By 4Squares Residential Group with Judi 411
The Mystic River flows through the heart of Medford, shaping our community and our identity—from the Mystic Valley Parkway to the stunning Mystic Lakes.
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Marissa Zampino - as a community organizer with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MRWA), she’s dedicated to preserving our beloved river and inspiring others to join the cause. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about protecting our waterways as Marissa shares her love for living in Medford and the vibrant community around us.
What makes living in Medford so special is the diverse mix of residents—some are lifelong locals, while others have moved here from afar. What roads led you to call Medford home?
I’m originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey, and I lived in Georgia for school before moving to Massachusetts. After spending some time in Western Massachusetts, I started working for the Mystic River Watershed Association about three years ago. During my search for a place near the watershed, I focused on finding green spaces. When I opened Google Maps and saw the aerial images of Medford, I was struck by all the greenery. It made me think, "This seems like a wonderful place to be outdoors," and that’s what drew me here.
What do you love about your Medford neighborhood?
I live right behind Tufts University, in the Hillside area, close to West Somerville, and I love how quiet it is in my neighborhood. It’s funny because even with so many students in the area, it’s still really peaceful, which you don’t always find in college areas. There’s this great intergenerational mix—young families, older neighbors who’ve lived here their whole lives, and students who come and go each year. It’s interesting to see everyone out and about, all at different stages of life, and that’s something I really enjoy about living here.
There are so many great spots to eat in the Hillside. I love Tasty Cafe—it’s so good and affordable! At first, I thought it was a Tatte because it looks like one, but then I found out it’s run by a local kid, which is awesome. It’s one of those places where two people can still get breakfast for under $20, and I’m like, please never close! It’s small inside, though, so I usually grab takeout, especially when students are around. I also love Tamper Cafe for coffee and the lemon bars at Danish Pastry House—they’re top-notch, which I appreciate because I know they are difficult to make.
Can you tell me about your role with the Mystic River Watershed Association and what you do, and give a little background for those who might not be familiar with it?
The Mystic River Watershed Association is a regional environmental nonprofit. While most people in Medford are familiar with the Mystic River, the watershed actually stretches from East Boston up to Reading. The watershed covers anywhere that drains into the Mystic River, including areas like Stoneham, where lakes, ponds, and tributaries connect to the river.
Our work focuses on protecting and restoring the Mystic River, but more broadly, we emphasize the overall health and well-being of the watershed, not just the water but the wildlife, too. People often ask about the animals, and while that’s not my specialty, I can definitely point them in the right direction!
We’re really focusing on climate safety because, let’s face it, climate change is happening. It’s getting hotter, we’re seeing more flooding, and stormwater management is becoming a big issue. I specifically work in the extreme heat department because, honestly, every summer I’ve been here has been the hottest on record, and it just keeps getting worse.
We work to raise awareness about various assistance programs that people may qualify for. A lot of folks don’t realize they’re eligible, but sometimes they get priced out or don’t meet certain criteria, like homeownership or income limits. The positive news is that more people are qualifying now, especially with the rising heat and soaring electricity bills.
My role focuses on community engagement, and you'll often see me out there in the thick of it! The Mystic River Watershed Association participates in events like the Mystic River Celebration and the Medford Farmers Market, offering a variety of programs to get people involved. While this season is winding down, things really ramp up again in the spring. From April through September, there's always something happening every weekend—whether it’s a trash cleanup, canoeing to remove water chestnuts from the Mystic River, or just having conversations at local events. During that time, we’re pretty much everywhere!
What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Medford that newcomers might not know about?
When I first thought about this question, my mind went to just walking around my neighborhood. I feel like a lot of people, especially my generation, don’t spend enough time outside and are often glued to their phones. Taking a simple half-mile loop in your own area can reveal so many beautiful trees, little creatures, and charming homes that you might not notice otherwise.
On a personal note, I love the outdoor roller rink next to Hormel Stadium; it just got repaved and looks great! I’m actually trying to work with the city to offer roller skating classes in the spring. For those who don’t skate, there’s a great path along the Mystic River called River Bend Park. It doesn’t always get much foot traffic, but it’s a lovely spot for walking and there’s even a dog park for both big and little dogs.
Photos, clockwise from upper left: The MWRA map mural at the Mystic Lakes Dam - representing the watershed area and its wildlife, a breakfast sandwich from Tasty, an MWRA canoe field trip on the Mystic, key lime tarts from Danish Pastry House (lemon bars were camera shy ; )
So the last question is always a fun one. If you're best friend were thinking about moving to Medford, what would you tell them?
I have so much love for living in Medford! It feels really homey to me, which might stem from my background—my mom's Filipino, and my dad's Italian-American, so that cozy, welcoming vibe is important to me. Compared to places like Somerville or Cambridge, Medford has a stronger neighborhood feel, and people here are genuinely nice and inclined to meet their neighbors. When I moved here, it felt familiar and welcoming.
There's a deep sense of community, plus plenty of recreational activities. You can easily rent a canoe or kayak, and there are so many great places to eat. I’m trying to get all my friends to move here because I truly believe Medford is a fantastic city for everyone, not just young folks!
There's definitely more permanence here, and I think that's what gives Medford its strong sense of community. Even the students stick around. I have a lot of friends who went to Tufts, and five years later, they're still living in Medford. It's that kind of place where people put down roots and stay.
Want to stay connected and learn more about the amazing work of the Mystic River Watershed Association? Subscribe to their newsletter at www.mysticriver.org to stay updated on events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X for inspiring updates and beautiful glimpses of our watershed in action!
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