Middleboro Girl Scouts rally community support to adopt the Nemasket River

MIDDLEBORO — Ten Girl Scouts from Middleboro Cadettes Troop 64979 recently earned unanimous approval from the Middleboro Conservation Commission to adopt a portion of the Nemasket River.

The approval will launch a youth-led project focused on environmental stewardship and community engagement. During their Feb. 5 presentation to the commission, the scouts outlined a pilot program that combines water quality monitoring with hands-on restoration efforts, while actively encouraging local involvement in protecting the river.

The troop shared results from a water quality study conducted at Oliver Mill Park showing a decline in river health since 2001, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and collective action.

Their proposal includes testing multiple sites along the river, restoring eroded shorelines, protecting turtle nesting habitats, conducting a bio-blitz, and supporting local and state river initiatives — all designed to increase public awareness and participation.

Commission members praised the girls for their initiative, noting the value of engaging youth and the broader community in conservation efforts. The board expressed enthusiasm for the project and requested ongoing updates as the work progresses.

Community support for the initiative was further demonstrated through a letter from the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, which endorsed the troop’s efforts and highlighted how adopt-a-river programs strengthen community connections to local waterways. 

The Alliance noted that the scouts’ work would increase public engagement, recreation, and long-term investment in the health of the Nemasket River and the greater Taunton River Watershed.

With approval secured, Troop 64979 hopes their project will not only improve river health and wildlife habitat, but also inspire residents to take an active role in preserving a vital community resource.