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The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. We protect, restore, and advocate for the Connecticut River Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Connecticut River Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. We collaborate with regional partners to restore and advocate for your rivers, and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the river and its tributary streams. Join us to support healthier rivers today! Clean Water Through advocacy to prevent pollution and water quality monitoring to track data. Healthy Habitats Through dam removal, tree planting, and migratory fish programs. Resilient Communities With river recreation access, community science, & Source to Sea Cleanups. Our Mission & Programs Sign Up for River News! Sign up to get emails about river news and events. Choose Your Newsletter New Video: Tracking River Herring Populations with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Learn More 1,146 Tons of trash removed from rivers 30 Old dams & culverts removed 100K+ Trees planted in the watershed 150+ Sites annually tested for bacteria Currents & Eddies Fall 2025: Field Season River Updates Connecticut River Conservancy's print newsletter, Currents & Eddies is back with a fall 2025 edition - read the digital version here for updates about dam removal, river restoration, advocacy and more. Expanded Access to the Connecticut River: Jones Ferry River Access Facility Upgrades Nearing Completion Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) are proud to announce the successful completion of major improvements and program expansions at the Jones Ferry River Access Facility in Holyoke, MA. Paddling with a Purpose: Highlights from CRC’s 2025 Paddle Events During the 2025 field season, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) launched a watershed-wide series of community paddles designed to connect people with the river and inspire stewardship. Across all paddle experiences, CRC brought 167 participants together. River Stories from Around the Watershed Latest News More River News We envision a future where people and wildlife can enjoy a clean, free-flowing Connecticut River. Upcoming Events Wed, Dec 10 Currents at the Conservancy: 2025 River Highlights LiveStream / Virtual Presentation Learn More Dec 10, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Virtual Presentation Join us for an end of year LiveStream to celebrate some of the accomplishments made throughout the watershed in 2025! Learn About: Migratory Fish Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness through community science and education. Learn More

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Become a 2026 Sponsor of the Source to Sea Cleanup Help make a positive impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities with the 30th anniversary of the Source to Sea Cleanup! Event sponsorship can help increase your business exposure through media coverage, CRC recognition, and other promotion. See sponsorship options here. Other Ways to Give Sponsor by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Sponsor by Phone To sponsor by phone or to get assistance with your sponsorship, please contact Mary at (413) 515-0710. Business Inquiries For any other questions related to your business, please contact Brett Morrison, CRC's Director of Development at (413) 772-2020 x 218.

< Back AmeriCorps Outdoor, Education, and Restoration Assistant The Outdoor, Education, and Restoration Assistant is a Full-Time AmeriCorps position requiring a minimum of 1720 hours. The position begins January 13, 2026 and ends December 11, 2026. To apply, go to this page and select "Outreach, Education, and Restoration Assistant - Connecticut River Conservancy, Brattleboro" and follow the steps from there. Please do not apply on this page. Position Description This position is part of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). The VHCB AmeriCorps program supports the innovative dual-goal approach to creating stable affordable housing opportunities for Vermont residents while preserving the natural and working landscape. VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land conservation organizations around the state. Serving on the front lines of community-based organizations, VHCB AmeriCorps members energize, engage, and empower residents to address unmet needs at the local level, collectively creating positive change and building a healthy future for Vermont. This position is based at Connecticut River Conservancy, Brattleboro, VT 05302 . The member will be supervised and supported by Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy and Vermont River Steward, kurffer@ctriver.org . The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for natural and life-filled rivers from source to sea. The Outreach, Education, and Restoration Assistant will support Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) in efforts to assess watershed health, develop and implement stream restoration projects, support water quality sampling, support volunteer engagement in our community science efforts and events such as our annual Source to Sea River Cleanup, and develop and implement public education campaigns to garner active engagement in watershed stewardship. Connecticut River Conservancy’s goal is to increase programming in Vermont. Primary Responsibilities: Collaborate with CRC staff to organize and host volunteer events such as Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) removal paddles, AIS greeter programs, macroinvertebrate sampling, migratory fish nest surveys, and the annual Source to Sea River Cleanup. Support the River Steward to conduct public education and outreach focused on conservation issues affecting the Connecticut River in Vermont through events, print and social media. Provide public education and outreach opportunities around river related issues, includes organizing education campaigns around specific water quality issues. Collaborate with staff to coordinate water quality sampling efforts across multiple watershed groups in Vermont. Tasks may include: transporting samples, collecting samples, and utilizing meters for water quality assessment. Research, collect and synthesize program data to develop baseline VT information for the State of the Watershed Report. Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps. Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Program Initiatives & outreach activities to promote AmeriCorps. Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities. Submit bi-weekly timesheets. Complete all enrollment and exit requirements. Secondary Responsibilities: Assist the River Steward and Restoration Program Manager with landowner outreach site visits and project management to identify and implement stream and river restoration projects. This may include dam removals, floodplain restoration, riparian buffer restoration, and habitat enhancement projects. Assist the Vermont Program Associate with stormwater education projects, and presentations as needed. Participate in disaster response and recovery activities. AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or requested by SerVermont to assist in disaster response and recovery activities. This may involve virtual or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of standard service hours or in place of standard service duties. Disaster response activities must be approved and reported to SerVermont by the program. Evaluation and Reporting Complete an end of term evaluation. Complete a mid-term evaluation. Complete quarterly progress reports. Time and Service Requirements CRC has a very friendly and positive organizational culture. Our schedule is generally 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but based on events and field service we are occasionally required to be present during the evening or on weekends. Members would be encouraged to take time off during the week to accommodate after-hour events if needed. We have a small office in Brattleboro, VT so living close to or in Brattleboro for this service position would be ideal. The member would be serving primarily with our VT River Steward and VT Program Associate from our Brattleboro office but would have the opportunity to collaborate with many of our other staff to support programming throughout the year. Because of the size of the geography of the watershed in VT, we may be required to drive long distances to access project sites and for programs or events. Because program and restoration projects are managed by other staff who are remote from our Brattleboro office, the member should expect multiple virtual meetings to coordinate efforts. Benefits A living allowance of $30,500 (pre-tax). An education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of term of service Healthcare coverage Childcare assistance (must meet qualifications) Loan forbearance for federally backed student loans, if qualified Qualifications AmeriCorps Qualifications (45 CFR §2522.200(a)) Eligibility. An AmeriCorps participant must— A. Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in § 2522.110(b)(3) or (g) 2. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; or not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; or obtain a waiver from AmeriCorps of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091 ); 3. Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; 4. Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202 . Additional Qualifications Excellent written, verbal, and online communication. Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office tools, online data processing and collaboration using cloud services; High attention to detail; Self-motivation and initiative; Previous experience managing volunteers; Capacity for field service activities on land, in and on water; Public presentation skills and comfort interacting with the public. Pass Vermont AHS Child Protection and Adult Abuse Registry Checks. Be committed to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, appreciation of diversity, and personal and professional development of its participants. Have the ability and enthusiasm to drive to, attend, and participate in all required trainings and events, and be prepared to drive up to 2 – 3 hours each way. Available to regularly serve 40 hours per week. This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. To apply, DISREGARD THE APPLICATION FORM BELOW, instead go to this page , select "Outreach, Education, and Restoration Assistant - Connecticut River Conservancy, Brattleboro" and follow the steps from there. The application for this position is separate from our standard procedures with the form below. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

The Connecticut River Conservancy's print newsletter, Currents & Eddies Fall 2025 edition, has recently been mailed to members, volunteers, and event attendees. If you did not receive a physical copy there could be a variety of reasons, so we're providing the full digital version here to ensure that anyone interested has access! Having trouble with the digital flipbook above? You can also get it as a PDF here .

New viewing platform along the Connecticut River on Jones Ferry Rd. in Holyoke, MA. Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) are proud to announce the successful completion of major improvements and program expansions at the Jones Ferry River Access Facility in Holyoke, MA, made possible through $324,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  The investment has contributed to making the Jones Ferry site a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive community hub for recreation and environmental engagement. All construction should be complete in time for next summer’s season on the Connecticut River.  Photos: (left) John Hooks Davis with new safety signage; (center) new downstream dock; (right) new upstream dock. Here are some of the benefits and outcomes of these efforts: Expanding Opportunities for Community and Youth: With ARPA support, Holyoke Rows expanded its free and low-cost youth and family programming by offsetting the cost of hiring new seasonal staff and a boathouse manager through these funds.   Infrastructure Upgrades for Safety and Accessibility: The project included a redesign and installation of a multi-use dock system, new channel and no-wake markers, installation of new safety signage and the removal of derelict stairs that had long presented safety hazards. The new docks support rowing, paddling, and motorized uses with clearly designated areas, improving safety for all users. In addition to increasing the footprint of the downstream rowing docks, this project paid for the installation of a new upstream dock used only for kayak and hand carry access. While we couldn’t fully replace the city owned boat ramp, new Mobi-Mat technology was installed to create a more accessible landing and launch pad for recreational users.   As part of the site improvements, the project included the installation of a new ADA-accessible river viewing platform, designed to ensure that all residents, regardless of age or ability, can safely and comfortably enjoy the Connecticut River. The platform provides stable, barrier-free space for observation, expanding opportunities for recreation beyond paddling and boating. Providing access to multiple types of recreation is central to the project’s mission, recognizing that not everyone engages with the river in the same way. Whether through paddling, rowing, fishing, or quiet observation, these improvements ensure that every member of the Holyoke community can connect meaningfully with the river environment.  Bilingual signage was installed throughout the facility, making information and safety guidance accessible to both English- and Spanish-speaking residents. The purchase and installation of new signage and signage boxes will have a long-term impact on use of the space.   Additional site enhancements supported by ARPA funds will include the installation of a public drinking fountain as well as the purchase of a new motor for Holyoke Rows’ boat fleet. These improvements are estimated to be implemented by Spring of 2026.     Photos: (left) Gabriél and Maggie planting trees; (center) new deck cantilevered out above slope; (right) in-progress work being done on the new viewing platform. Riparian Restoration: In addition to the facility and program upgrades, a major habitat restoration effort was completed at the Jones Ferry site this fall. On October 15th, Holyoke Rows, CRC, and 17 community volunteers planted 130 native trees to help stabilize the riverbank and improve long-term ecological health. This planting followed an extensive invasive species removal effort that cleared the area of aggressive plants such as poison ivy and bittersweet, which had overgrown large portions of the shoreline. The new native trees, including species selected for flood resilience and wildlife value, will help prevent erosion, provide shade for river users, and enhance habitat along the Connecticut River for years to come.  Community Impact and Collaboration: The improvements were driven by unprecedented demand for outdoor recreation and safe youth programming following the COVID-19 pandemic. Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy partnered closely with the City of Holyoke to ensure the project addressed both community and infrastructure needs, leveraging each organization’s expertise in program delivery and project management.  Looking Ahead: Holyoke Rows and the Connecticut River Conservancy hope this project serves as the leading edge of continued improvements at the state-owned Jones Ferry River Access site. Building on the momentum of these upgrades, partners envision further investments to enhance both recreation and public enjoyment of the river. Future goals include the complete replacement of the existing ramp system to ensure long-term durability and accessibility, and the creation of a small pocket park to provide shaded gathering areas, green space, and expanded opportunities for families and visitors to connect with the riverfront. These efforts will continue to make the Jones Ferry site a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant destination for the community.  About the Partners:   Holyoke Rows is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to the Connecticut River through rowing, paddling, and equipment rental. The organization provides affordable programs for youth, adults, and families, with a focus on inclusion, health, and empowerment.  The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to protect and restore the Connecticut River and its tributaries through advocacy, restoration, and community engagement.  This project is supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Aerial view of Jacobs Brook project area after large wood installation and riverbank terracing (but before buffer planting). [Press Release] The Connecticut River Conservancy's (CRC) work to reduce erosion and restore floodplains continues this fall with several implementation projects in New Hampshire thanks to funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. After several years of completing the necessary engineering design and permitting work, construction has begun for a biostabilization project on Jacobs Brook in Orford, NH. CRC hired a local engineer and contractor who specialize in this style of stream restoration work to design and implement the project. The effort will install large wood (the roots and bottom 20' of large trees) along the river’s edge and lower and terrace the riverbank behind the root wads. The root wads and terraces serve to slow the brook’s flow during storm events and give floodwaters more room to spread out.   A 50’ wide riparian buffer will be planted with native trees and shrubs after the root wads are secured and construction is completed. These roots help hold the soil in place and trap sediment, flood debris, and ice for years to come. The native vegetation will also help to cool river temperatures and provide riparian habitat.   During severe flooding in July 2017, many roadways and riverbanks along Jacobs Brook were damaged. Over the next several years, while roadway and bridge repair and improvement projects were completed, the destabilized streambanks have continually eroded. Property owner Shawn Washburn observed worsening impacts to the habitat in the stream with each passing storm as over 30 lateral feet of farmland were lost—land that had been in his family for seven generations. Without intervention, these streambanks would only continue to erode further.   Unsure of where to turn, Shawn reached out to NRCS for help, who connected him with the restoration team at CRC. CRC was able to help by applying for funds, obtaining the engineering design and permits, and coordinating the construction.   Lauren Zielinski, CRC's Stream Restoration Specialist, has been leading the project.   "CRC, NRCS, and the landowner have been in the planning phase of this project for the past two years and we are excited to finally break ground. This will have lasting benefits to the Jacobs Brook watershed and improve critical coldwater habitat in the region."     The goal of this project is to fix the severe erosion and use natural materials (rootwads and native vegetation) to dissipate the river’s energy, thereby reducing the potential for future erosion. An added benefit is that these natural materials also improve instream and riparian habitats. Once completed, this effort will have multiple benefits, including:   Lowering sediment and nitrogen inputs into Jacobs Brook, thereby improving water quality and brook trout habitat; Increasing the amount of native vegetation on and around the streambank, providing long-term stabilization and increasing habitat for fish, birds, insects, and other wildlife; and Preserving historic farmland in the Connecticut River Valley.   “I’ve been so impressed by the organization and professionalism of everyone involved. I’m very thankful that so many people came together on a project that will help the community, improve the habitat in the brook, and protect our 7th generation family farm here in Orford,”  said Shawn Washburn. “Without CRC and NRCS, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”   This project was funded by the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Upper Connecticut River Mitigation and Enhancement Fund. Start of river restoration work on Jacobs Brook in Orford, NH. Left photo: A close up of a rootwads before being placed into the ground. A rootwad is a tree that has been removed from the ground with the roots still attached, limbs removed, and the trunk trimmed to 20-25 feet long. Right photo: Rootwads after they have been installed along the streambank. This project will use about 20 rootwads to protect 170' feet of eroding bank. This is just one of several that CRC and partners are implementing in New Hampshire, with additional projects recently completed or in the works in Walpole, Piermont, and Pittsburg. Over the years, CRC has implemented nearly two dozen of these large wood restoration projects throughout the Connecticut River watershed in NH, VT, MA, and CT. Learn more about Connecticut River Conservancy's restoration projects here .   For questions about this announcement:   Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist Connecticut River Conservancy (603) 325-7022 | lzielinski@ctriver.org Ron Rhodes Director of Programs Connecticut River Conservancy (413) 768-4994 | Rrhodes@ctriver.org