June is National Rivers Month -- an annual celebration of the beauty and importance of rivers. In honor of this designation, which dates back to 2005, this month I’m highlighting a variety of ways to experience our local rivers. We have lots of them! The North and South Rivers watershed also includes the Indian Head, Drinkwater, and Herring Rivers. Nearby, there are the Gulf, Weir, and Fore Rivers, along with the Jones, Bluefish, Green Harbor, and two different Back Rivers. And plenty more! They are all worth celebrating.
Take a Walk by a River
There’s nothing like a trail with a river view! Consider Norwell’s Norris Reservation, on the North River, or take a stroll through the dunes at Rexhame Beach to enjoy the South River. Bare Cove(Hingham) and Great Esker (Weymouth) Parks both offer views of the Back River. Webb Memorial State Park in Weymouth has frontage on both the Back and Fore Rivers! One of my all-time favorites is the Indian Head River Loop, which extends from Ludden’s Ford Park in Pembroke, through the Tucker Preserve and Hanson’s Rocky Run, and along the Indian Head River Trails in Hanover.
Plan a Paddling Excursion
NSRWA’s favorite local launch sites include the Francis Keville Footbridge (South River), the Marshfield Launch by the Union Street Bridge (North River), Driftway Conservation Park (Herring River), Pembroke Town Forest (North River) and the Hanover Public Launch (Indian Head). To learn how to safely plan and navigate a local river excursion, attend our upcoming Timing the Tidespresentations, or watch the video on Marshfield Community Media.
Charter NSRWA’s Pontoon Boat
Looking for an effortless and inspiring way to enjoy the North River? Consider NSRWA’s Pontoon Boat! Treat yourself and arrange a 2-hour tour for 6 people, with gorgeous landscapes, river views, and glimpses or natural wildlife habitat. Join us and make memories that will encourage you to return year after year. For a true celebration, be sure to pack snacks and beverages!
Learn About Our Local Rivers
In addition to our Timing the Tides presentations, NSRWA gives free public talks at local libraries, senior centers, and community hubs. Get to know the “Rich History of the North and South Rivers,” enjoy a “Photo Tour of the Rivers,” or challenge yourself with River Trivia. View our current schedule here.
osprey photo by Lisa A. Irwin
Observe Some Birds
In the summer, it’s quite common to see ospreys in flight along the North and South Rivers, and sometimes bald eagles as well. Snowy egrets and great blue herons are often spied in the marshes, and cormorants can be observed midstream. If you enjoy birding, bring your binoculars and visit a local river. Drive up and enjoy the view from Mary’s Garden and Rogers Shipyard in Marshfield, Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate, along with Damon’s Point on the North River, or the Sea Street Bridge on the South.
Make Art by the River
Our rivers are also very picturesque! Pause to enjoy the view and let your creativity run wild! Any of the aforementioned spots are likely to foster inspiration. Or check out Marshfield’s Red Gold Farm (Green Harbor River), Kingston’s Mulliken’s Landing (Jones River), Scituate’s Mordecai Lincoln Homestead(Gulf River), Braintree’s Monatiquot River Walkway, and many more.
Plan Your Own Clean-Up
Another way to celebrate National Rivers Month is to help keep our local rivers clean. Plan your own clean-up event or simply bring a trash bag to a local park or boat launch and collect everything that doesn’t belong there. Empty beverage cans, tangles of fishing line, plastic bags and bottles, errant flip-flops ... Keeping this stuff out of the water can really make a difference. Want to make it a group effort? We’ve created this handy guide.
Try Yoga at the River’s Edge
Way back in 1997, I established this annual outdoor yoga program because I hoped to combine my love of rivers with my love of yoga. Thirty seasons later, we continue to gather every summer along the North, South and Herring Rivers to stretch, breathe and relax together. Ready to give it a try? Check out the schedule. We’ve sweetened the deal this year by offering a free class to everyone who makes an NSRWA membership donation between January 1, 2026 and the end of our yoga season.
Challenge Yourself to the Great River Race
Another longstanding NSRWA tradition is the Great River Race, an 8.5-mile journey on the North River through Norwell, Marshfield, Pembroke and Hanover. All non-motorized craft are encouraged to register. Paddle with the incoming tide while enjoying lively community and spectacular scenery, with a picnic and awards ceremony immediately after. It’s happening Sunday, August 9th.
If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to check out NSRWA’s Explore South Shore program. Every morning, we highlight one of the region’s best public nature places on Facebook and Instagram. Walking trails, boat launches, picnic tables, and even playgrounds. Not on social media? We’ve listed all the locations on our website as well!
See you on the rivers!
by Kezia Bacon
June 2026
Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our waters. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. You will also find thirty years of Kezia’s Nature columns there.
