Broad Meadow Brook Stream Restoration Project Community Engagement

The stream restoration project is actively engaging the community to incorporate local perspectives and share the importance of wetland restoration. Input from residents, community members, environmental justice communities, schools, and partners provides insight on how to best serve the community. 

Surveys & Listening Sessions 

Broad Meadow Brook visitors had the chance to complete a survey WHEN that asked how they engage with the sanctuary, desired improvements, and interest in and concerns for the project.  

Following the survey, a community listening session was held at Broad Meadow Brook on August 6, 2024. After sharing project goals and the importance of ecological restoration of the wetland, breakout sessions allowed for group discussion.   

A second listening session was on November 12, 2024, that focused on three potential hosts of green infrastructure projects: Worcester East Middle School, Rice Square Elementary School, and the Sandra Drive area. 

After sharing the project concept design, smaller group discussions and a mapping activity took place. Participants offered suggestions on where to put amenities such as signage, seating, trails, overlooks, and more. Participants expressed interest in new features such as outdoor classrooms, observation decks, and telescopes to increase visitor engagement.  

Youth Listening Sessions 

In July and August 2024, two listening sessions were held for YouthGROW and Nativity School youth in the form of a survey, discussion, and drawing activity to assess sanctuary perception and desired project outcomes.  

In November 2024, a similar session was held with Worcester East Middle School students, with a survey, discussion, and concept design feedback activity. 

Although most of the youth felt welcome at the sanctuary, they had very low visitation frequency, with many unlikely to return outside of facilitated school programming. They expressed desire for more activities, increased trail maintenance, and the addition of sanctuary features such as a tree house, boardwalks, and more signage. The team is now working closely with Rice Square School and Worcester East Middle School to implement project-based learning for students to engage with this local environmental project. 

Get Involved 

There are still many opportunities to stay up-to-date and share your feedback. The survey is ongoing, and community members can share their perspectives on the project English, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Twi.