Congresswoman Clark and City of Woburn honored at MyRWA Annual Champions Breakfast

On June 1, 2026, the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), at its Annual Champions Breakfast, gathered with federal, state, municipal, corporate and community partners to honor and acknowledge the contributions of two champions of the Mystic River: U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, who received the Mystic Champion Award, and the City of Woburn, which received the Mystic Leadership Award — presented to Mayor Michael Concannon and City of Woburn staff.

“We are literally witnessing positive change in our watershed in a way that would have been hard for me to envision a decade ago when we started this breakfast,” said MyRWA Executive Director Patrick Herron. “From a new fishway in Woburn, to the Clippership Connector in Medford, to the Blessing of the Bay Park, to Draw Seven Park and a new pedestrian bridge, and the incredible work being done by GreenRoots to acquire the Forbes site — there is so much to celebrate in this watershed. You have all made it possible — as partners, funders, practitioners, and friends creating a healthier, more prosperous, future for our residents.”

U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark received the Mystic Champion Award for her longstanding support of MyRWA’s work and the many cities and towns across the watershed that she represents. Since 2013, Congresswoman Clark has proudly represented Massachusetts’ vibrant Fifth District, which stretches from the coastal communities of Revere and Winthrop through the northern Boston suburbs to the thriving towns of MetroWest.

“At a time when the fight for action on climate and our environment can seem so daunting, I’m proud to be fighting alongside the remarkable advocates at the Mystic River Watershed Association to make a real difference here at home,” said Congresswoman Clark. “Together, we’ve brought home millions to protect our watershed and build a future more worthy of our children. The winds of history are behind this movement, and I’m looking forward to all the good work that still lies ahead.”

Congresswoman Clark’s visionary leadership has transformed the Mystic River watershed, securing a historic $39.2 million to drive clean water initiatives and climate-resilience projects. These included the Malden River Works project, a community-led effort to build a resilient, inclusive riverfront park on Malden’s only city-owned riverfront site, and extensive work in Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) parks all along the Mystic River. Marcia Manong, Chair of the Steering Committee for the Malden River Works project, and Kendra Amaral of DCR gave remarks highlighting Congresswoman Clark’s impact in the watershed.

“Without your leadership, your shared values, and your commitment to climate resiliency, we would be stuck. Instead, because you fought for us, Malden River Works is actively under construction right now,” said Manong. “The outcome is going to be magnificent. We are talking about reduced pollution, beautiful new green spaces, and new waterfront access. But most importantly, we are talking about people. Because of your investment, this river will be filled with families and youth, creating a ripple effect of community health and joy for generations to come.”