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Flood control, landscape restoration, water quality improvement, historic preservation, habitat enhancement: the Restoration Project was a vital collaboration of federal, state, city, and town partners.
Photo: Adine Storer
The work included dredging the Muddy River and restoring the adjoining landscape. The US Army Corps provided regular updates.
Photo: Courtney Allender
Thoughout the construction period, the Muddy River parks remained open and accessible while our treasured urban waterway and its ecosystems were improved. What's happening in your park?
Photo: Jonathan Cohn
The citizen-led MMOC continues to provide independent monitoring of river health and works with Project partners to ensure long-term sustainability.
Photo: Damien Hickey
“...the preservation of the present channel...[will] make it permanently attractive and wholesome, and an element of constantly increasing advantage to the neighborhood.”
Frederick Law Olmsted, 1880
The winners of the annual Frances Allou Gershwin Local Social Action Award represent the next generation of environmental stewards.

THE MUDDY RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

PUBLIC OVERSIGHT REIMAGINED

In providing independent oversight of the Muddy River Restoration Project, the MMOC advocates for the public interest, promotes intergovernmental collaboration, and supports best management practices for the long-term health of the Muddy River and its parks.

Project Updates

What's Happening Now?

Charlesgate Alliance Introduces Its Updated Revitalization Report

August 9, 2026

Keeping the public informed of the massive undertaking that is transforming the Charlesgate area is central to the mission of the Charlesgate Alliance. Working in collaboration with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, the Charles River Esplanade Association, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), CA has published a July 2026 report

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Visit The Parks

along the connected greenspace of Our Muddy

Olmsted Park
Riverway Park
Justine Mee Liff Park
Back Bay Fens
Charlesgate

THE FIVE GOALS OF THE MUDDY RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT

Flood Damage Reduction

Photo: Matt Eddy, MMOC

Water Quality Improvement

Photo: Julia Hopkins, CRWA

Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Enhancement

Photo: Courtney Allender

Historic Landscape Rehabilitation

Best Management Practices Implementation

Project Milestones

One of the nation’s most complex environmental restoration projects culminated in the construction of a durable flood risk management channel in 2017. Our Muddy is flowing again!​

New Culverts
and sediment removal enable the Muddy River to flow unimpeded.
Roadway Changes
in a busy city intersection ease the flow of West Fens traffic.
Enhanced Wetlands Plantings
reflect Olmsted’s original vision for the Emerald Necklace.
The Justine Mee Liff Park
becomes the newest in the chain of Muddy River greenspace parks.
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