Business Details
35 Years
experience
Protecting Watersheds and Promoting Sustainable Development in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition has been a leader in watershed protection and restoration since 1991. Our mission focuses on safeguarding ecosystems through community collaboration, policy advocacy, and sustainable land management. With decades of collective experience, our team provides expert guidance on low-impact development, stormwater solutions, and open space conservation. We partner with municipalities, state agencies, and local stakeholders to implement science-based strategies that improve water quality and preserve natural resources.Our authoritative approach combines watershed planning tools with innovative techniques like rain gardens and bioretention practices. Transparency in operations, community engagement, and adherence to environmental regulations form the foundation of our trusted services. We deliver measurable outcomes through pilot projects, educational workshops, and policy frameworks that address sprawl-related pollution while maintaining regional ecological balance.
Services
Watershed Management
Low Impact Design
Rain Gardens
Open Space Planning
Community Education
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized expertise in watershed management
- Our team partners with state and federal environmental agencies
- We implement proven low-impact development techniques
- Community-based approach to environmental problem-solving
- Cost-effective stormwater solutions for municipalities
Services
Watershed Management
Our watershed management services combine scientific research with community engagement to protect aquatic ecosystems. We develop customized plans that address pollution, habitat loss, and water quality issues through collaborative partnerships with municipalities and environmental agencies. Our approach integrates land use planning with natural resource conservation to ensure long-term ecological balance.
Low Impact Design
Low Impact Design services focus on minimizing environmental disruption during development projects. We implement techniques like permeable paving and green roofs to manage stormwater naturally. Our solutions reduce infrastructure costs while maintaining ecological integrity through site-specific design strategies that work with natural landscapes rather than against them.
Rain Gardens
Rain garden implementation services help communities manage stormwater runoff effectively. We design and install native plant gardens that filter pollutants while recharging groundwater. These aesthetically pleasing solutions reduce flooding risks and improve water quality through natural filtration processes using regionally appropriate vegetation.
Open Space Planning
Our open space planning services help municipalities preserve critical natural areas through strategic land use policies. We develop conservation frameworks that protect drinking water sources, wildlife habitats, and recreational spaces while balancing development needs. Our approach maintains community character through science-based land use recommendations.
Community Education
Community education programs build local capacity for watershed stewardship. We offer workshops on stormwater management, conservation techniques, and policy development. Our educational resources empower residents and officials to implement sustainable practices through hands-on training and technical guidance materials.
People
Ed Himlan
Executive Director
30 years of watershed management experience, including 13 years leading the Nashua River Watershed Association. Holds a Master's in Regional Planning from UMass Amherst. Active on multiple environmental advisory committees and local conservation boards.
Debbie Shriver
Project Coordinator
GIS specialist with advanced degrees in Watershed Science and City Planning. Coordinates community outreach programs and technical workshops. Serves on multiple environmental education boards while managing conservation data and mapping initiatives.
Linda Mack
Board President
Nonprofit management expert leading the Coalition's strategic direction. Brings extensive experience in organizational leadership and community development through her work with HeronGrace Nonprofit Solutions.
Questions
What watershed regions do you work in?
We operate across all 28 watersheds in Massachusetts, with special focus on the Wachusett Reservoir region and its surrounding communities.
How can municipalities implement low-impact development?
We provide technical assistance, model bylaws, and cost-benefit analyses to help towns adopt LID techniques through zoning reforms and infrastructure projects.
Do you offer educational programs for residents?
Yes, we conduct workshops on rain gardens, stormwater management, and conservation planning for homeowners and community groups.
How does the Coalition fund its projects?
We receive support through member donations, state grants, and partnerships with environmental agencies and private foundations.
Can businesses participate in watershed protection?
Yes, we collaborate with local businesses on stormwater solutions and sustainable development practices that benefit both commerce and water quality.
