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The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Thank you for supporting our mission. Green River Cleanup, 2025. Source to Sea Cleanup Welcome to the Source to Sea Cleanup, a powerful and effective community event spanning the length of the 410-mile Connecticut River watershed in NH, VT, MA, & CT. Each fall, volunteers of all ages and abilities come together to do their part and spend a few hours making the water cleaner, the riverbanks safer, and the wildlife happier. Visit the Cleanup Site Registration is currently closed. It will re-open for Group Leaders in July 2026, and for volunteers in August 2026. The 30th Annual Source to Sea Cleanup September 18-19th, 2026 (or a date that works best for you!) Get your gloves and trash bags ready, the goal of the Source to Sea Cleanup is to remove as much trash as possible from our waterways, riverbanks, and communities. Trash moves from land to water, from upstream down, and together we can make a BIG impact in preve nting this waste from ending up in our rivers. Become a 2026 Sponsor In 2025's Source to Sea Cleanup: Overview Get a summary of the initiative and how you can participate. Get the Basics Cleanup Site Map & Resources See our new registration platform for all the details. Get Started Trash Advocacy Learn more about how to prevent & reduce trash in our rivers. Stop Trash Sponsorship This event is held every year thanks to generous support from local sponsors. Sponsor Details Sign Up for Voluntee r Email Updates If you'd like to know when new volunteer opportunities become available, or just keep up-to-date with Connecticut River ne ws and events, sign up here and then return to this page. Overview of the Cleanup Getting Dirt y for Cleaner Rivers What began as a group of student volunteers organizing to remove trash from local rivers in 1996 has become a immensely popular annual event that brings communities together in support of clean water and healthy habitats throughout the Connecticut River watershed - in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Volunteers are organized into groups with Group Leaders coordinating details at different trash sites. Trash tallies are also gathered after each cleanup, contributing to Connecticut River Conservancy's long-standing database which is used to inform our work in advocacy to reduce future pollution , support river restoration , and inform the public and policy-makers of issues affecting the environment. Trash tally results throughout the watershed show that in 2025 over 2,000 volunteers from 126 groups collected 34.74 tons of trash (that's 71,480 lbs!), and there'll be more trash in 2026! See our Cleanup Chronicle for more details. Get the 2025 Cleanup Chronicle Source to Sea Cleanup Sponsorship The success of the Source to Sea Cleanup reflects the partnership of individuals and businesses who do their part to help clean up our region’s waters. This community event would not be possible without the support of business leaders like you. We hope you’ll consider joining us at the sponsorship level that is right for your business. Why Sponsor? Demonstrate your commitment to the environment Increase your business exposure through generous media coverage and other promotion Provide your employees an engaging and meaningful team-building opportunity "The Source to Sea Cleanup proves to have a tremendously positive impact for our rivers and communities. The Walker Group was happy to support the initiative as a sponsor and get our own staff involved at a local cleanup event advocating for cleaner waters!" –Cheryl Elmore, The Walker Group Purchasing Manager, Community Service Lead See the 2026 Sponsorship Benefits Become a 2026 Cleanup Sponsor See 2025 Sponsors Cleanup Volunteers Gallery Stay Tuned or Get in Touch Our Source to Sea Cleanup registration platform is chock full of resources. Make sure you're signed up for our email list to get updates. Want to reach out for any questions in the meantime? Contact Stacey at slennard at ctriver.org. Trash Advocacy All Year Round While the Source to Sea Cleanup is all about picking up trash in our waterways, streets, and parks – it is also part of a greater effort that includes recycling our waste, speaking up for legislative actions to reduce pollution, and advocating for producers to develop products that are less harmful for the environment. We are pleased to see that after years of advocacy by Connecticut River Conservancy and partners, a Tire EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) bill has passed in Connecticut , becoming the first of its kind in the nation. This new legislation will decrease illegal tire dumping, save municipalities money, and boost tire recycling. On the flip side, legislation does not always go as we hope, as in the case of Vermont’s bottle bill – which would add containers like water bottles, juice bottles, and wine bottles to the list of redeemables – getting vetoed in 2023. Our River Stewards regularly comment on permits and legislation to steer policy in a more river-friendly direction, and we encourage you to sign up to our state-based eblasts at ctriver.org/email to get river updates and action opportunities in your state. Most Common Items Found in Cleanups Plastic Bottles Electronics Styrofoam Tires Aluminum Cans Clothing & Footwear Nips Toys Glass Bottles Cigarette Butts Construction Items Automotive Speak Up For Cleaner Rivers All it takes is a series of small actions by lots of people to make a big impact on our rivers. Through personal power and responsibility, we can keep our rivers clean for all to enjoy. Wondering how you can make a difference? Start with a few small steps: Multiply your impact — Invite friends, family, and co-workers to join you in this effort. Speak up for your rivers — Contact your elected representatives, show them the trash problem and let them know this is an issue that is important to you and deserves their attention and legislative action. Use the power of your purchase — Tell businesses what products to make and sell; purchase only reusable items and refuse single-use plastic and foam. Lead by example — Don’t litter, and properly dispose of your waste — no wish-cycling ! Get involved when there's a bill — Sign up for CRC's state-specific advocacy emails which include action alerts for when there is legislation you can directly support (or oppose!). #SourcetoSeaCleanup Share your river cleanup experience by using #SourcetoSeaCleanup and tagging @ctriverconservancy on Instagram. We’ll be on the lookout to share. Show the beauty of your favorite river spot or tributary, your cleanup group in action, or use this opportunity to document the not-so-pretty side of pollution to raise awareness for the importance of conservation. If you’re ready to sign up as a sponsor, you can complete our online form. If you would prefer to discuss sponsorship and/or request a Sponsorship Benefits Package, please contact Brett Morrison, CRC’s Development Director, at 413-772-2020 ext. 218 or 802-375-4519 or bmorrison at ctriver.org . CRC’s Source to Sea Cleanup has teamed up with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup for cleaner waterways around the U.S. and the world. For any questions about the Source to Sea Cleanup, email us at cleanup at ctriver.org.

criffenburg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 He/Him < Back Chris Riffenburg Director of Finance Christopher Riffenburg joined CRC in November 2022. Before his time here began, he had a successful tenure as the Financial Manager for Westfield State University’s profitable College of Graduate and Continuing Education; having responsibility for a $13 million dollar budget; and service to more than 5,000 students annually. Prior to Westfield State, he spent more than eight years in non-profit Financial Management, providing leadership in organizations committed to service of low to moderate income residents of Hampden County. He has extensive experience in managing grants and budgets (Private, Municipal, State and Federal). He was, at one point, the financial administrator of a grant funded by the Internal Revenue Service, working with a Qualified Tax Attorney to offer representation to citizens in United States Tax Court. Chris is a lifelong golfer, who currently resides in Western Mass with his wife and two cats, Tweety and Hoosier. His hope is to bring his experience in financial management to growing a clean, healthy, and full of life Connecticut River. criffenberg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

sstegeman at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 He/Him < Back Sam Stegeman Operations Manager Sam joined CRC in 2024, and he is likely to be the person to answer your call to the office or greet when you visit the CRC Headquarters in Greenfield. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Environmental Studies. Prior to CRC, Sam served nine years as the Executive Director of the Vermont Wilderness School in Brattleboro and five years on the program team at Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) in South Deerfield. Sam spent his adolescence in the Westport River watershed of southeastern Massachusetts, and since 2006 he and his family have lived alongside the South River in Conway. He got to know CRC through volunteering for water quality monitoring, and today is thrilled to bring his affinity for nonprofit development to such a great organization with such a fun and dedicated staff. sstegeman at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. 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. These include alewives, American eels, Atlantic salmon, American striped bass, blueback herring, sea lampreys, and shortnose sturgeon. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness to our work through community science and education. Migratory Fish Data Research and education about migratory fish in the Connecticut River help scientists and the public understand how to best support thriving biodiversity. That’s why we work with conservation partners to bring you a dedicated website full of resources. Community Science Events Counting fish and nests, and rescuing some species from drained canals, requires dedicated volunteers! We offer dozens of engaging community science events annually, which typically run from April to July. Dam Removal Dams are the most significant obstacle to fish passage in the Connecticut River, which is why we collaborate with partners and landowners throughout the watershed to safely remove old dams and restore healthy habitats. Migratoryfish.org Volunteer Events Learn About Dams Angler Surveys Angler surveys empower individuals to contribute valuable fishing data, informing researchers and becoming stewards of the rivers through their recreation. Thanks to these surveys, CRC connects the fishing community to conservationists, for a common goal of restoring migratory fish to the Connecticut River. Sea Lamprey Nest Surveys Thanks to Our Partners Migratory fish travel between freshwater and saltwater throughout their lifecycle to reach the habitat that best suits their needs for spawning, feeding, and finding shelter. The Problem: Dams and industrial practices have blocked spawning habitat and decimated migratory fish populations. Flows at main stem hydro-electric dams and canals, industrial pollution, and heated plant discharges into the river make this situation worse. Determined action is needed if the Connecticut River’s fish runs are to survive. The Solution: Require safe and effective fish passage at dams. Remove any deadbeat dams that no longer serve a purpose. Improve passage in tributaries to increase available spawning habitat. Discontinue any recent industrial practices that may be injuring migratory fish runs. Perform adequate research before making changes to main stem discharges and flow regimes to prove they will do no harm. All fish are mobile, but none on the Connecticut River make longer journeys than the suite of migratory fish moving upriver from the Atlantic Ocean: blueback herring, alewives, stripped bass, American shad, American eels, Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, and sea lampreys. These migrations have been taking place for thousands of years. The journeys of these species may take them through thousands of ocean miles annually, and nearly 200 miles upriver. Anadromous Fish Shad, lamprey, salmon, striped bass, blueback herring and alewives are anadromous fish. They are born in freshwater, swim to the sea to feed and mature, then return to the rivers of their birth to spawn. Though some members of each species die after spawning, only the sea lamprey spawns as the final act in their long-life cycle. All other species may survive, return to the ocean, and then return to the river to spawn again. Catadromous Fish American eels are different. They are a catadromous species; born in the ocean, they travel to rivers and estuaries to feed and grow. After years of feeding and maturing in the Connecticut River watershed, American eels head back to the Sargasso Sea, a weed-covered expanse in the Caribbean, where they were born, to spawn along that sprawling sargassum algae mat near their counterparts, European eels. This seaweed expanse has also been found to be the protective ocean habitat that young loggerhead sea turtles journey to after hatching on sandy shores and skittering into the sea. Main stem and tributary dams are among the major, human-induced contributors to declining migratory fish populations on the Connecticut River. Fish passage facilities are in place at most main stem dams. However, changes in operations and discharges at main stem structures, and failing fish passage facilities, further impact surviving fish runs. In addition, thousands of poorly designed road crossings over streams block fish from reaching their available habitat. Culverts at these locations need to be replaced with fish-friendly structures. Critical fish passage and dam-removal work is also taking place on many tributaries and is in the works for others. We have successfully helped create fish passage, restore habitat and remove unneeded dams at dozens of watershed sites. In doing so, we’ve opened 424 miles of migratory fish habitat since 2014. The once prolific runs of American shad, blueback herring, alewives, and Atlantic salmon have been dramatically reduced over the centuries. Today, runs are a small fraction of their historic numbers. These species play an important role in a healthy river and marine ecosystem. Download Fish Facts Explore the New Migratory Fish Website! MigratoryFish.org was developed by CRC and partners to share information about fish migration in the Connecticut River. You can browse the embedded website below, or open the website in a new browser window. The Latest Migratory Fish News No Simple Swim: Tracking Population Declines in Alewife and Blueback River Herring A video and article documenting 2025's migratory fish research for river herring in the Connecticut River watershed. No Simple Swim: Tracking a Complicated Year for Migratory Fish (Sea Lamprey & American Shad) A look at the migratory fish data for sea lamprey and American shad in 2025 in an effort to determine how a cold, wet spring impacted the migration. Letter of Support for the USGS S.O. Conte Research Laboratory The Connecticut River Conservancy sent a letter of support for the Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory in Turners Falls, MA, to the Acting Director of the USGS National Center. The full letter is shared for the public. For questions about migratory fish or community science volunteering, contact us at volunteer - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x207.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Contact Us Get in Touch CRC's headquarters is located at: 15 Bank Row Greenfield, MA 01301 For general inquiries, contact us at: CRC - at - ctriver.org or 413-772-2020 For press, media, or interview requests: contact Diana Chaplin at dchaplin - at - ctriver.org For for CRC's lab/ water quality monitoring questions: contact Melissa Langley at 413-450- 8739 For all other inquiries: You can find a listing of our staff with their respective contact information on our staff page Support Connecticut River Conservancy Today Your contribution will make a lasting impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities in the Connecticut River watershed. Donate

kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 She/Her < Back Kate Buckman Aquatic Ecologist Kate became CRC's Aquatic Ecologist in 2025 after serving as the River Steward for NH since 2022. She spent much of her career prior to joining CRC involved in marine and freshwater research. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Smith College where she worked on coral reef ecology and education in Belize and her PhD from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography where she focused her thesis research on the ecology of fish at hydrothermal vent systems on the East Pacific Rise. Kate made the short trip north back to her home state of New Hampshire in 2010 and spent many years at Dartmouth College as a member of the Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program studying trophic transfer of mercury and assisting with community science programs in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. When not contemplating how awesome fish are, Kate can often be found puttering in her yard and gardens, hanging out on the porch pondering which house project to tackle next, or walking her wiggly dog around the neighborhood. The Vermont Natural Resources Council conducted an excellent interview with Kate in December, 2025, which you can also read here. kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They < Back Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator Amanda joined CRC as the Outreach and Events Coordinator in 2024. She brings an enthusiasm for community-building and social change. Prior to working at CRC, Amanda's role was an outdoor educator, teaching kayaking and canoeing on the Deerfield River. During this time, they developed a deep gratitude and connection to nature along with a love for the rivers and forests of Western Massachusetts. With a background in reproductive justice and leadership development, Amanda is driven by the intersection of health, social change, and the power of gathering. They are particularly intrigued by the whats and whys behind our moments of connection. Amanda believes in the transformative power of community and strives to build spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Amanda holds both a BA and MA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University. In her free time, she enjoys paddling and participating any and all aquatic activities. amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Please use the form below to make your contribution. Other Ways to Give Donate by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Donate by Phone To donate by phone or to get assistance with your donation, please contact us at 413-772-2020 More Ways to Give Learn about legacy and workplace giving, sponsorships, stock donations and more with more ways to give. For questions about making your gift to support Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x218.

slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her < Back Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator Stacey’s passion for the Connecticut River began in the spring of 1996 when, after moving to the valley from NYC, she and her husband embarked on their first paddle in celebration of his birthday. They have created a ritual of the event, bringing friends and family along for this annual birthday flotilla. Stacey began volunteering with CRC in the winter of 2015 and currently organizes our public events. She loves to combine her creativity and community-building skills to share the important work of CRC and inspire others to engage with their rivers. Stacey holds an M.F.A. in photography from UMass Amherst, an M.A. in Art Education from City College of New York and a B.F.A. from University of Michigan. She was the Executive Director of Youth Action Coalition—a community-based youth arts and social justice organization—for nearly 20 years, and has been an arts educator and facilitator in rural and urban schools and out-of-school settings. She lives in Leverett, MA with her husband, sons and new puppy, loves canoeing, backpacking, playing the cello, reading, and cooking. At her first Source to Sea Cleanup, Stacey and son Ethan dragged nine tires out of the river! Stacey hopes to be a Source to Sea Through-Paddler in the near future. slennard at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 211 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Recreation Access At the Connecticut River Conservancy, we believe that protecting the river and enjoying it goes hand in hand. That’s why CRC conducts projects to create safe river access points, provide educational or informative signage, and support paddlers, boaters, anglers, and recreational river enthusiasts. We are dedicated to promoting recreation opportunities on and around the waters in the Connecticut River watershed. Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail CRC is a leading member of the collaborative that runs and maintains the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail (CRPT). With over 100 access points and 50 campsites, the CRPT provides a unique experience for boaters to travel along the river from source to sea. Source to Sea Paddler Recognition We love to support and celebrate the adventurous folks who paddle the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River. You can see the names of those who have accomplished this feat or submit your story below, or read about Jesse's solo kayak experience. Maps & Guides of the Connecticut River From navigation maps to help you traverse the river, to informational guides related to river safety, flows, campsites, and places to visit by boat, we have a range of resources to support recreation access for all. Explore the Paddlers’ Trail Read the Paddler Story See Maps & Guides River Access CRC strives to promote and develop safe and equitable river access in the Connecticut River watershed. This involves creating accessible launch points, supporting educational programing to promote responsible recreation of all types, and prioritizing inclusivity across campsites and programs alike. Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Interactive Map Download our app to access the 410-mile long Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! Mostly meandering, but at times rushing forcefully, the Connecticut River flows past a diverse landscape of rich agricultural lands, rural communities, urban centers, and tidal marshes. Get the Map Source to Sea Journeys Each year, a handful of paddling enthusiasts complete the 410-mile journey of traversing the entire Connecticut River, from Source to Sea. CRC celebrates these kayakers, canoeists and swimmers (just one so far) with certificates, stickers, and by highlighting their section paddles or through journeys! If you have completed a journey of the Connecticut River and would like to share your story, contact us at the email below. The river provided me opportunities to practice letting go of misconceptions of myself, others and of the river, and being in the present moment more fully. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has been involved with Connecticut River Conservancy since its inception. Their persistent efforts and commitment through the years made this swim possible! Kari Kastango First person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River, 2018 - 2023 Paddler Recognition Please review the list below to see who has made the incredible journey of traveling the 410-mile Connecticut River. Those who completed the Trail in one season are listed as “Through-Journey” paddlers. Those who completed the Trail in two or more seasons are called “Section-Journey” paddlers. Have you completed a Source to Sea paddle and want to see YOUR name added below? Send your story to gchevalier@ctriver.org or submit here for a special gift and virtual highlight. Through-Journeys Brendan Walsh (2025) Andrew G. Edwards (2025) Frederick A. Peterson (2025) Joe Roman (2025) Jesse Strauch (2024) Wanda Kirker and Rick Bain (2022) Mary Anderson (2022) Gary Vollinger (2022) Sarah and Scott Lancaster (2022) Emily Nuckols (2021) Ben Lynch (2021) Mack Truax (2021) Trey McPherson (2020) Daniel Stevens (2020) Cathleen (Mumford) Brennan (2019) Andy Myers (2019) Timothy Bertch and Mark Alexander (2018) Ted & Ben Murray (2012) Ed Terlik, Lenny Desrochers & Kenny Bihler (2005) Nancy and Tom Condon (2002) Ted Jones (1982) Tim Brocket (1979) Dr. Joseph and Madeleine Davidson (1959) Section-Journeys Michael Fairchild (2018-2024) Lorraine Brisson (2018-2024) Nick Boatman (2023) John Rudmann (2023) Cheryl Fitch (2018-2022) Bridget Macdonald and Justin Fermann (2015-2022) Tim Walsh (2021-2022) Lucy Eyre (2018-2022) Susan and Peter Craig (2020-2021) Tim Lewis (2017-2020) Harvey Hill (2017-2019) Andrew and Karen Fisk’s JUMP IN JOURNEY (2017) Brian and Matthew Fogg (2011, 2015) Jeff Feldmann, Scott Larkham, Scott Stenberg, Ron Merriam and a dog name Abe (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) Parker Lord and Jim Poole (2007, 2008) John Sinton, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Wendy Sinton (2005, 2006)

lherbert at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her < Back Laura Herbert Staff Accountant Laura Herbert joined CRC as Staff Accountant in 2022. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and has taught in the classroom and as an environmental educator. Since beginning her career in finance and administration, Laura has worked in corporate consulting as well as in the non-profit sector. Additionally, Laura has a lifelong passion for conservation and has worked for various environmental groups doing invasives removal, species inventories, rare plant surveys, and design and implementation of land management plans. She has also developed environmental conservation curricula for students K-6. Laura is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with a specialty in the care of rabbits and turtles. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring natural areas and honing her skills as an outdoorswoman. lherbert at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate