Who we are:
We are citizens of the land surrounding the Ogunquit and Josias Rivers.
We work, live, and relax in this Beautiful Place by the Sea. We are surfers and paddlers, swimmers and waders. Whether in Wells or Ogunquit, Cape Neddick or South Berwick, we are connected by ribbons of water. Stephen's Brook. Leavitt Stream. Bragdon's Brook. We are clammers and fishers and birdwatchers. Some of us are on vacation. Others wish we were on vacation!
​We are driven to action by the current condition of our rivers and streams. Our streams should hold abundant life, rather than just act as conduits for polluted runoff. We want our rivers to be safe for swimming, and fishing, and harvesting shellfish. And so we are gathering neighbors - from Tatnic to Clay Hill, from Littlefield Village to Connecticut and Montreal - to join us in the effort to protect these natural resources. Healthy Rivers Ogunquit was formed to channel all of our energy into cleaner water, from the headwaters in Cape Neddick, South Berwick, and Wells to the Ogunquit River estuary and the mouth of Perkins Cove. Join us!
We are stewards of our beautiful corner of the planet.
HeRO's volunteer-driven teams work to reduce the pollutants entering our rivers from stormwater runoff, lawn chemicals, automobile leaks and spills, faulty septic and sewer systems, animal waste, and plain-old trash. We teach river-friendly land practices and plant trees and shrubs to filter polluted runoff. We sponsor beach and river cleanups and monitor the condition of our local waterways. We encourage our neighbors and educate our guests because we can do better, together!
Our Governing Board:
Hi! I'm Suzanne Williams.
I've been working in the field of Sustainable Landscape Design for the past 16 years, from my early days as a Master Gardener and NWF Habitat Steward, to the present as a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and a NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional. I specialize in bay- and river-friendly, positive stormwater solutions to runoff and erosion issues. I have a degree in Biology from Brown University and a graduate professional certificate in Landscape Design from George Washington University. When I'm not bobbing in the waves off Little Beach, I'm kayaking in the river or taking my almost-daily walk on Ogunquit Beach, removing marine debris.
Hi! I'm Megan Kelly.
I work as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, helping to foster inclusive culture and ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for our workforce. I relocated from NYC to Ogunquit during the pandemic and enjoyed a summer of walking on the beach, kayaking in the river, and hiking local trails. I have a degree in Biology from Brown University, where I took several Environmental Studies courses and worked directly with the Office of Sustainability to support the university's initiatives, including the rollout of the school's first campus-wide composting program. I'm honored to combine my formal education with my passion for social impact to protect and preserve this beautiful place by the sea!
Hi! I’m Jake Lawlor. Apart from living here, surfing, fishing, and trail running are a few of the ways I've come to realize the importance of clean water and the health of our aquatic ecosystems. After graduating from Bates College with a degree in Environmental Studies, I joined HeRO because I believe efforts to conserve and restore Ogunquit's various natural resources are especially effective when focused on protecting the substantial recreational, economic, ecological, and cultural benefits that our rivers provide. In my time working with HeRO, I've learned that community engagement, local knowledge, and environmental consciousness are necessary ingredients for positive social change and resilient, sustainable communities.
Hi! I’m Jane Greene. Originally from California, I have a degree in Speech and Drama from Occidental College and a teaching license from St. Catherine University. For nearly thirty years, I taught elementary school in Minneapolis. Now that I live in Ogunquit, I have been devoting my time to learning about our natural resources and working to protect them. I served on the Town of Ogunquit Sustainability Committee, helping to write the Ogunquit River and Estuary Water Quality Plan. Currently, I work with Ogunquit’s Marginal Way Committee on communications to the public. But the highlight for me over the past two years has been working with HeRO, blending my passion for the environment, education and community service.
Hi! I’m Ned Farrington. I am a rising senior at Bates College where I am majoring in Environmental Studies and History. I recently joined the HeRO team as a summer intern. As a lifelong outdoors enthusiast with a passion for environmentalism, the work we do at HeRO is right up my alley. Since joining, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the town of Ogunquit and meeting so many friendly people. It has been quite rewarding to put what I have learned in my studies to work. Between getting out on the river and engaging with residents about river health, working with HeRO has provided me with priceless experiences that I am excited to take with me going forward.