Greenfield, MA – The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), formerly Connecticut River Watershed Council, is pleased to invite the community to their annual River Celebration, to be held at Riverfront Recapture’s Boathouse in Hartford, CT on Saturday, June 17. The event is a celebration of CRC’s 65th anniversary and an opportunity to get out on the river for a day of adventure, community building and fun with the river and CRC. River Celebration 2017 celebrates the nationally-recognized Connecticut River watershed and the people who help protect it.

The event includes a choice of morning excursions: a cruise on the Hartford Belle, a guided river walk, or dragon boating, as well as several DIY adventures in Riverside Park. Following the morning of river fun, River Celebration participants will enjoy a catered lunch by River House Catering, fresh coffee from event sponsor Dean’s Beans, live music by the 3-piece acoustic string band Squash Blossom, and presentations celebrating CRC’s 65th anniversary.

Director of the Northeast Climate Center and UMass Professor of Civil Engineering, Dr. Richard Palmer will be the featured speaker, with a presentation on “The Connecticut River and Climate Change.” Margaret Miner, Director of Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, will be the recipient of CRC’s Bud Foster Award, given annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding devotion, service and accomplishment.

“As we launch CRC into the next 65 years, we are excited to celebrate the public’s river with a day of fun, camaraderie, and important information about climate change right here in New England,” notes CRC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. At the event, Fisk will share CRC’s accomplishments and rigorous plan for the next 65 years.

The event draws attendees from across the four watershed states (NH, VT, MA & CT). All who love our rivers, near and far, are invited to attend this community event and encouraged to bring family and friends as well.

Riverfront Recapture is on the banks of the Connecticut River and features numerous walking trails, paddling options, and a boathouse that will host the event for the afternoon. Tickets are $20, children 12 and under free. Space is limited. Please pre-register by June 9 at ctriver.org/celebration or by calling Jennifer Bowman at 413-772-2020 x 211.

Connecticut River Conservancy is the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea. We collaborate with partners across four states to protect and advocate for your rivers and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of your river and its tributary streams. Healthy rivers support healthy economies.

To learn more about CRC, or to join the effort and help protect our rivers, visit ctriver.org.