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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Temple Street Dam in Duxbury is history, another win for wildlife and people. 💦🌱🐟

Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

@massecorestore.bsky.social and partners celebrate the removal of Whitney Pond Dam in Ashburnham, Mass. When dams come down, nature comes back. 💦🐟🌱

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Rewilding a former golf course in Northampton, Mass. transforms fairways and tee boxes into wetlands and wildlife habitat, building climate resilience into the landscape.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Restoring Sesuit Marsh in Dennis, MA helps restore natural benefits to wildlife and communities. www.instagram.com/reel/DY4leC_...

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Volunteers hit the riverbank at the former Larkin Mill Dam site in Newbury, Massachusetts to plant 2,000 native willow and dogwood shrubs — stabilizing the banks and building habitat in the wake of the dam’s removal last fall. Conservation starts with community.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Cynthia Henshaw with the East Quabbin Land Trust explains how removing the obsolete Wheelwright Dam in central Massachusetts will help restore ecological balance to the Ware River, improve public safety and enhance recreation. #nature #rivers #restore #climateresilience

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Wheelwright Pond Dam is the largest dam removal in Massachusetts. Reporter Henry Schwan with the Worcester Telegram & Gazette explains how the project will reconnect 130 miles of freshwater habitat, eliminating a safety hazard and benefitting people and wildlife. bit.ly/3O38RTG

bit.ly

Massive dam coming down in Central Mass. It could prevent catastrophe

The aging Wheelwright Pond Dam holds back 10 feet of water that extends 2½ miles upstream.

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Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Restoring rivers. Reviving wetlands. Preparing for sea level rise. That’s what the Mass Ready Act does. We’re proud to have the support of @massaudubon.org Director of Ecological Restoration Alex Hackman, who shares why Mass Ready is critical to accelerating restoration work across the state.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

#GrantOpportunity We are excited to announce that DER’s Partnerships Program Request for Responses is now live! Learn more and help us spread the word! Applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 5 PM EST. www.mass.gov/how-to/ders-...

Images of DER staff and partners touring a restoration site

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Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Protecting people and wildlife from extreme weather takes action – and investment. We’re grateful for the support of @nature.org Massachusetts Director of Policy & Partnerships Steve Long who highlights why the Mass Ready Act is essential for safeguarding the state’s future.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Do you call it a creek, stream, or river? Tell us what you think in the replies! ⬇️

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

🚨 Notice of Upcoming Funding Opportunity! We will be seeking proposals for funding to establish new DER-supported Partnerships to advance regional restoration projects. Submit an Expression of Interest by Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5PM. Learn more > bit.ly/47y4J3c

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Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

@massgovernor.bsky.social’s state budget invests where it matters most – protecting clean air, clean water, and the land people rely on every day!

Governor Healey’s
State Budget Invests

$528 Million

In Energy and the Environment

FY27 State Budget

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Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @masseea.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

From feeding families to lowering energy costs, @massgovernor.bsky.social’s state budget invests big to deliver real benefits across Massachusetts.

$528 Million for Energy and the Environment

Protecting clean air, water, and the land people rely on every day

Fills critical gaps in food security, by providing $55 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program

Renews focus on affordability, using energy efficiency and oversight to help keep costs down

Strengthens environmental work to move permits faster, keep enforcement strong, and address emerging threats like PFAS

Invests in state parks and public spaces, making them more welcoming for residents

Continues work on permitting reforms that speed up clean energy and infrastructure projects while keeping communities at the table

FY27 State Budget

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Thank you for following along with us! We will be taking a break from social media and will be back later this year. While you may see fewer posts from us, know that all of DER’s impactful work is still going strong behind the scenes. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Several people in hard hats and high visibility vests standing near an excavator actively removing a dam.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Happy New Year from DER! As we look back at 2025, we're proud of accomplishments like 21 projects under construction, 86 acres of freshwater wetland habitat restored, & over 620 river miles reconnected! We're excited for what 2026 has in store 😊

A large group of people posing outside in the autumn.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Interested in applying for a culvert replacement grant from DER? Join us on 1/8 at 3pm for an informational webinar on this year's Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant (CRMA) Program and the Training Sites Initiative opportunities. Register at: zoom.us/webinar/regi...

A construction site showing a large concrete box culvert being installed with construction workers and an excavator in the background.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

This year, the application for DER's culvert grants will be part of EEA's ECO One Stop simplified application process. EEA expects to open applications in January 2026, so is hosting two informational webinars on 1/27 and 1/28. Learn more and register at www.mass.gov/info-details...

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

DER is happy to announce $350,000 for dam removal studies in seven municipalities to help communities prepare for climate change and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Check out the press release to learn more: www.mass.gov/news/healey-...

A person wearing waders stands in water while reading a gauge with a dam in the background.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

DER's Regional Restoration Partnerships Program currently supports 3 partnerships & new opportunities to join the program are expected in early 2026! Learn more at a webinar on December 11th at 12 noon: zoom.us/webinar/regi... Can't make it? We'll be posting the recorded webinar on our website.

A person speaking to a large group of people standing outside.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

This Thanksgiving, we are reflecting on what we’re thankful for at DER. We're thankful for our passionate partners, our hard-working and innovative staff, and for the beauty of the natural spaces that surround us. What are you thankful for this year? We hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving.

A stream running through fallen logs and rocks with fall foliage and sun beams surrounding.

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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Grant opportunity!💥 The Community Biodiversity Grants program is now accepting proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the state's Biodiversity Goals. Apply today > mass.gov/how-to/massa...

Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants Program - deadline for applications is December 26, 2025.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Another dam down! Earlier this month, partners including The Nature Conservancy removed the Becker Pond Dam on an unnamed tributary to Schenob Brook in Mt Washington. With the dam gone, natural riverine processes are restored, improving habitat for coldwater species like Eastern brook trout

Construction equipment actively removing a concrete dam as a stream flows in the foreground.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

You know what's scary? Undersized culverts! They can block fish passage & cause flood risks. DER works to replace undersized & degraded culverts with better designed crossings that meet improved standards. The photo of this culvert in Boxford— replaced in 2021— has been edited for Halloween flair 👻

Water flowing out of a small culvert covered in dead leaves. Ghosts and bats have been added to the photo to make it spooky.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Enjoy a brief moment of quiet nature sounds at one of DER's completed restoration sites. Many completed sites are open to the public to enjoy-- check out www.mass.gov/info-details... to find one near you. We encourage you to get out & enjoy the quiet of nature amidst all the noise of everyday life.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

‼️ Reminder! The deadline to submit your Expression of Interest for DER's culvert replacement grants through the new ECO One Stop process is coming up. Submit your EOI by 10/28 at 11:59pm. Visit www.mass.gov/environment-... for more info

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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

#BreakingNews Massachusetts is pleased to announce our intention to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network comprised of 1,400 members committed to global action for biodiversity! 🐟 www.mass.gov/news/massach...

Massachusetts to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Happy World Mental Health Day! Spending time outdoors is directly linked to our wellbeing & can result in improved focus, lower stress, better mood, & many other benefits. Check out www.mass.gov/info-details... for some of our completed restoration sites, many with open space for public use!

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

DER is happy to award over $700,000 in grants to support partnerships through our Regional Restoration Partnerships Program. Learn more about this program and the three partnerships it supports at www.mass.gov/news/healey-...

Four people in waders standing in a stream in front of a large culvert.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Last month, the Town of Windsor, with support from a DER culvert grant, replaced a perched & degraded culvert with a 16-foot bridge, reconnecting fish passage to important coldwater habitat & improving public safety. For more info on this year's culvert grant process, visit mass.gov/environment-...

A concrete culvert in the process of being installed, with construction equipment and crews in the background.

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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Today on @cbsnews.com: How @massecorestore.bsky.social supports farmers to transform former cranberry bogs into healthy, resilient wetlands. 🌱 "What once grew cranberries, now grows a possibility," says reporter Jacob Wycoff. www.cbsnews.com/news/massach...

cbsnews.com

Massachusetts cranberry farmers choosing to restore their bogs into wetlands amid economic headwinds

A state program pays cranberry farmers to turn unproductive bogs back into wetlands.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Reminder! The deadline to apply for dam removal preliminary design services is Wednesday, October 1st! Visit www.mass.gov/how-to/dam-r... for more information or to apply.

Two people in high visibility clothing walking near a dam in winter.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

DER was happy to welcome two new faces to our team this summer! Meet Bridget and Kacey 👋 Bridget joins DER's Dam Removal Program as an Ecological Restoration Specialist. Kacey joins DER's fiscal team as a Procurement Specialist. Join us in welcoming them to DER in these two crucial positions!

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Happy National #EstuariesWeek! We love our estuaries, which provide important habitat, improve water quality, protect against the impacts of climate change, & offer recreational opportunities to help people connect with nature. Tell us why you love estuaries!

Two large cranes and construction equipment in an estuary on a sunny summer day.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

‼️This year, the application for DER's culvert replacement CRMA & training site grants will be part of ECO One Stop, a new initiative created to simplify the grant process for climate resilience projects. The Expression of Interest (EOI) period is now open. Learn more at mass.gov/environment-...

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

📢 Alert: New opportunity! 🎉 DER has released a Request for Responses (RFR) for municipalities to apply for dam removal preliminary design services. Visit www.mass.gov/how-to/dam-r... for more information or to apply.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Why’s there a pile of debris in this cranberry bog restoration site? It’s old irrigation piping! Removing pipes & other infrastructure helps restore natural hydrology, reduce plastic pollution, and set the stage for healthy wetlands. 🌿💧 📸: Fuss & O'Neill and Nantucket Conservation Foundation

A large pile of plastic piping with construction equipment in the background.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

Meet some restoration rockstars – the Buzzards Bay Watershed Restoration Partnership! One of the 3 Partnerships through DER’s Regional Restoration Partnerships Program, the Buzzards Bay Partnership works to advance restoration in the Buzzards Bay watershed. www.mass.gov/info-details...

A graphic that has a large photo of a group of people talking on a newly created bridge going over a muddy wetland. Text below the photo says “Meet the Buzzards Bay Watershed Restoration Partnership! Lead organization: Buzzards Bay Coalition. Location: Buzzards Bay Region”.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

‼️Notice of an upcoming opportunity for MA cities and towns to pursue dam removal preliminary design studies. Selected projects will receive technical assistance from DER to explore early stage dam removal projects. Learn more at www.mass.gov/how-to/dam-r...

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Last week, DER announced over $2.9 million in grants to support ecological restoration projects throughout MA. Funding will support culvert replacement projects in 21 towns as well as the Herring River Estuary Restoration Project in Wellfleet and Truro. Learn more at www.mass.gov/news/healey-...

Water flowing through an undersized culvert while a large truck drives above.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Drought Update! Unfortunately, drought conditions have worsened in the Cape Cod Region, which was upgraded to a "Level 2 - Significant Drought." For more information about the current drought status and how you can help, visit www.mass.gov/info-details...

A map of Massachusetts showing significant drought in the Cape Cod Region and Mild Drought on Nantucket.

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Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game @massdfg.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

#SolutionsStory: How @massecorestore.bsky.social helps former cranberry farmers take a "green exit" and return their retired bogs to healthy, resilient wetlands! 💚 Learn more in @newbedfordlight.bsky.social > newbedfordlight.org/why-massachu...

newbedfordlight.org

Why more cranberry farmers are selling to conservationists, not developers - The New Bedford Light

A “green exit strategy” allows farmers to help the environment.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Did you know that the largest tidal restoration in the northeastern US is happening right now on Cape Cod? 20+ years in the making, the Herring River Restoration will restore up to 890 acres of tidal salt marsh along the Herring River in Wellfleet & Truro. See the progress here - bit.ly/3Znco1w

Construction equipment on a bridge by a wetland.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Earlier this month, DER staff visited the site of the Whitney Pond Dam removal in Ashburnham. Most of the dam breach is complete, the downstream channel has been built, and only a few aspects of the project remain. Construction is expected to wrap up in the fall, so stay tuned for updates!

An excavator digs at rocks making up a small dam.

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

We're joining @noaa.gov in celebrating #HabitatMonth this July! Healthy habitats aren't just important for fish and wildlife, they also increase climate resilience, improve water quality, and provide a host of other benefits for both people and nature. What do healthy habitats mean to you?

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Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @massecorestore.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

In June, DER joined the Nantucket Conservation Foundation for a tour of the Windswept Bogs Restoration project site, which restored approximately 39 acres of retired cranberry bogs to wetland habitat. Construction wrapped up in April and you can already see the site coming back to life!

A wetland with new vegetation emerging and spots of open water.

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