Wellesley High School senior Riley Spangler is proving that environmental stewardship doesn’t require a trip to a remote rainforest—it can begin right in one’s own backyard. Last month, at the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) annual meeting, Spangler was recognized for her years of dedication to the health of the Charles River, receiving the prestigious 2025 Young Leaders Award.
Spangler has been a fixture of the CRWA’s Biological Monitoring Program since 2021. Her work involves knee-deep immersion in the watershed, conducting habitat assessments and sampling benthic macroinvertebrates—small aquatic animals and larval insects that serve as vital indicators of river health.
While legislators continue to debate the ongoing issues of sewage flow into the Charles, volunteers like Spangler are on the front lines providing the data necessary to protect the waterway. The CRWA relies on over one hundred volunteers annually to monitor these “little critters,” which vary in their tolerance to pollution. By surveying these populations, the association can gauge the true condition of the ecosystem.
“I really enjoyed my time volunteering for CRWA,” Spangler noted. “Who knew these little critters could tell us so much about the river?” Among the many species she has encountered, her favorite to date is the Serrate Dark Fishfly.
Turning curiosity into action
Spangler’s impact on the program went beyond data collection. Last year, she secured a $500 grant from the National Charity League (NCL) Wellesley Chapter. This funding allowed the CRWA to purchase brand-new sampling nets, ensuring that the Biological Monitoring Program can continue its mission with high-quality equipment.
Her experiences in the river even became the focal point of her college applications. In her essay, she reflected on how standing in the water shifted her perspective on her role in the world:”What started as a love of water has become a commitment to make a difference. Each time I pick up my net, I never quite know what I will find, but I recognize that my part in this world, no matter how small or wiggly, is important.”
Looking Toward a Sustainable Future
As she prepares for college this fall, Spangler plans to merge her passion for the environment with her interest in business. She intends to study sustainable real estate practices, aiming to bring innovative, eco-friendly approaches to the world of development.
For those inspired by Riley’s path, the CRWA offers numerous ways for community members—from young children to adults—to get involved in protecting local waters.
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