevent their spread in our waterways. Can you help?
Caterpillars of New England: Celebrating Spring Biodiversity – Virtual
Thursday, May 14 beginning at 7:00 pm on Zoom
The NRWA is hosting The Caterpillar Lab for a video- and photography-packed presentation revealing the caterpillars whose ecosystems we inhabit, and our roles as neighbors, stewards, and champions of these incredible insects. Registration required; register online today.
The World of Turtles with Sy Montgomery & Matt Patterson
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL TO CAPACITY
Saturday, April 18th beginning at 1:00 PM
Arlington Street Community Center
36 Arlington Street, Nashua, NH 03060
Join award-winning author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson for an engaging, family-friendly exploration of the fascinating world of turtles.
Semi-Aquatic Mammals of the Nashua River and Merrimack River Watersheds
Wednesday, February 18 10:00 AM at the Nashua Senior Activity Center
Learn more about otter, beaver, mink, and more through original photos and videos. Registration required.
Dam It: Partnering with Beavers to Save the Planet with Author Ben Goldfarb – Virtual
Thursday, March 12 beginning at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Join Ben Goldfarb, author of the acclaimed book, “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers” to learn more about “nature’s engineer” the North American beaver and their role in wetland restoration, some of the most valuable habitats for natural and human communities. Registration is required; register online.
Water’s Journey: A Three-part Series- Virtual
Part 3: Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Part 1 & 2 can be viewed on NRWA’s YouTube channel
Water is at the heart of all that the Nashua River Watershed Association does, and understanding the science of hydrology– how water moves through our watershed- is essential to our work. Join NRWA Board members as they lead this series covering basic hydrology concepts, human and climate alterations to natural hydrology, and actions we can take to protect and restore our natural hydrology. Registration required; register online.
Winter Sowing: Get a Head Start on Your Spring Garden
Jan. 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the NRWA River Resource Center
Winter sowing is a way to get a head start on your garden by planting seeds outdoors in the winter in order to develop healthy seedlings ready for planting in spring. You can winter sow many types of plants including perennials, vegetables, and herbs. This presentation will focus on the winter sowing of native perennials. Registration required; register online.
NRWA Storytime at Groton Public Library
January 13 from 10:30 to 11:00 am at the Groton Public Library
NRWA Education Director Gaynor Bigelbach visits the Groton Public Library to read aloud two of Amy MacDonald’s charming picture books about Little Beaver, and lead a simple craft project. For children under age 5.
How Animals Prepare for Winter
December 21 from 1:00 to 3:00pm in Devens
Join the fun of this winter solstice program at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge’s Bill Ashe Visitor Facility. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Registration required.
The Public Value of Pepperell’s Forest and Shade Trees
November 22 from 11:30am to 1:00 pm in Pepperell
The trees in our communities provide invaluable services improving our quality life. William Moomaw, PhD, will present this free talk, also available by live-stream.
Native Bees of New England: Their Diversity & Natural History with Michael Veit
Learn about the amazing world of native bees in Massachusetts with bee enthusiast and researcher Michael Veit– on Wed. Oct. 22 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the NRWA River Resource Center. Registration required.
NRWA Annual Meeting 2025
Join us to celebrate the progress we’ve made together to protect the nature of our communities, and the positive impact for our individual and collective well-being. — Thurs Nov 13th from 7 to 9pm. Registration required.
Paddling 101 with Stacey Chilcoat
Enjoy this zoom presentation on the basics of paddling and NRWA’s new online paddling maps presented by Stacey Chilcoat, ACA paddling instructor and naturalist– Wed. Sept. 24 at 7pm. Registration required.
Guided Fern Walk in Shirley, MA
Join NRWA and our guest host, Elizabeth Perry, for an exploration of ferns at Farandnear in Shirley, MA on Sun. Sept. 14 from 1 to 3pm. Registration is required.
Nature Quest for Youth & Families: Exploration at Lovewell Pond in Nashua
Families with children ages 6 to 13 are invited to join us for an early fall nature walk at Lovewell Pond in Nashua on Sat. Sept.13 from 1 to 3pm. Registration is required.
Storytime: All the Water in the World at Groton Public Library
Join NRWA’s Gaynor Bigelbach at the Groton Public Library for storytime, water experiments, and a craft on the theme of All the Water in the World. Registration required.
Marion Stoddart: Work of 1000 Documentary Film Screening in Nashua, NH
View the documentary story of Marion Stoddart and her work to restore the Nashua River, from highly polluted to a vibrant living system, and hear from NRWA Executive Director Cliff Simmonds on the work of the NRWA today.
Free NAACC Stream Crossing Assessment Training at NRWA for Conservation Commissions, DPWs, and Others
The NRWA is offering free NAACC Stream Crossing Assessment training to conservation commissions, DPWs, and others in September. Space limited to 10 attendees. Signup today.
NRWA Open House: FREE Event
Meet the NRWA’s Executive Director, Cliff Simmonds at this FREE Open House.
