Rivers Reconnected: Healing Waterways and All They Support

From Nature is the Solution by The Nature Conservancy

March 3, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode explores freshwater restoration and the relationship between people and rivers in the Taunton Watershed.

In this episode, the series shifts from ocean to rivers and lands as we explore the science and stories behind freshwater restoration and ecological connectivity. Host Marea Gabriel is joined by Alison Bowden and Herring Commission and Assawompset Pond community member Tom Barron for a boat ride in the Taunton Watershed of southeastern Massachusetts. Together, they reflect on the relationship between people and rivers, community safety, local history and the ongoing work to reconnect waterways across the watershed. Host: Marea Gabriel, Senior Freshwater Manager Also featuring: Alison Bowden, Director of Conservation Science and Strategy; Tom Barron, Middleborough Lakeville Herring Commission Learn more about TNC and partners' work in the Assawompset Ponds Complex and Nemasket River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Marea Gabriel

Guests: Alison Bowden, Tom Barron

Topics covered

freshwater restoration
ecological connectivity
community safety
local history
river conservation

Keywords

freshwater
restoration
rivers
ecology
community
Taunton Watershed
Assawompset Ponds
Nemasket River

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Herring Commission

Places: Taunton Watershed, southeastern Massachusetts, Assawompset Ponds Complex, Nemasket River