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Follow CRC online at our various social networks to get updates on events happening throughout the watershed, policy items affecting our rivers, see beautiful pictures of our rivers, hear from our members, and more!
We love hearing from you and these networks are a place where you can join the conversation. We welcome you to share your own photos, videos, comments and more. See you there!
Opportunities Now
Tree Planting: Each year CRC plants thousands of trees to stabilize river banks, restore our rivers, and improve wildlife habitat. Riverbanks with native trees, shrubs and flowers are the most cost-effective restoration projects we can implement in the Connecticut River watershed. Restoring riverbank trees and shrubs, which were cut and removed over the years, is an important step toward improved water cleanliness, more stable riverbanks, and better fish & wildlife habitat for our rivers. To learn more about tree plantings and how you can be involved CLICK HERE!
Invasive Water Chestnut: Water Chestnut is an invasive species that clogs up waterways. It impairs recreation and damages other life in the CT River Watershed. The good news is that it’s easy to identify and can be managed by trained volunteers. To learn more about the Water Chestnut and how you can help CLICK HERE!
Sea Lamprey Nest Surveys: CRC’s newest project! Walk rivers and streams and document sea lamprey nests. Help fishery biologists capture sea lamprey at dam sites and truck them above impassable dams to otherwise off-limits habitats. Questions? Contact Aliki at afornier@ctriver.org. CLICK HERE for more information.
River Herring Surveys: CRC is spearheading a citizen science program to learn more about river herring populations in the lower river and we need your help! CLICK HERE for more information.
Water Quality Monitoring: A collaborative of many different groups monitor E. coli bacteria at many locations throughout the watershed from April through October. Volunteers collect water samples, typically each week, and deliver to CRC’s lab or a central drop-off location. CLICK HERE for more information. Questions? Contact Andrea Donlon at adonlon@ctriver.org or 413-772-2020 x205.
Source to Sea Cleanup: Each fall, volunteer group leaders coordinate local cleanup sites in all four river states where thousands of participants of all ages and abilities spend a few hours picking up trash. CLICK HERE for more information. Questions? Contact us at cleanup@ctriver.org.
Volunteer FAQs
I can’t volunteer right now. Is there still a way for me to make a difference? Yes. Our everyday activities can really add up. Everything we do in our watershed affects the health of our local water bodies. Click here to learn what you can do to help keep our rivers clean and healthy.
When are volunteer opportunities available? Volunteer opportunities with the Connecticut River Conservancy are always changing. Spring, summer and fall tend to be times when we’re more active outdoors and could use volunteer help. But contact us any time to see if there are projects (indoors or out) that could use a pair of helping hands. We’re always happy to hear from you!
Who do I contact to volunteer? Contacting your local river steward to see what they are working on and may need help with is a good first step. You can also contact our main office in Greenfield, MA at volunteer@ctriver.org.
How much time do I need to commit? A few hours, a few days, a few months, a few years… Different volunteer opportunities require different amounts of time. We will do our best to work with you and whatever amount of time you have available to help our rivers.
Is training required to volunteer with CRC? Some volunteer opportunities may require training. Information about training will be provided to you as needed.
Who volunteers at CRC? From a cub scout pack picking up trash for the Source to Sea Cleanup to retired volunteers collecting water samples. We work with people of all ages. We will do our best to work with your skills and abilities.
What are the benefits of volunteering with CRC? Because it feels good! You are putting your skills to work for a local nonprofit organization and, more importantly, for our rivers. You are making your community a better place. AND you are learning new skills and gaining experience that is a great addition to your resume.