Project Abstract
The Muddy River is a significant part of the Emerald Necklace Park system in Boston, MA and is the most polluted tributary of the Charles River. Organizations have been working to restore the river. However, there is a lack of continuous data about the river’s conditions which makes it difficult to understand their effects. Our project developed accessible methods that volunteers can use to collect data about flow patterns, water levels, and visual status to inform restoration planning and to expand community engagement. We raised questions about how the intersectionality of poor river conditions can be enhanced through citizen science. Involving community volunteers in data gathering can grow knowledge about the river and a constituency that advocates for better restoration.