Reflections on the Charles River

Bettina Wanschura is a student at MIT and a friend of the Charles River Conservancy. For her class "Sensing Place - Photography as Inquiry" with MIT Professor Anne Whiston Spirn, Bettina created a photo narrative discussing the significance of the Charles River from her perspective.

Bettina writes:

"This Narrative is based on the work of one semester about learning to read and understand the language of the landscape. Anne Sprirn's Book, "The Language of the Landscape“ was one of the motivating readings. Every student had to choose a site to do this work. My site is the Charles River because I love to be over there.

Since my very early childhood days I have been inspired by water, the wonderful rivers and streams in my home country Austria. As landscape architect I focused on conveying my message about our precious resource - the water - to people.

The Charles is one of these inspiring resources, although some improvement has to be done - for the river itself, his wildlife and the humans enjoying him."

 The Charles

To read the full blog, visit Bettina's website

Dog Days on the Charles

Sam at Magazine Beach, Cambridge

The Charles River Parklands are a perfect place for you and your dog.
Just ask Sam.
At Magazine Beach, it’s all about rabbits – under the wooden bridge, in the bushes – where are they and how fast can they run?
Herter Park? It’s the geese and ducks … so nice and noisy when aggravated.
The Watertown stretch of the river is great for sticks.
Any part of the Parklands is good for balls – tennis balls, basketballs, medicine balls, field hockey balls, softballs, volley balls, beach balls – no ball too small or tall for Sam.
And did I mention Frisbees?
And not to forget all the other dogs who have trained their families to bring them to the river. All are potential best friends and are examined with great enthusiasm.
The variety is endlessly fascinating, and not just for Sam. Springtime daffodils, summer games and gatherings, rowers preparing for races in the fall, skiing and snowshoeing in winter – all times are good times along the Charles.
Bring your beastie to the river (with lots of scoop bags please!). 
Sam will show you around….