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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

< 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

csoucy at ctriver.org 802-490-9701 He/Him < Back Charles Soucy Vermont Program Associate Charles joined the CRC team in January 2025 as the Vermont Program Associate. He assists the Vermont River Steward with managing projects, collaborating with community and governmental partners, supporting educational events, communicating with the public, and advocating for clean and healthy rivers. He is especially focused on increasing CRC’s programmatic work in the development of stormwater projects, management of aquatic invasive species, and other types of education and engagement efforts . Before coming to CRC, Charles was a fish farmer, a craft brewer, a facilities manager for arts and cultural non-profits, and a fishing and river guide. Charles holds an M.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England and a B.A. in Biology with Honors and Religion from Williams College. He is also the Vice President of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited #450 as of April 2024. He lives with his partner and two kids in southeastern Vermont where they raise chickens, cook delicious food, and create art, as well as hike, paddle, and ski around New England. csoucy at ctriver.org 802-490-9701 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

< Back Bob Sproull Trustee Bob is a computer scientist, retired from running a research lab for Sun Microsystems and Oracle. For over twenty years, he lived in Boston and rowed on the Charles River. He served on the board of directors of the Charles River Watershed Association for 15 years and helped them launch a capital campaign. Bob lives in Leeds, MA, is the coordinator of the Friends of Mineral Hills Conservation Area, and is a member of the Yankee Rowing Club. He tries to row on the Connecticut as often as possible and enters an occasional race. CRC@ctriver.org

And Community Challenge! Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast compete for honors on the Connecticut River between southwest NH and southeast VT. NEPC - New England Paddlesports Championship. New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) & Community Challenge The 2025 race has been cancelled, pending new organizers. THANK YOU to all the incredible racers, community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible in 2024. You can see all the race results here and read our 2024 NEPC recap . 2025 cancellation message from CRC: The Connecticut River Conservancy is undertaking strategic planning in 2025, and as part of this process we are evaluating both internal resources and outward initiatives. Upon consideration of how our mission supports increased access for the full breadth of communities to the Connecticut River, we have determined that we must step down from being the organizers of the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC). We will strive to find new organizers for the event and will instead focus on other paddling and river recreation activities with such details to be shared when available. The NEPC should be considered cancelled for 2025; however, CRC welcomes and would support interested parties who wish to take over hosting responsibilities. CRC continues to be dedicated to clean water, healthy habitats, and river recreation for local communities in the Brattleboro/Hinsdale region and beyond, and we look forward to advancing partnerships that promote equitable access and healthy rivers for all! Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomeed the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year in 2024. Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast competed for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers chose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course. There was also a 1-mile community challenge! The course lapped the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheered on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series. On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina 1347 Brattleboro Rd, Hinsdale NH – just over the river (rain date: the following Sunday, August 4th) with media sponsor: Photos courtesy Kelly Fletcher Photography 12-Mile Competitive Course Competitive paddlers on canoe, kayak, and surf ski will lap the mid-river island three times on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course. 5-Mile Recreational Course Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course. Recreation Class paddlers, including adult-youth boats, can participate in the 5-mile looped course. 1-Mile Community Challenge A 1-mile Community Challenge is open to all two-person canoe teams. This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe! Ideal for small groups or families. Schedule of the Day 9am – Racer arrival 9am-3pm – Food trucks! 10am – Community partners & on-site fun begins 10:30am – Competitive & Recreational races begin 11am – Community Challenge begins 12:30pm – Crazy Creatures Obstacle Course 2pm – NEPC Awards Ceremony 3pm – See you next year! The morning begins with the races, where over 60 racers will compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. All are welcome to join in the 1-mile Community Challenge . CRC and local partner organizations will offer on-site activities and info booths for spectators. Plus food & beverage trucks to keep you satiated (J&B Curbside Café 9-3 and Frisky Cow Gelato 11-3). Where to Watch The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina or the Route 119 bridges will provide great views of the race. Parking Ample parking is available to racers, specatators, and Riverfest participants at Norm’s Marina. Overflow parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot across the street. Safety Statement: CRC's staff are assessing river conditions as we approach race day in connection with Norm's Marina, Great River Hydro, climate and flood reports, and local experts. The safety of racers, spectators, and communities is of utmost importance, and we will have two rescue boats from Rescue Inc. on standby throughout the duration of the race. River conditions in the Hinsdale/Brattleboro area are looking good for the 28th. Racers will be notified in the event of any changes to the schedule. Proceeds will benefit CRC's efforts to support local communities in improving recreational access and river habitat like on the Hinsdale-Brattleboro Island after traffic moves to the new bridge (late fall '24) and Bellows Falls at the Saxtons River confluence after removing the Blake-Higgins Dam under Rte. 5 (fall '24). Local Partner 2024 Sponsors Watershed: River: Stream: Community Partners: For questions about race registration, volunteering or the overall event, contact Stacey at slennard - at - ctriver.org . For interest in sponsorship, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org .

< Back Christine Palm Trustee Christine Palm is finishing her third term as State Representative for the 36th General Assembly District in Connecticut, covering the towns of Chester, Deep River, Essex and Haddam. As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, she successfully passed a bill requiring the teaching of climate change as part of the school curriculum, making Connecticut the first U.S. state to require this teaching in all public schools. For her efforts, Palm won the Walter Cronkite Environmental Education Award. Palm also wrote and enacted legislation to create and fund the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (housed at CAES), with a special emphasis on managing hydrilla verticillata. Palm, an assistant Majority Leader, has consistently been named a “Legislative Champion” by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. Palm also shepherded bills banning PFAS and restricting trophy hunting through the Legislature, and helped get the modernized Bottle Bill across the finish line. Palm’s other signature legislative efforts include enhancing women’s rights, securing gun safety measures, and increasing economic security for working families and young adult earners. She has been a newspaper reporter, high school teacher, marketer of non-profit and cultural institutions, and once owned a bowling alley. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for essay writing. She is the author of the poetry chapbook, Preparing the Ground. In addition to conservation, Palm has a special interest in literary graves of New England and is in the process of researching a book on the final resting places of poets, authors, journalists, and other literary figures. She and her husband, the artist James Baker, have four sons.

< Back Michael Simpson Trustee Michael is a Professor Emeritus at Antioch University New England's Environmental Studies Dept. He is also currently Principal and Senior Environmental Scientist of MHS & Associates based in Norwich VT. Michael has over 40 years experience in the water resources and watershed fields and is a certified Wetlands Scientist. He was a founding Board Member for both NH Association of Wetland Scientists and NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists. Michael's most current applied research has been in conjunction with NOAA and US EPA looking at the impacts of climate change in the context of a changing landscape. All his research has necessarily included a stakeholder development process, as well as economic analyses associated with projected impacts. One such study was completed for the five communities in the Lake Sunapee watershed, a headwaters for the Sugar River tributary to the Connecticut River. Michael is currently writing a book on the Impacts of Climate Change to the Wetlands in the Glaciated Northeast. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Lucas G. F. McDiarmid is a dynamic policy leader and public servant based in Western Massachusetts, currently serving as Legislative Director to the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In this senior role, he oversees a diverse legislative portfolio that includes agriculture, fire and public safety, and clean water, managing policy strategy and advancing the Speaker Pro Tem’s legislative priorities. He also spearheads efforts in the House as lead staff-member for the 21st Century Agriculture Commission, chaired by the Speaker Pro Tem, working to shape forward-looking agricultural policy in the Commonwealth. Prior to his current appointment, McDiarmid made significant contributions in the Massachusetts Senate as District Director for former Senator Anne Gobi. In addition to his legislative work, McDiarmid is a firefighter and community liaison with the Three Rivers Fire Department. He served 2-terms on the Palmer Conservation Commission. McDiarmid is committed to outdoor justice, and served as a former Outings Leader for Latino Outdoors, where he worked to advance inclusive access to the outdoors. He holds board roles with the Opacum Land Trust, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, and Connecticut River Conservancy. McDiarmid holds a BA in Political Science and Public Policy from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master's of Public Administration in international development from Norwich University. Born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and raised in Western Massachusetts, he is passionate about public service, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. McDiarmid lives in Palmer with his dog, Jameson, and his cat, Lewis. 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 Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Recreation Access 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 Inclusion We know that we are at our best when engaging with, and learning from, a diverse range of individuals and communities. We strive to cultivate diversity by seeking, welcoming, and valuing all perspectives, voices, styles, and identities, with special attention to the structural power dynamics that have disenfranchised certain peoples and communities. Collaboration By listening, learning, and developing relationships, we build partnerships at all levels, creating opportunities and resources throughout the watershed and with the communities who sustain and are sustained by our rivers. Resilience Achieving our goals is a long-term endeavor requiring a healthy organization, meaningful programs, and a spirit of persistence. We face opportunities and challenges with optimism and creativity. Stewardship We embrace our shared responsibility for the watershed and all that lives in it. We work to hold ourselves and others accountable to reduce and repair environmental harm. 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

ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 She/Her < Back Nina Gordon-Kirsch River Steward in Massachusetts Nina joined CRC’s staff in December 2023 after assisting with CRC’s water quality monitoring program during the summer of 2023. She moved to the Connecticut River Valley from northern California where she spent the past decade working across the water industry including regulatory and monitoring work for the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, teaching a high school field course on natural and human-made water systems, and designing and installing professional greywater reuse projects. Before leaving CA, Nina walked 240 miles along the Mokelumne River to trace where her drinking water came from and feels passionate about connecting humans to their water sources. She holds an M.Sc. in Wastewater Reuse from Ben Gurion University, completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Israel and Palestine researching the fate of endocrine disrupting compounds in Palestinian wastewater treatment, and earned her B.Sc. in Environmental Science with a minor in Marketing from the University of Southern California. In her free time, you’ll find her dipping in local rivers (all year round!) and hiking with her dog Petey. ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

akaplan at ctriver.org 413-834-7953 They/Them < Back Alix Kaplan Content Coordinator Alix joined CRC as Content Coordinator in 2023. Their first experience on the Connecticut River was working with the Invasive Aquatic Plants Crew pulling water chestnut. Previously, Alix worked as an environmental educator in Baltimore, MD and as communications coordinator for a chamber music nonprofit. Alix graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies from Tufts University. They enjoy experimental animation, drumming, and looking under their microscope at various algae specimens. Going on hikes with Alix will take double the amount of time since they must stop and look at everything. akaplan at ctriver.org 413-834-7953 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) For questions about recreation access or to share your source to sea journey, contact Gabriél at gchevalier- at - ctriver.org or call (413) 834-9932.