Weir River (Massachusetts) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Weir River
Weir River at Hull looking east
Country	United States
Physical characteristics
Length	4 mi (6.4 km)
Basin features
Basin size	Hingham-Weir River Basin

The Weir River is a small river that flows into Hingham Bay. This bay is part of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts, United States. The river is also an estuary, which means it's where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water.

The river got its name from a "fishing weir" that was once in the stream. A fishing weir is like a fence or trap built in the water to catch fish. The Weir River also gives its name to a bigger area of land it drains, called a watershed. It's also home to Weir River Farm, a fun park and nature reserve managed by The Trustees of Reservations.

Where Does the Weir River Start?

The Weir River begins in Hingham. It forms when two smaller streams, the Crooked Meadow River and Fulling Mill Brook, join together. This meeting point is near Free Street and Massachusetts Route 228. These streams get their water from places like Cushing Pond, Fulling Mill Pond, and wet areas called Jacob's Meadow.

The river then flows north through Hingham. In its first mile (about 1.6 km), other small streams like Tower Brook and Accord Brook add their water to it. After that, the river slowly turns northeast. It travels about 1.4 mi (2.3 km) more.

The Weir River Estuary: A Special Place

The river then reaches a dam that forms Foundry Pond. This dam marks the start of the river's estuary. An estuary is a special place where the river meets the sea. The Weir River estuary is very important. It's one of 30 areas in Massachusetts that are called an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern." This means it's a very important natural area that needs special protection.

The estuary stretches for over 1 mi (1.6 km) to the east and north. It forms the border between Hingham and the town of Hull. On the west side of the estuary, you'll find World's End. This is another beautiful park run by the Trustees of Reservations. The estuary finally reaches Hingham Bay at the northern tip of the World's End peninsula.

Keeping the River Healthy

In 2005, experts said that the Weir River Watershed was "highly stressed." This means that sometimes, especially when it doesn't rain much, too much water is taken out of the river. This happens faster than natural rainfall can put water back in.

To help protect the river, there's a group called the Weir River Watershed Association. This non-profit organization works hard to take care of the Weir River and its surrounding land. They help make sure the river stays healthy for everyone.

Weir River in Pop Culture

The Weir River Estuary has even been featured in art! It's the setting for a musical play called On This River, created by Cinzi Lavin.