I worked for the MRWC for more than 3 years, and it was a great experience for me. The MRWC main goal to protect our drinking water. About a month ago I watched a documentary on contaminated drinking water in the wester parts of the United States. After watching the documentary, I really realized how dangerous contaminated drinking water can be and the damages it can do on the human body and the environment. Therefore, I commend the MRWC on the work that it does for the community and surrounding areas.
Over the 2010 summer, I volunteered my time at the Merrimack River Watershed. I had a strong writing background and wanted to exert my skills towards writing their news releases, press releases, e-newsletters, and more. I definitely would rate this a positive experience because I strengthened my writing skills by a lot and learned how to write proper news releases for companies. In the process, I also learned a lot about the background of the watershed, what it does, etc, and was very interested in how it functioned as a drinking water source for most of New England. In addition, I was given very helpful feedback on my work before it was finalized to be put out to the public. Overall, I thought this experience allowed me to broaden my horizons and further explore possible future careers with my major in Journalism!
As an intern of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with amazing and knowledgeable people who truly care about the nature of their organization. I am currently a student at UMass Lowell, and I am one of the many residents who drink the water that comes from the river. For many, the Merrimack River is used for fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and a variety of other activities. Although there are legal water quality standards that the river needs to meet, the MRWC does a great job of informing us that the river may not always be as safe as we would like to think. Furthermore, it takes the initiative to protect the river beyond federal and state standards. The MRWC dedicates it time to water quality monitoring, research, river health advocacy, and many other projects that help to sustain a healthy Merrimack River. The organization also consists of many volunteers who kindly donate their time to river-cleanups and water quality testing. MRWC really goes above and beyond in implementing the necessary projects that help to improve the Merrimack River’s natural habitat. I take pride in working for this nonprofit organization because it consists of great people who work hard in supporting an important cause that much of the community appreciates and admires.
The Merrimack River Watershed Council does what the state and federal government should be doing, but have not done in over a decade. MRWC protects the river and the millions of people who depend on the river...people who live, work, play in the river as well as the 375,000 people in MA and NH who depend on the river as their source of drinking water. The knowledge, passion and care exemplified by the staff for the river and its community are truly remarkable. Tracie is an excellent scientist who leads the watchdog efforts in monitoring the river and tracing sources of pollution. Jim has an amazing way of communicating the beauty and risks of the river and the work MRWC does to protect it. Murielle loves to help folks out with their memberships and does so with a cheery smile. Numerous interns and volunteers lead recreational trips, participate in monitoring trips and assist in office tasks. It was an honor for me to work with the MRWC team. Not only are the people amazing, but what they do with so very litter is astounding.
The Merrimack River Watershed Council is one of New England's first watershed councils. MRWC was competently tending to the river while other watershed were being neglected. The Merrimack is the backbone to New England and MRWC stewards the riverscape masterfully. I particularly like the opportunities to canoe with others and the updates of the latest challenges. I have worked with youth in Lowell and Lawrence, and in local schools. From getting to know the river, to becoming engaged in river preservation, to marveling over the wildlife, the Merrimack River Watershed Council is the finest organization.
When I first walked into the Merrimack River Watershed Council, I had no idea what to expect from my visit; I was there to interview for a work study position for my university. The display at the front of the office caught my interest, and I began flipping through the postcards and pamphlets on the desk. After a few minutes, Jim brought me to the conference center and left me there with some brief literature about the company's mission. As I flipped through the booklets, I realized that this business truly cared for their mission - to protect and conserve the Merrimack. I joined a team that, for the first time in my job experience, actually cared about their company - and for that I'm grateful, because it has taught me a lot about real life in these last few months. In my time here I was able to do more than answer phones; I was placed directly into the business, researching different community service ventures, contacting the media, and getting practical experience with water monitoring equipment. I have learned so much from this organization, and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity with the wonderful people I have met.
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I feel like I've grown along with the MRWC. I started out just wanting to have a group to paddle with - people who knew were to get on the river and where to get off. I've since learned there is much more to the group and have become involved by trying to get other people to appreciate and want to protect the river and it's watershed. Having grown up in a time when the Merrimack and other local rivers were not inviting places to paddle. Paddling them today, I quickly learned that, even as they flow through the busiest cities, they have beauty to share and wildlife to cherish. Rivers really are the lifeblood of all creatures on this earth. I'm grateful the the MRWC for championing and monitoring the mighty Merrimack and it's tributaries.