Business Details
35 Years
experience
Protecting Watersheds Through Community Action
Founded in 1991, we are a dedicated organization committed to protecting and restoring watershed ecosystems across Massachusetts. Our mission focuses on sustaining healthy rivers, streams, lakes, and water supplies while preserving terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Through community partnerships, we strengthen local groups' capacity, raise public awareness about land and water management, and advocate for improved environmental policies. Our work builds on the legacy of the Massachusetts Watershed Initiative, which pioneered collaborative approaches to resource management. We specialize in addressing stormwater runoff through low-impact development techniques and community education programs.Our team provides expert guidance on watershed planning, pollution prevention, and habitat restoration. We collaborate with state and federal agencies, citizen groups, and private partners to implement sustainable solutions. Our services include designing land and water management programs, conducting workshops, and developing educational resources. We prioritize small watershed approaches to protect local streams and promote ecological balance. With over three decades of experience, we remain at the forefront of watershed stewardship in New England.
Services
Stormwater Management
Rain Garden Installation
Watershed Planning
Community Education
Low Impact Development
Habitat Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of experience in watershed management and restoration
- Our community-focused approach combines science with local knowledge
- We partner with state and federal agencies for comprehensive solutions
- We develop practical, cost-effective stormwater management techniques
- Our educational programs empower residents and local governments
Services
Stormwater Management
Our stormwater management services help communities reduce polluted runoff through low-impact development techniques. We implement rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green infrastructure to filter pollutants. Our solutions protect water quality while managing flood risks in urban and suburban areas.
Watershed Planning
We develop comprehensive watershed management plans that balance development needs with environmental protection. Our approach combines scientific analysis with community input to create sustainable land-use strategies. Services include mapping, policy development, and implementation guidance for local governments.
Community Education
Our educational programs teach residents and officials about watershed stewardship through workshops, online resources, and hands-on projects. We provide technical training for municipal staff and develop curriculum materials for schools. Our goal is to build local capacity for water protection.
Habitat Restoration
We restore degraded aquatic habitats by removing barriers, stabilizing streambanks, and reintroducing native vegetation. Our projects improve conditions for fish and wildlife while enhancing water quality. We work with communities to develop long-term maintenance plans for restored areas.
Low Impact Development
Our LID solutions integrate natural processes into development projects to manage stormwater at its source. We design systems that mimic natural hydrology through rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and vegetated swales. These approaches reduce infrastructure costs while protecting water resources.
People
Ed Himlan
Executive Director
Ed Himlan leads the Coalition's efforts to protect Massachusetts watersheds through community partnerships and innovative solutions. With decades of environmental experience, he oversees program development and strategic initiatives.
Questions
What services does the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition provide?
We offer watershed planning, stormwater management solutions, community education programs, habitat restoration guidance, and low-impact development consulting.
How can homeowners help protect local watersheds?
Homeowners can implement rain gardens, reduce impervious surfaces, properly manage yard waste, and participate in our BGY campaign's stormwater solutions.
What is the Billion Gallons a Year (BGY) campaign?
BGY is our initiative helping communities reduce stormwater pollution through voluntary actions like installing rain gardens and permeable paving systems.
How does the Coalition work with municipalities?
We provide technical assistance, conduct workshops, and develop customized stormwater management plans for towns and cities across Massachusetts.
Can businesses participate in watershed protection efforts?
Yes, we help businesses implement sustainable practices through our BGY campaign, including parking lot retrofits and employee education programs.
