For the past 250 years, the Concord River has been a witness to American history. On its banks, the first battle of the American Revolution took place. Today, the river and its sister waterways, the Assabet and Sudbury, face another pivotal moment—one that will shape their future.
OARS 3 Rivers is the voice and steward of these historic waterways, working to protect, restore, and expand access to the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord (SuAsCo) rivers. Founded in 1986 to fight pollution, OARS has become a leader in science-driven conservation, restoration, and public engagement. Once polluted and overgrown with algae, these rivers are now healthier—swimmable in sections, teeming with wildlife, and welcoming to paddlers and anglers.