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< Back Janki Darity Trustee With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the ethics and compliance profession, Janki has cultivated a strong foundation in fostering integrity and transparency across various sectors. She has been at the forefront of integrating programmatic frameworks into healthcare, consumer products, and technology organizations. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advancing strategies that emphasize the importance of regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility with ongoing development improvements. Recently, she has chosen to pivot from the corporate sector to focus on nonprofit environmental sustainability programs, specifically in the area of watershed protection and conservation. This shift reflects a deep commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and leveraging her expertise to support sustainable initiatives. Moreover, Janki has a deep passion for the Connecticut River, a natural treasure she has cherished since moving with her family to Amherst at the age of seven. A lifelong traveler, Janki loves cycling and hiking with her partner Brian, as well as getting cozy with a good bourbon and the works of two of her favorite authors, Octavia Butler and Barbara Kingsolver.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Water Quality Monitoring CRC’s water quality monitoring program provides vital scientific information to help the public and local, state, and federal partners better understand our rivers’ health. The data collected by our volunteers and staff helps inform other areas of work such as advocacy, restoration, and recreation access. CRC's Water Quality Monitoring Lab CRC headquarters in Greenfield is home to a water quality lab where we process water samples for E. coli bacteria, nitrogen, and microplastics for ourselves, our partners, and the watershed community. Is it Clean Water Quality Database Water sample results in the watershed are uploaded to the Is it Clean website. Users can get E. coli data and likely water quality conditions to help make decisions about where to safely swim, boat, or recreate in local waterways. Connecticut River E. coli Report (2019-2023) Volunteers for CRC collect samples of the Connecticut River weekly from twenty-two locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. This report combines data from five years, illustrating trends in water quality. More About the Lab Explore the Database See the Report Volunteers for Water Quality Volunteers from throughout the watershed collect water samples from the Connecticut River and its tributaries during the spring and summer. The samples collected are tested for a variety of parameters, depending on the specific program. The parameters can include E. coli bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, chloride, turbidity, specific conductance, and microplastics. We recruit volunteers annually in early spring. We usually have limited openings and specific geographic needs. If you’d like to sign up to let us know that you’re interested and be among the first to know when we need help, contact Melissa at mlangley - at - ctriver.org. We are also happy to connect you with the local watershed group that samples near you if it isn’t us. Partnerships in the Watershed In addition to our own monitoring initiatives, CRC supports our subwatershed groups with their monitoring efforts in a variety of ways. We have helped by providing coordination or other technical assistance, processing samples at our lab, or including them as partners in our grant applications to support our joint monitoring goals. Some of the groups we work with regularly are: Deerfield River Watershed Association Fort River Watershed Association Chicopee 4 Rivers Watershed Council Scantic River Watershed Association Black River Action Team Ottauquechee NRCD The Connecticut River 's water quality has improved over the past few decades thanks to clean water legislation and the efforts of many conservation organizations, local and state agencies, and volunteers. But pollution, climate change, and obstacles to free-flowing rivers still remain, and require ongoing monitoring to inform the public. Stormwater & CRC's Lab on NEPM NEPM's Connecting Point news segment did a fantastic job of covering one of the biggest challenges of pollution in our rivers, which are Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's). Due to outdated infrastructure, stormwater drains and sewage drains are connected in parts of the central watershed, resulting in sewage overflows into the Connecticut River during times of heavy rains or flooding. This sometimes leads to elevated E. coli and river conditions not considered safe for recreation. Cyanobacteria Research Connecticut River Conservancy began a cyanobacteria monitoring program in the summer of 2022 and has continued evolving this work since then. While cyanobacteria does not yet pose a serious threat to the Connecticut River watershed, there have been cases of cyanobacteria blooms which have the potential to become a bigger challenge in the future as climate extremes increase and agricultural nutrients affect water quality. Our 2023-2025 Cyanobacteria Monitoring Report is available to provide the data gathered as of June 2025 which includes 13 sample locations at eight water bodies, with each site being monitored on a biweekly basis from May through October. Additional resources: HAB Mitigation Project Planning Meeting – 11.08.21 Barley Straw for Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB) Control lecture, by Allison Ryan – September 2021 Cyanobacteria lecture, by Allison Ryan – June 2020 Cyanobacteria fact sheet, by Ryan O’Donnell Additional Reports Connecticut River e.Coli report 2019-2023 Bacteria Monitoring and Combined Sewer Overflows: Water Quality Data and Public Understanding in Hampden County Water Quality News Why Definitions Matter: The Hidden Systems That Shape Our Rivers and Protect Our Wetlands An in-depth analysis of different types of wetlands in the Connecticut River watershed, and how federal, state, and local protections intersect in the primary watershed states of NH, VT, MA, and CT. Cyanobacteria Monitoring Report 2023-2025 Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) began monitoring cyanobacteria in Hampshire County, Massachusetts in 2023 and has since increased the number of sample sites and sampling frequency. Connecticut River Conservancy Invites Community Volunteers for Chloride Testing Watershed-Wide Testing chloride levels provides data on the impacts of road salt on water quality and wildlife in the Connecticut River watershed. For questions about CRC's water quality monitoring, or to volunteer to collect water samples, contact Melissa at mlangley - at - ctriver.org or call 413.450.8739.

< Back Stephen Gephard Trustee, Vice Chair Stephen recently retired from the CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection after 42 years as a fisheries biologist, supervising the Diadromous Fish and Habitat Enhancement programs, spending much of his time on the Connecticut River salmon restoration program. Steve currently is a consultant and serves on many regional bodies as well as holding a presidential appointment as a U.S. Commissioner to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (Edinburgh). He has logged over 60 years on the river and is an avid paddler, boater, angler, and explorer as well as a veteran of many river conservation efforts. He co-writes a regular column for Estuary magazine and hosts a radio show for iCRV streaming radio. He lives in Deep River, CT with his partner Leslie MacLise-Kane. CRC@ctriver.org

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Programs The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the watershed of New England’s longest river. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. Below are the areas of interconnected impact that we are focused on. Click to learn more and dive into our programs. River Restoration Dam Removal Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Relicensing Water Quality Monitoring Community Engagement Latest News Why Definitions Matter: The Hidden Systems That Shape Our Rivers and Protect Our Wetlands An in-depth analysis of different types of wetlands in the Connecticut River watershed, and how federal, state, and local protections intersect in the primary watershed states of NH, VT, MA, and CT. See All News Looking for Something Else? Email Signup Meet the Staff Get in Touch Upcoming E vents Support O ur Work Mis sion & Values 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

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< Back David Deen Trustee David spent 19 years as a CRC River Steward and 30 years as a Vermont legislator, focusing on public policy and advocating for river protections. For most of his legislative career, he’s been on the Natural Resources/Water Resources committees. He helped found and now serves as chair of the VT/NH Connecticut River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and is a founding incorporator of the Vermont Community Foundation. He serves on the Vermont Climate Council, the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board. David holds a M.S. from Antioch New England Graduate School and has been a NH licensed flyfishing guide for 20+ years, teaching people to fish while simultaneously teaching them the basics of healthy rivers. He tries to fish whenever he can. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Geoffrey Habron Trustee I spent 25 years as a professor teaching Fisheries and Wildlife, Sociology, and Sustainability Science at Michigan State University, Warren Wilson College, and Furman University with a focus on applied and community engaged learning. Since 2021, I have participated in the $5M Carolinas Collaborative on Climate Health and Equity led by NC State University and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Adaptation Partnership program. My focus is on equitable climate resilience and adaptation having worked with African-American communities in Greenville , South Carolina and Bucksport , South Carolina. I also serve on the Statewide Resilience Plan Advisory Committee for the South Carolina Office of Resilience and the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the American Society of Adaptation Professionals. View my Relevant Work Summary I earned a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science at Oregon State University with an interdisciplinary research project on Assessment of Community-based Adaptive Watershed Management in Three Umpqua Basin Watersheds. I earned a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries from Mississippi State University and a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Caribbean, African, and African-American Studies from the University of Miami. Prior to academia, I served in the Peace Corps in St. Lucia Eastern Caribbean as a Fish Pond Specialist in the Department of Fisheries. As a child I spent 5 years in Thailand and 4 years in Nicaragua. CRC@ctriver.org

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. About Our Mission & Values 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. Below are the areas of interconnected impact we are focused on. River Restoration Dam Removal Aquatic Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Water Quality Monitoring Community Engagement The Connecticut River watershed is a public trust resource that invites dedicated people and integrated solutions to come together. Connecticut River Conservancy staff. Meet the team here. Our Values Collaboration By listening, learning, and developing inclusive relationships, we build partnerships for action at all levels. We create opportunities and resources, offer meaningful support, and implement priority projects throughout the watershed with the communities who sustain and are sustained by our rivers. Integrity We act with transparency, accountability, and respect—honoring the trust placed in us by the communities, partners, and ecosystems we serve. Our decisions are grounded in science, guided by ethical practices, and focused on the long-term health of the Connecticut River and watershed. Purpose We are driven by a passion and deep commitment to clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Every action we take—whether through advocacy, restoration, or events—advances a mission to protect and restore the Connecticut River for the benefit of current and future generations. Adaptability We embrace change as essential to progress, responding to new challenges with creativity, flexibility, and resilience. By remaining open to innovation and learning from experience, we strengthen our ability to lead in a dynamic environmental and social landscape. 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

Road Salt, Chloride, and our Rivers Chloride is one of the main ingredients in road salt. Unlike many pollutants, chloride does not biodegrade or evaporate. Once it enters the environment, it stays there. We currently use more road salt than is necessary for effective winter road safety. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute up to five gallons of freshwater. Rain, melting snow, and stormwater runoff carry salt from roads, driveways, and parking lots into nearby waterways, which can eventually reach drinking water supplies. Once salt is in our rivers and groundwater, it is extremely difficult and costly to remove. New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are all part of the Northeastern "salt belt" that employs various strategies to de-ice roads in winter, including pre-wetting with salt brine, using snow-fighting vehicles with calibrated spreaders, and applying different types of salt based on temperature and storm conditions. Monitoring Program Connecticut River Conservancy participates in Salt Watch, a national chloride monitoring program run by the Izaak Walton League of America . Salt Watch helps gather data on how road salt use affects water quality by measuring chloride concentrations in rivers and streams throughout the watershed. This information allows CRC and partners to identify hotspots of salt pollution, track trends over time, inform municipalities, and support smarter, more efficient salt use. Read More Effects on Wildlife Many freshwater organisms including fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and aquatic plants are not adapted to survive in salty conditions. Elevated chloride levels can: Disrupt reproduction and growth Alter species composition in streams and wetlands Reduce biodiversity Change water chemistry over time Understanding where chloride levels are rising helps scientists and communities take action before permanent damage occurs. Road salt impacts on freshwater quality and aquatic flora and fauna, particularly in the "salt belt," necessitate more data collection and new strategies for managing snow and ice. You can contribute to our understanding of road salt in the Connecticut River Valley by participating in CRC's chloride monitoring program, learn about proper salting on your own property, and help your government better manage its effects by supporting related legislation. To learn more about road salt in your community and to do your part to mitigate negative effects, check out this informative video or quick fact sheet .

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Here are ways you can get involved for Earth Day! Earth Day Earth Day – and Earth Month in April – is the time of year when nature awakens after the slumber of winter and our field season begins to have the greatest possible impact for the Connecticut River watershed. Whether you’re taking small steps to support your local environment, or you’re ready to get your hands dirty for cleaner rivers, we have several ways to get involved. Community Events See a list of community events from our partners including volunteer opportunities, Earth Day festivals, and other ways to lend a hand for nature. Support CRC's Mission Make a gift to support clean water and healthy habitats throughout the Connecticut River watershed all year round! Organize a DIY Cleanup Trash is a big issue in our rivers and you can organize a group of any size to clean up a beach or park near you. Get started with our DIY Cleanup Guide. Community Events Give a Gift Start Organizing Watershed-Wide City Nature Challenge Join the Connecticut River Conservancy and partners throughout the watershed for the 2026 City Nature Challenge April 24 - 27. Take note of observations on land, in the sky, and in our waters. Start in your backyard or head to your favorite local park or preserve. We will look, listen, and document nature's abundant and unique biodiversity together using iNaturalist. Results will be gathered and announced in May. Events including guided nature walks are happening throughout the Connecticut River watershed in NH, VT, MA, and CT. See all the details and sign up for an event near you! Wild & Scenic Film Festival Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Vermont on Thursday, April 30th. Festival-goers can expect family-friendly films handpicked by CRC and featuring people working around the globe to promote cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more resilient communities. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will also be refreshments, raffle prizes, and guest speakers! Proceeds from the event will benefit CRC’s programs in VT & NH. See the film details and get your tickets. More Ways to Get Involved If you’d like to read up on the latest river updates, our news page covers a range of stories including past and upcoming restoration projects, LiveStream recordings, education about local habitats and species, and more. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get watershed news delivered to your inbox. If you observe a riverside area that could use a trash cleanup, contact our Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator at slennard@ctriver.org . Looking ahead beyond Earth Day to volunteer with us? We’ll have many community science activities throughout the summer. Sign up for the volunteer newsletter at the link above to hear about them when they go live! Community & Partner Events Massachusetts April 6-10 Plastic Free Lunch Week at Leverett Elementary School April 11, 10am Greenfield Spring Cleanup , Downtown Greenfield & Greenfield Bike Path April 11, 10am Leverett Earth Day Cleanup , Leverett Transfer Station April 11, 1pm Art for the Earth Exhibition Reception , Leverett Crafts & Arts April 11, 6pm Art for the Earth Evening Performance , Leverett Crafts & Arts April 19, 11am Springfield Museums Earth Day Festival, Springfield, MA April 22, 12-2pm Lake Wallace Cleanup , Belchertown, MA April 22, 6pm Screening of Microplastics Madness , Leverett Crafts & Arts April 25, 8:30am Hadley Spring Cleanup Day , Hopkins Academy parking lot April 25 Statewide Volunteer Days with MassAudubon April 25, MA DCR Park Serve Day Connecticut April 25 - Wethersfield, CT – City Nature Challenge Guided Walk with GMCT April 25 - Chester, CT – Chester Celebrates Earth Day on Main Street from 12-4pm May 2 - Middletown, CT – Connecticut River Environmental Summit Vermont & New Hampshire April 25, 7am City Nature Challenge: Mink Brook Nature Preserve Guided Walks , Hanover, NH April 25 - Brattleboro, VT - City Nature Challenge Guided Walk with library & conservation commission More events may be added! Contact Stacey at slennard@ctriver.org to submit your event. More Upcoming Events We are updating our events calendar regularly. While not all upcoming events are specific to Earth Day, there are many other opportunities to learn and engage with your rivers. See All Events