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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 Leslie Harris Trustee, Board Chair Leslie manages the agriculture on 200-acre Quonquont Farm in Whately, MA. Before coming to the farm, she served as a non-profit administrator for more than 25 years, leading the Dakin Humane Society’s transformation from a small, all-volunteer organization to a nationally-recognized resource for companion animals and the people who care about them. She now uses her considerable experience with non-profit finance and resource development to further achieve the missions of organizations doing meaningful work in her community. Leslie also serves as chair of the Trustees of the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, helping to fund meaningful projects in animal welfare, land conservation, and veterinary research. And she serves on the board of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture. Leslie and her wife are the kind of people whose idea of a terrific vacation is to see how many dogs they can get into their canoe before they disappear into a cloud of bugs down some remote waterway. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Tony Judge Trustee Tony grew up on the Connecticut River in South Hadley Falls. For many years, he’s worked as a broadcasting executive and radio, television and film producer. He served as board vice-chair for the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Now returned from the Midwest to the Valley and its great river, Tony’s eager to help the Connecticut River Conservancy in its vital, exciting work.

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 contribution of any amount to support clean water and healthy habitats throughout the Connecticut River watershed. 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 #CTRiverWatershed Whether your Earth Day entails river cleanups, advocacy, or simply appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors, we'd love to hear about it! Share your experience with #ctriverwatershed and tag to @ctriverconservancy on Instagram. We’ll be on the lookout to share your photos. You can show the beauty of your favorite river spot or tributary, or use this opportunity to raise awareness for the importance of conservation in your part of the Earth. More Ways to Get Involved If you’d like to read up on the local issues, our news page covers a range of updates including water quality research, education about local habitats and species, comment submissions to state agencies, and more. You can also sign up for our newsletter to be more informed about river-related news throughout the watershed in NH, VT, MA, and CT in your inbox. If you observe a riverside area that could use a 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. Community & Partner Events Massachusetts: Greenfield, MA: Keep Greenfield Beautiful Spring Cleanup on April 19-20 Greenfield, MA: Greenfield Earth Day Celebration in Energy Park on April 21 Northampton, MA: Park Service Day at Elwell State Park with Mass DCR on April 26 Belchertown, MA: Park Service Day at Quabbin Reservoir with Mass DCR on April 26 Springfield, MA: Earth Day Festival with Springfield Museum on April 27 Easthampton, MA: Easthampton Citywide Cleanup organized by Owen Zaret on May 4 Greenfield, MA: Sign up to plant trees with the City of Greenfield in Millers Meadow in May Connecticut: New Hartford, CT: River Cleanup with Farmington River Anglers Association on April 26 Winsted, CT: Earth Day Cleanup with Friends of Main Street on April 26 Farmington, CT: Farmington Town-Wide Cleanup on April 26 Vermont & New Hampshire Brattleboro, VT: Adopt-a-Drain on Earth Day with Windham County NRCD on April 22nd Brattleboro VT/Hinsdale NH: Brattleboro-Hinsdale Island Cleanup & Clearing on April 27th Canaan, NH: Earth Day Celebration and Cleanup on April 26th More community and partner events for Earth Day coming soon. Contact Stacey at slennard@ctriver.org to submit your event. Special thanks to Savings Bank of Walpole for supporting the Connecticut River Conservancy for Earth month. They will donate $5 for every customer who switches to e-statements through June 30th! 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

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Dam Removal River restoration includes improving fish passage and flood resiliency at “pinch points” in our rivers. These obstacles include obsolete dams no longer serving a useful purpose, and undersized culverts that block or hinder fish and other aquatic animals from accessing their entire watershed. CRC works with many partners to safely remove dams and upgrade culverts. Our accomplishments since 2014: There are over 3,000 dams in the Connecticut River watershed. Most of them are obsolete. In addition, there are 44,000 stream crossings (bridges and culverts), many of which are undersized. Why Remove Dams? Fish Passage Removing the old dams, building fish ladders at active hydro dams, and replacing culverts with larger flood and fish-friendly structures allows fish to move upstream to spawn and find colder water during the warm summer months. Creating fish and aquatic animal passage helps reestablish natural cycles in rivers, allowing migratory fish, mussels, amphibians, turtles and a host of aquatic invertebrates access to critical habitat to reproduce. Learn more about migratory fish in the Connecticut River. Flood Resilience By removing obsolete dams and undersized culverts we create natural stream flows that improve flood resiliency in our communities. Each dam removal lowers the flood elevation level and provides additional storage capacity within the river channel during the next big storm. Non-flood control dams do not provide flood storage capacity during large storm events; these obsolete dams only act as a small speed bump during the high flow events. Dam Safety Poorly maintained dams or those that have outlived their useful life are at risk of failing. Dam failure can cause flooding and damage to upstream and downstream infrastructure, homes, businesses, and ecosystems. Any polluted sediment trapped behind a dam is also released. With severe storms becoming more common, dam failure is a growing threat to communities. The National Inventory of Dams is a helpful resource to look at the number of dams in your state, along with their hazard potential. Water Quality Dam removal improves water quality by increasing water flow and oxygen levels and reducing water temperatures critical for aquatic organism health. Many projects also remove the accumulated sediment behind the dam which may contain excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that can be harmful to a healthy river system. Dam removal is often followed by buffer planting in the spring to help stabilize the riverbank for long-term benefit. Learn More About River Restoration Blake Higgins Dam Removal in Bellows Falls, Vermont Project Highlight Connecticut River Conservancy worked with multiple partners to remove the remnant Blake Higgins dam on the Saxtons River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, in Westminster/Bellows Falls, Vermont. Learn More About This Project How We Remove Dams CRC works with private landowners, towns, and other owners of these structures to facilitate dam removal so that our rivers are healthier for everyone to enjoy. Agreement Communicate with landowners to ensure there is agreement on moving forward with a potential project. Permits Secure all necessary local, state, and federal permits legally required for dam removal. Assessment Collect information on site structure, environment, potential benefits, and feasibility of moving forward. Funding for Removal Another round of funding must be secured for the implementation of construction work. Funding for Design Secure funding to move ahead with the design phase - which usually involves grants and regional partnerships. Construction Implement site access, water and sediment management, dam removal, channel and flood bench construction. Project Design Engineers conduct field investigations, surveys, and modeling to create a design plan & cost estimate. Restoration Plant native trees, shrubs and grasses along the riverbank to ensure long-term stability and ecological health. This process can take 3-7 years! After project management and completion, we also monitor the site for several years to document the long-term impact and share results with regional partners and the public. CRC is currently pursuing multiple dam removal projects throughout the watershed, as well as several culvert replacement projects. Grant applications and funding proposals are being submitted to federal and state agencies and many Foundations. This multi-year campaign is focused on tributaries to the Connecticut River watershed where native fish and other organisms are prevented from moving upstream to spawn. CRC's Dam Removal History Dam Removal News CRC Celebrates Trout Unlimited’s Northeast Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program as Restoration Partner of the Year The Restoration Partner of the Year award is a celebration of collaboration for positive ecological impact within the Connecticut River watershed. Greenfield Electric Light & Power Dam Improvements to Begin Engineering Design CRC is collaborating with the City of Greenfield and the Nature Conservancy to advance Green River restoration projects including partial removal of the Greenfield Electric Light and Power Dam and full removal of the Wiley Russell Dam. Valley Street Dam Removal in Springfield VT The Mount Ascutney Regional Commission (MARC) and Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), in partnership with the Town of Springfield, will begin the process of removing an old dam on Valley Street on September 3rd. For questions about dam removal with Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Ron at rrhodes - at - ctriver.org .

Connecticut River Conservancy invites you to join us for the 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. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Bellows Falls Opera House Hosted by the Connecticut River Conservancy on May 8th, 2025 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, May 8th. 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. Raffle prizes have been generously donated by: Blake Hill Preserves, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, Burrows Sports, Byway Books, and King Arthur Baking Company. Bellows Falls Opera House 7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Doors will open at 6:30pm and films will begin at 7pm Here are some of the films you'll see! Mother River Devin pursues her dream to become the first Black woman to kayak the entire Mississippi River, listening to the river and following her guidance to navigate challenges such as the realities of being a minority in the paddling community and the nuances of being a single Mother. Reconnected Subtitle: Restoring the Rivers of Long Island Sound. This film highlights the importance of stream barrier removal through interviews with community members, environmental experts (including CRC), & river advocates. Rivers Cannot Defend Themselves 30 Years ago, the Farmington River became the first partnership wild and scenic river, setting a new precedent and path for rivers to be protected. David Sinish, one of the principal activists who led the fight, looks back at the events that made this unique designation possible. Judy’s Creek Subtitle: Discovering the Secret Life of the Streambed. Follow ecologist, educator, and author, Dr. Judy Li, into the world of caddisflies. Judy shares how her childhood curiosity led to a career in freshwater science, and how she has found ways to share the joys of science with audiences of all ages. Paddle Tribal Waters When the largest dam removal project in history begins, a group of indigenous youth learns to whitewater kayak, hoping to become the first people to paddle the restored Klamath River from source to sea. Healing Hiłsyaqƛis Hiłsyaqƛis (Tranquil Creek) is located within the traditional territory of the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla‐o‐qui‐aht) First Nation in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. A desire to understand sharp declines in wild Pacific salmonoids sparked research, monitoring, and habitat restoration in hopes of helping wild fish populations recover. Mussel Grubbing Subtitle: A Citizen Science Treasure Hunt. Following a citizen scientist's journey of discovery, the film explores the treasure hunt for freshwater mussels in the upper Sangamon River. Finding a diverse collection of healthy mussels means a healthy river and a healthy community. On, In & Under the Sava Armed with a raft, snorkels, and flippers, this film follows the journey of four friends as they drift down Slovenia’s Sava River with one mission: find the elusive finned-monsters that dwell in the deep to help protect the river from dams. River Cowboys: Keepin’ it Wild This short film showcases the stunning landscapes of the internationally recognized Red River Gorge, and Kentucky’s only Wild & Scenic Red River. It highlights an ongoing environmental challenge: removing trash from our waterways. Get Your Tickets! Special Thanks to our Local Sponsors Presenting Sponsors: Watershed Sponsor: River Sponsors: GPI Construction The Richards Group Terrigenous Landscape Architecture Vermont River Conservancy Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association Stream Sponsors: Bobolink Communications Brattleboro Area Realty Brattleboro Communiy Television Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited Vermont Country Deli Interested in sponsoring this event? We'd love to add your business to the list above! See our sponsorship opportunities and get in touch today. Become a Sponsor Parking & Accessibility The Bellows Falls Opera House is ADA accessible. The wheelchair ramp into the building is on the side, not through the main doors out front. Once in the theater, there is seating available that is wheelchair accessible. Aisles in the theater are long ramps. Bathrooms are gendered & have wheelchair accessible stalls. There is some street parking directly outside of the Bellows Falls Opera House. You can also find plenty of free parking in nearby municipal lots. Here is an area map with parking options.

lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 She/Her < Back Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist Lauren joined the CRC staff as a Stream Restoration Specialist in July 2024. She has a BSc in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University and an MSc in Ecohydrology from UNESCO-IHE (now IHE Delft) in The Netherlands. She has worked in river science, watershed management, and environmental flows since 2010 and collaborated on projects across the United States and Africa. Some of her highlights include conducting environmental monitoring for stream restoration projects in Lake Tahoe, completing field work in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park to determine environmental flows in the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania, leading the first ever environmental flow assessment in the Ouémé River Delta in Benin, and coordinating training courses on water accounting in several countries in Northern Africa and the Near East. Lauren grew up in New Hampshire admiring the beautiful landscapes and waterways, but it wasn’t until she discovered stream restoration during an AmeriCorps internship did her appreciation for water really blossom. Now she works on all aspects of stream restoration, from grant funding and project management to engineering and construction oversight. When she’s not in the water, you can usually find Lauren hiking and camping in the woods or traveling the globe in search of adventure. lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Source to Sea Paddler Recognition Form Source to Sea Paddler Form First name* Last name* Email* Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* City* Zip / Postal code* Preferred Phone Name(s) of Traveling Partners, if any Method of Travel* What means of travel did you use to get to the trail?* Type of Journey* Next

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Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Support the Connecticut River Every contribution supports our mission of clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving communities. Together, we can restore free-flowing rivers for fish passage and recreation in the Connecticut River and tributaries for years to come. 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.

mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 She/Her < Back Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward in New Hampshire Marilla joined CRC as the NH River Steward in January 2025. Prior to joining CRC, she worked as a research assistant helping develop an environmental health literacy and water education program on the Crow Reservation in Montana. Marilla holds a M.S. in Water Resource Policy and Management from East Central University. During this program she traveled to Lake Victoria in Kenya to participate in an intensive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) program, deepening her knowledge in water and wastewater infrastructure systems, indigenous water technology, sustainable water practices, and international water law. She also received a B.A in Psychology and Environmental Science & Policy from Smith College. When not working, you can find Marilla outside hiking, skiing, gardening, and experimenting with fermentation. She lives in New Hampshire's Upper Valley with her husband, Jack, and their two dogs, Apple and Smokey mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 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. 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 Action Alert: OPPOSE the Proposed Rule Change for Waters of the United States This rule change would reduce protections for wetlands, vernal pools, and other waterbodies with groundwater connections—all of which are abundant in the Connecticut River watershed and important for flood resiliency and aquatic habitat. 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