Conservation

WELCOME TO THE MEDWAY CONSERVATION OFFICE!

The Conservation Office has participated in obtaining grants and working with non-profits regionally to receive grants and take a more regional approach to waterhsed protection. Specifically, Medway is within the Charles River Watershed. In collarboration with the Sustainability Cooridnator our office has been an active participant in the Charles River Watershed Climate Compact. This has allowed Medway to be 1 of 19 communities to receive a grants to complete studies, develop green infrastructure projects, which will assist in goals to achieve climate adaption in Medway.

GRANTS AND COLLABORATION

The Conservation Office has worked in collaboration with the Charles River Watershed Association in its capacity as the Charles River Climate Compact. This collarboration has led to many grant funded projects. Conservation works in tandum with the Sustainabiliy Cooridnator for each project under the Charles River Climate Compact.

Green Infrastructure & Stormwater Reduction Projects
Medway partnered with CRWA on green stormwater infrastructure planning for the Medway High School and Middle School campuses. The projects focused on reducing polluted runoff into Chicken Brook and the Charles River through nature-based solutions like infiltration systems and landscape improvements. The effort was funded through a Massachusetts DEP water quality planning grant.
Charles River Climate Compact Participation
Medway has participated in the regional Charles River Climate Compact alongside CRWA and other watershed communities. The initiative focuses on climate resilience planning, flood mitigation, stormwater management, and watershed-wide environmental coordination.
Flood Resilience Planning
Through CRWA’s “Building Resilience in the Watershed” initiative, Medway was included in flood modeling and resilience planning efforts. One highlighted Medway project was conceptual resilience work around Oakland Park to address future climate and flooding impacts.
Stormwater & Phosphorus Reduction Compliance
CRWA has worked with Medway to support compliance with Massachusetts MS4 stormwater permit requirements, especially reducing phosphorus pollution entering the Charles River watershed. The green infrastructure designs were specifically intended to help Medway meet mandated phosphorus reduction targets.
Watershed Protection & Open Space Coordination
The Conservation Commission’s broader mission around wetland protection, open space management, and climate adaptation aligns closely with CRWA’s watershed restoration work. Medway’s conservation planning references watershed resilience and Charles River ecosystem protection as ongoing priorities.

Projected Outcomes

Advanced planning for green infrastructure implementation
Support for MS4 permit compliance and phosphorus reduction mandates
Increased flood and drought resilience planning
Expanded public education on watershed protection
Strengthened coordination between Medway and regional watershed organizations
Integration of climate adaptation goals into local conservation and stormwater management planning.