SAVE OUR RIVER SYMPOSIUM | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD 2-5PM
A Bit About Us
The Makings of FOBR
Going back to 1990, it was Bob Churchill, Mark Anshutz, Dewit Davenport, and later Erin McCarty, that established FOBR in response to growing concerns over the environmental health of the Bass River. Around this time, bordering river towns, Yarmouth and Dennis, experienced increased residential and commercial development, leading to a rise in nitrogen loading (pollution from septic systems and fertilizer runoff).
To combat these negative effects on the river and its surrounding watershed, concerned citizens, fishermen, and environmentalists joined our founders as advocates for the river. 2020 was a particularly pivotal year, kicking off our Upper Bass River Headwaters Restoration Project, which will significantly improve river water quality. Today, FOBR continues to conduct research, promote conservation practices, and lead restoration projects that will preserve the Bass River’s natural beauty.
Educate. Collaborate. Preserve.
Protecting natural environments takes a village, and we are lucky to be led and supported by those that deeply believe in our mission. Our founders, board members, and executives help keep our organization running, alongside support from local grants, charitable foundations, individual donations, fundraising events, and partnerships with local and state agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Friends of Bass River?
Friends of Bass River (FOBR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, protecting, and advocating for the ecological health of the Bass River and its surrounding watershed. We combine science, community engagement, and on-the-ground restoration to improve water quality, restore habitats, and safeguard this vital natural resource for future generations.
What does FOBR do?
We lead and support a range of restoration, monitoring, and advocacy efforts, including:
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Volunteer water quality testing
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Bay scallop restoration
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Wetland and cranberry bog restoration projects
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Tidal restriction studies
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Community education and outreach
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Advocacy for policies and infrastructure improvements that benefit the watershed
Why does the Bass River need restoration?
Like many Cape Cod estuaries, the Bass River faces challenges such as elevated nitrogen levels, impaired tidal flow, habitat loss, and climate-related stress. These issues impact water quality, shellfish populations, eelgrass beds, and the overall health of the ecosystem. Restoration is essential to improving the river’s resilience and ecological function.
How is FOBR funded?
Our work is supported through a combination of grants, charitable foundations, individual donations, fundraising events, and partnerships with local and state agencies. Recent project support has come from organizations such as the Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation, the C. Northrop and A. Marder Pond Foundation, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, and NOAA.
Who are your partners?
FOBR works collaboratively with:
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Towns of Yarmouth and Dennis
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Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
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NOAA and the Office for Coastal Management
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Tighe & Bond
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Interfluve
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The Woods Hole Group
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Local aquaculture companies
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Conservation organizations and research groups
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Community volunteers
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These partnerships ensure that restoration efforts are science-based, coordinated, and effective.
How do my donations help?
Your contributions directly support:
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Field equipment and testing supplies
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Scallop seed, nets, and aquaculture gear
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Habitat restoration planning
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Scientific studies and engineering analyses
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Educational outreach and advocacy efforts
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Volunteer training and support
Every donation—large or small—helps protect and restore the Bass River.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to support our work!
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Volunteer for water testing or scallop restoration (no prior experience required)
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Attend public meetings and speak up for river health
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Follow us on social media and share our updates
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Subscribe to our newsletter
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Make a tax-deductible donation
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Participate in events and community programs
Get Involved
We are always looking for additional support in our mission to restore and protect the river. Those interested in getting involved can join in on volunteer events, attend public meetings, follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and make donations to our program and restoration efforts.
No prior experience is required to volunteer! You’ll receive training for water testing, scallop handling, and other activities.