Ecological Restoration of Urban Wetlands

Streams and wetlands located in urban areas face numerous challenges. These include historical alterations such as encroachment, burial, and channelization as well as contemporary stressors such as pollutants, invasive plants, and surrounding infrastructure limiting space for plants to move and grow. As a result, they can be challenging to ecologically restore and require ongoing monitoring and stewardship. 

At the same time, these are critical green spaces in the Commonwealth, especially for populations who may lack access to open space and whose communities have seen historical underinvestment in open space and public amenities.   

Mass Audubon is investing in a number of complex urban wetland restoration sites around the state. This work is done closely with our ecological and property management teams to help ensure these spaces are inviting, clean, and full of life. 

Current Projects

Broad Meadow Brook Wetland Restoration  

• Summary: Broad Meadow Brook emerges from a neighborhood stormwater system in the City of Worcester and flows through wetlands and forests within the namesake wildlife sanctuary. The stream and adjacent wetlands are degraded by historical alternation (i.e., straightened; buried underground), an old sewer line that disconnects wetlands, poor water quality, and invasive plants. Restoration will transform the valley into a rejuvenated stream-wetland complex with new trails for the public to access and enjoy. 
• Status: Engineering design is in progress as of July 2025.  
• Location: Mass Audubon's Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Worcester
• Our role: Project management 
• Partners: City of Worcester, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MA Division of Ecological Restoration, Weston & Sampson, Princeton Hydro, LLC, Stantec, Blackstone Watershed Collaborative 
• Acres: 40 acres of wetlands to be restored 
• Barriers: A 2,000-foot embankment and old sewer line that separates wetlands on site will be removed, along with numerous culverts  
• Other benefits: Expanded and enhanced trail network and visitor experience; on-going community engagement; increased floodwater storage; invasive plant removal and management; enhanced wildlife habitat; and improved water quality.  

Canterbury Brook Headwaters

• Summary: Canterbury Brook flows through Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center. The stream and floodplain are severely degraded from historical alteration (e.g., relocation, lining with stones, channelization) and on-going stormwater and trash loading. As envisioned, the project will include stormwater management, comprehensive wetland restoration, new trails, invasive plant removal, and native plantings across the site.
• Status: Partners are raising funds now to launch an intensive feasibility study. 
• Location: Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center, Mattapan 
• Our role: Project management 
• Partners:  City of Boston, Charles River Watershed Association   
• Acres: ~20 acres of restored wetlands and up to 5% more useable land area at this small urban sanctuary. 
• Barriers:  At least 4 culverts and bridge may be removed or upgraded 
• Other benefits: Green infrastructure showcase within the City of Boston and improved stormwater storage; enhanced local partnerships; greater biological diversity; and improved trail system and visitor experience.