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CHARLES  RIVER  PARKLANDS  UPDATE
Fall 2003

Runners Pause to Give Back to the Parklands

Members of Community Running, an organization whose name neatly describes its charter, are "regulars" in the Charles River Parklands. They can often be spotted training in the parks, running solo or in groups along the river.

One Saturday last May they gathered to give back to the Parklands from which they gain so much pleasure. Joining a Conservancy Volunteers erosion control project, they tackled a wide swath of grassless, compacted soil on the Boston Esplanade. Numberless Parklands users taking short cuts across a section of heavily trafficked pathway had denuded the turf. The runners got down to work.

First, the Community Running members placed hay bales along the water's edge to prevent soil from eroding into the river. Then they began to turn over the tightly compacted soil, spreading a layer of fresh loam over the area as the work progressed.

A round of jokes commenced as to what would befall anyone seen treading on the newly turned ground. Then the group focused on seeding the area, followed by the careful application of moisture-trapping erosion control fabric.

After surveying their handiwork, the runners finished up by roping the whole section off with bright yellow tape. The word "Caution" appearing every few feet in big, black letters made an impressive barrier.

Six months having passed since that high-spirited spring day, we're happy to report the grass so carefully planted by our running friends is thriving! The hay bales have been removed and everything looks great.

We're also heartened by the continuing involvement of Community Runners, who have since become active in several other Parklands Volunteer projects, including the Pathways.

All of which we think proves an old adage: No matter how fast you're running, you should always stop and take a moment to watch the grass grow, especially if you've planted it!

To learn more about current opportunities for volunteering, click on our page about the Conservancy Volunteer Stewardship Program.

Charles River Parklands is published by The Charles River Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the Basin parklands of the Charles River.

Next: Fog Clears, But Post-MDC Parklands Future Still Hazy
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104 Eldredge Street, Newton MA 02458
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© 2003, The Charles River Conservancy.
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