Division of Ecological Restoration (DER)

Official feed of the Division of Ecological Restoration, part of @MassEEA & @MassDFG.💧We restore rivers, wetlands, & watersheds for people & nature.

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Nature is playing through in Northampton, Mass. DER’s Kate Bentsen explains how the creation of vernal pools are a key part of the Nashawannuck Brook restoration project, a former golf course being transformed into a natural wetland.

[American Rivers @americanrivers]

While dams can benefit society, they also cause considerable harm to rivers. Dams have depleted fisheries, degraded river ecosystems, and altered recreational opportunities on nearly all of our nation’s rivers.

🐠 Read four ways dams can damage rivers: https://t.co/rpI9V6Vdnz

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Rewilding a former golf course in Northampton, Mass. transforms fairways and tee boxes into wetlands and wildlife habitat, building climate resilience into the landscape.

[Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @MassEEA]

As hurricane season begins, nature is our first line of defense against severe storms.

That’s why we've invested in long-term resilience at the Sandy Neck Public Beach Facility in the @TownofBarnstable through our MVP Program.

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Restoration work at South Meadow Brook bog near Carver should be completed next month The retired cranberry bog is being transformed into a thriving wetland, restoring natural flow, improving water quality, and creating habitat for fish and wildlife. #americanwetlandsmonth

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Cynthia Henshaw with the East Quabbin Land Trust explains how removing the obsolete Wheelwright Dam in central Massachusetts will restore ecological balance to the Ware River, improve public safety and enhance recreation. #nature #rivers #restore #climateresilience

[American Rivers @americanrivers]

The U.S. has 500,000+ dams, and a staggering number of them are simply sitting there: no longer generating power, supplying water, or serving any practical purpose.

↘️ Learn more about dam removal for the benefit of people and wildlife: https://t.co/fDeeNE5aEo

[American Rivers @americanrivers]

Rivers are lifelines where otters, beavers, hellbenders, and more thrive. But the science is undeniable — freshwater species are going extinct twice as fast as ocean and land species.

🔊🦦 Speak up this #NationalWildlifeWeek below! https://t.co/g6U36iENLm

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

🚨 Notice of Upcoming Funding Opportunity!

We will be seeking proposals for funding to establish new DER-supported Partnerships to advance regional restoration projects.

Submit an optional Expression of Interest by Friday, February 6 at 5PM. Learn more > https://t.co/hT6n4EDbfF

[Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs @MassEEA]

From feeding families to lowering energy costs, @MassGovernor’s state budget invests big to deliver real benefits across Massachusetts.

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Thank you for following along with us! We will be taking a break from social media & will be back later this year. While you may see fewer posts from us, know that DER’s impactful work is still going strong behind the scenes. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Happy New Year from DER! As we look back at 2025, we're proud of accomplishments like 21 projects under construction, 86 acres of freshwater wetland habitat restored, & over 620 river miles reconnected! We're excited for what 2026 has in store 😊

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Interested in applying for a culvert replacement grant from DER? Join us on 1/8 at 3pm for an informational webinar on this year's Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant (CRMA) Program and the Training Sites Initiative opportunities. Register at: https://t.co/fej3ndBXiT

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

This year, the application for DER's culvert grants will be part of EEA's ECO One Stop simplified application process. EEA expects to open applications in January 2026, so is hosting two informational webinars on 1/27 and 1/28. Learn more and register at https://t.co/hWbj8q1Z6l

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

DER is happy to announce $350,000 for dam removal studies in seven municipalities to help communities prepare for climate change and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Check out the press release to learn more: https://t.co/HIq3TKxubq

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

DER's Regional Restoration Partnerships Program currently supports 3 partnerships & new opportunities to join the program are expected in early 2026! Learn more at a webinar on December 11th at 12 noon: https://t.co/lPvG4zVriR

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

This Thanksgiving, we're reflecting on what we’re thankful for at DER. We're thankful for our passionate partners, our hard-working & innovative staff, & for the beauty of the natural spaces that surround us. What are you thankful for this year?

[Massachusetts Dept. of Fish & Game @MassDFG]

Grant opportunity!💥

The Community Biodiversity Grants program is now accepting proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the state's Biodiversity Goals.

Apply today > https://t.co/iDpJbA5BXB

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

Another dam down! Earlier this month, partners including @ConserveMA removed the Becker Pond Dam on an unnamed tributary to Schenob Brook in Mt Washington. With the dam gone, natural riverine processes are restored, improving habitat for coldwater species like Eastern brook trout

[Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) @MassEcoRestore]

You know what's scary? Undersized culverts! They can block fish passage & cause flood risks. DER works to replace them with better designed crossings that meet improved standards.

The photo of this culvert in Boxford— replaced in 2021— has been edited for Halloween flair 👻