An all-volunteer organization driven by its commitment to the Muddy River Restoration Project, the MMOC keeps the public informed of milestones and ongoing construction activity.
Some recent highlights of its work:
RIVER OVERSIGHT
In response to an “unanticipated, environmentally destructive and unacceptable” low-water levels and resultant mudflats in sections of the Muddy, the MMOC issued a Statement of Purpose in March, 2026. It reads in part:
“An overarching negative impact of the river’s low water levels are the newly exposed mudflats that are being colonized by highly invasive wetland plants, such as phragmites, which the Project was designed to eliminate at great expense to deter impaired storage capacity. Such plants have potential to rapidly overtake newly planted banks, which is wholly inconsistent with the project goals and plan.
Resultant water levels upstream are approximately 5” lower than originally designed. For some rivers, such a change of water level may not be significant. For the slow-moving, siltation-prone Muddy River, where the water depth is limited and the elevation drops less than a few feet over its entire three-mile length, such an alteration in the water depth profoundly affects the riverine aesthetic as an intended picturesque and environmental asset of the park system.
Currently, there are extensive shallow areas where the water no longer spans bank to bank, extending a considerable distance over the course of the river. Large areas of unsightly and possibly toxic mud are exposed, conducive to mosquito infestation, with serious implications to the intended attractive and healthy open space serving a dense urban population.”
The MMOC is seeking funding for a high-level alternatives assessment study by appropriate experts to identify effective, impactful strategies that will mitigate the lowered water levels and eliminate mudflats in the Muddy River.
Read the full Statement of Purpose.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Since 2007, the MMOC has held meetings for the public about the status of design, permitting, and construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Project .
In February 2020, with support from Emmanuel College, the MMOC hosted a Public Meeting on the Project. Speakers were Wendy Gendron, Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England Division; Chris Cook, then Boston Chief of Energy, Environment and Open Space; and Erin Gallentine, then Director of Brookline’s Parks and Open Space Division.
Coinciding with the launch of Phase 2 of the Restoration Project, the MMOC invited the public to a virtual Construction Preview in February, 2020. Guest presenters included Jennifer Flanagan, Project Manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers; Kyle Merkosky, then Project Manager for Charter Contracting Company; and Tom Brady, Conservation Agent and Tree Warden for the Town of Brookline.
PARTNERSHIPS
The MMOC partnered with The Colleges of the Fenway Sustainability Center to establish The Muddy River Symposium, first held in 2006. An annual spring conference and poster session for college students, the Symposium has featured a wide range of keynote speakers, including Emily Norton, Charles River Watershed Association; John Rogers, Union of Concerned Scientists; Alice Brown, Boston Harbor Now; Noah Wilson-Rich, The Best Bees Company; Gabby Queenan, Mass Rivers Alliance; Mike Keegan, US Army Corps of Engineers; Governor Michael S. Dukakis; and Charles Jewell, Boston Water & Sewer Commission.
One of the highlights of the 20th Annual Muddy River Symposium (April 7, 2026) was the announcement of the winners of the Third Annual Frances Allou Gershwin Local Social Action Award, named in honor of former MMOC Chair Fran Gershwin. The presenters: Ava Pendleton, Aaron Chmura, Cash Eck, and Sophie Vorperian, all students at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
“The Course of the Stony Brook” research project explores an underground Stony Brook, an underground waterway running beneath Wentworth Institute of Technology that connects to the Muddy River in the Back Bay Fens and poses a significant but often overlooked flood risk. In 1996, the Brook flooded portions of the campus, causing substantial damage, and the likelihood of similar events is increasing due to climate change and more intense storms. Students investigated the history and path of the Stony Brook, as well as the infrastructure used to monitor and manage it. Research included mapping the Brook’s underground conduits and reviewing data from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission.
Their findings highlight the importance of public awareness of hidden urban infrastructure. Increasing community understanding of systems like the Stony Brook is critical for improving preparedness and reducing risk in the event of future flooding in Boston.
Photos: Jack Tan
Below: Winners of the 2025 Frances Allou Gershwin Local Social Action Award were COF Sustainability Hub awardees Ella Poor (Emmanuel College), Madison Williams (Simmons University), Felicity Gonzalez (Wentworth Institute of Technology), Lily Cohen (Wentworth), and Katie Kranz (Wentworth). [photo: Jack Tan]
In partnership with The Fenway Alliance and the Greater Boston YMCA, the MMOC celebrated the 2019 International Day of Mud with youth members of the Y to introduce them to the Muddy River and the Restoration Project.
The MMOC joined with Olmsted200 (a campaign of the Olmsted Network, formerly the National Association of Olmsted Parks) to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted in April, 2022.
CELEBRATIONS
On the beautiful spring afternoon of June 5th, 2025, community members and friends, elected officials, representatives from local environmental organizations and DCR gathered at Charlesgate Park for a tree-planting ceremony in honor of MMOC Chair Emerita Fran Gershwin. Sponsored by the Charlesgate Alliance, the event celebrated the planting of 14 trees, seven of which carry inscriptions to Fran from Mass Parks for All, Betsy Shure Gross and Gary L. Gross, the Chestnut Hill Book Club, and the Gershwin Family.
Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the MMOC.