FRAMINGHAM, MA – Celebrate our Wild and Scenic Rivers at the 13th Annual RiverFest, June 20th through the 22nd, 2014 — a rare opportunity to enjoy a full weekend of activities free of charge! RiverFest, which celebrates the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers, includes 45 events in nine communities and is open to all who want to experience the beautiful rivers flowing through our communities.

RiverFest Events on Saturday, June 21, 2014 in Framingham:

• Discovery Walk: 10 a.m. — Join the Framingham Conservation Commission on a discovery walk on the Carol Getchell Trail. We’ll “go there and back again” and look for tracks and emerging plants along the banks of the Sudbury River as spring turns toward summer. Meet at the end of Little Farms Road. Please call 508-532-5460 or e-mail mnw@framinghamma.gov to register and for directions and trail conditions.

• Self-Guided History Walk: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Join the Friends of Saxonville for refreshments and a self-guided history walk in Saxonville, the oldest part of Framingham. Meet on the historic Danforth Bridge for your map. For more information, contact Lynne at lynne@damianosphotography.com

• Family Walk Along the River: 1 p.m. — Join the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Rx walk especially for families with young children starting at the Danforth Bridge. For more information, contact Libby at lsdeegear@outdoors.org

In the MetroWest area, from Framingham to Lowell, events will be hosted on and along the rivers highlighting all the things that make these rivers so special. The offerings are diverse, suitable for young and older people, those who are adventuresome and want to be on the water, as well as those who enjoy history, the arts, or a scenic stroll along the river banks.

There are boat rides, bird watching walks, and canoe trips, as well as historical reenactments, art exhibits, and music.  Kids may especially enjoy events allowing them to explore the river banks or get an up close look at some wildlife. Local community groups plan and organize all the activities. Stay close to home, or travel a short distance, and spend the day enjoying all the rivers have to offer.

In recognition of their outstanding and remarkable resource value, the U.S. Congress designated 29 miles of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers as part of the national Wild and Scenic River System in 1999. The River Stewardship Council (RSC) was created to promote the preservation of these river resources. The RSC is a partnership of representatives from each of the eight shoreline communities, state and federal agencies and three regional conservation organizations.

For a full listing of events, maps, and to find the events in your community, please visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org or call 978-369-3956 with any questions.

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