Friends of the Malden River

Friends of the Malden River is a community-based environmental group working to activate and care for the Malden River, which links Malden, Medford and Everett. Its programs mix stewardship with neighborliness. The Neat Streets initiative, for example, runs short, targeted trash cleanups in Malden neighborhoods, sweeping sidewalks and clearing storm drains, followed by block-party style celebrations with pizza, drinks, games and prizes for the volunteers who pitched in.

The group also created the Malden River Media Makers, a program in which Malden High School students produce short videos. Early projects covered the Green Malden Fair, where residents upcycle and recycle items and learn about climate initiatives, and an interview on urban heat islands and the need for shady open space, clean water and cooling centers. The idea behind it is that waterways and media can both connect communities.

What to Know

• The organization sees the Malden and Mystic rivers as links between local communities.
• The Neat Streets kickoff cleanup was held in the Salem Street neighborhood near the Salemwood School.
• It is a member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.