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

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The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. 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

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Water Chestnut Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an invasive, non-native aquatic plant that is spreading throughout New England and the Connecticut River watershed. Rooted in shallow waterbodies such as lakes, ponds and coves, water chestnut can take over the surface if left unchecked. These annual plants reproduce by seeds before dying off in the winter. Seeds drop in August and September, and can lie dormant but viable for up to 12 years. Pulling water chestnut by kayak or canoe before the plants produce seeds is the most efficient control method, and a great way to engage by volunteering! 2026 volunteer events have wrapped up for the season, but we'll be back in spring 2027! You can sign up for email updates to be notified when new volunteer opportunities are added. Read On, or Click Below to Jump to a Specific Section What does water chestnut look like? Why is water chestnut such a problem? Water chestnut infestation interactive map If it's not native, how did water chestnut get here? How does water chestnut reproduce? How does water chestnut spread? Water chestnut removal videos Water chestnut management with volunteers What does water chestnut look like? Water chestnuts plant their roots at the bottom of the river, while their leaves float on the water surface. They have rosettes of leaves that float on the water's surface that appear to be radiating from a central point. The leaves are triangular or slightly diamond shaped, toothed on two sides and connected to the stem by a long, flexible submerged stalk. Submerged leaves are feathery. The stem can grow up to 4.6m long, allowing them to colonize a wide range of freshwater habitats — from shallows to deep waters. Plants typically bloom in July. The tiny, white, four-petaled flowers produce characteristic horned seeds. In lightly infested areas you might find a single rosette or plant floating on the water. In heavily infested areas water chestnut forms dense floating mats, covering the surface of the waterbody. Why is water chestnut such a problem? To aquatic plants and animals: Water chestnut is a problem because it takes up space and nutrients. It can crowd out native plants that are food sources for native animals. Not only do they take over our waterways by out-competing other emergent and floating vegetation, but their colonization also negatively impacts the function of the entire aquatic ecosystem. They proliferate profusely on the surface of freshwater. The densely-layered floating mats they form — often as thick as three layers — limit light penetration through the vertical water column. As water chestnut decomposes, it decreases dissolved oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. To humans: Water chestnut infestations also impede fishing, hunting, swimming, and boating as the rosettes cover entire bodies of water with plants up to sixteen feet deep in some extreme cases. They congest streams, block boats, and kill fish. The spiny seeds can cause injury. Management of out-of-control infestations is costly and requires incredible coordination. Water Chestnut Infestations Interactive Map This map shows all reported water chestnut (aka Trapa natans ) infestations within the Connecticut River Watershed. This map is continuously updated as stewards, monitors, and the other river users report new infestations and report on the status of existing ones. Water chestnut infestations have been reported in the four primary states within the watershed – NH, VT, MA & CT. If it's not native, how did it get here? European water chestnut has not always lived in the United States. The water chestnut is a resident of the Old World, native to Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, and Western Africa. In 1877, the species Trapa natans was introduced to the United States from Europe (as suggested by its name) at the Cambridge Botanical Garden at Harvard University (Sculthorpe, 1967; Oliver, 1871; Voroshilov, 1982). It was planted in Collins Lake, MA and other ponds in Massachusetts. In 1879 the plant escaped the cultivated areas and started growing in the Charles River. Since then it has continued to spread all along the east coast as far south as Virginia and Kentucky, as far north as Quebec, invading the Hudson River and, of course, the Connecticut River. Without removal it has the capacity to spread farther. How does water chestnut reproduce? Each plant produces at least one flower annually. These flowers begin to form nut-like fruits in mid-July. Seeds ripen about a month later and start to drop in early-mid August. The seeds, known as water caltrop, are four-horned nut-like structures that develop on the underside of the floating rosette. One seed can produce up to 15 floating rosettes, each rosette producing up to 20 more seeds. Seeds remain viable for up to 12 years! It is important to remove water chestnuts before the seeds mature and drop to the floor of the water body. Though most seeds germinate within the first few years after being dropped, they can be viable for twelve years. A single plant left behind can drop over 20 seeds, restarting a long 12 year cycle of removing and monitoring. If we can prevent plants from dropping new seeds, an infestation can be successfully eliminated. How does water chestnut spread? Seeds can drop directly into the sediment beneath the parent plant or they can hitch rides to new locations. Water chestnuts’ spikes allow them to stick to birds or other wildlife and end up in a new location. Plants can also get caught on boats or other recreation gear allowing them to get carried up/down-stream or to new water bodies. Water Chestnut Removal in the Connecticut River Watershed Water Chestnut Management To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Fortunately, it is easily identifiable and smaller infestations can be managed with trained volunteers hand-pulling the plant. The key to keeping water chestnut from invading new areas is to remove plants before they have a chance to go to seed. Control requires vigilant patrolling and harvesting for many years to ensure a water body is saved. Infested sites should be monitored and controlled every few years to fully remove the invasive species. Most removal is completed by volunteers manually through a series of pulls. Volunteers pull the plants by hand, often depositing the pulled plants into baskets or boats that are brought to shore. Water chestnut can be composted away from the water body. Mechanical harvesters are efficient for removing large infestations of water chestnut. They can remove lots of plants from the surface. However, this method can be quite expensive. It cost the state of Vermont approximately $500,000 to remove water chestnut in 2000. Compared to hand removal, which usually involves many volunteers and few expenses, this method is more expensive but less time consuming. Volunteer to Remove Water Chestnut! Citizens like you help remove these invasive species from our waterways! Volunteers that frequently scout for and remove the invasive plants are the major contributors to preventing heavy infestations. CRC, partners, and other stewards of our rivers collaborate to organize many water chestnut removal events. These community events have been very successful at removing large swaths of water chestnut. In the summer of 2025, 213 volunteers and partners removed 603,000 water chestnut plants from the watershed! You can learn how to identify and report water chestnut as well as when it is appropriate to pull the plants, how to properly pull them, and how to properly dispose of the pulled plants. If you're interested in volunteering visit our volunteer registration site , or sign up for email updates to be notified. For questions related to CRC’s water chestnut program, request a presentation from one of our staff, or to connect about volunteering, contact us at volunteer@ctriver.org or 413.772.2020 207.

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. The 30th Annual 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. For any questions, contact cleanup at ctriver.org. 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 Mary McCaughey at mmccaughey 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.

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 30 Years Strong: Connecticut River Conservancy Invites Volunteers to the Annual Source to Sea Cleanup The Connecticut River Conservancy's (CRC) Source to Sea Cleanup is celebrating a major milestone this year. Marking its 30th anniversary, the watershed-wide volunteer event returns September 18-19, with flexible cleanup opportunities that allow groups and individuals to choose the day that works best for them. 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

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Advocacy We advocate for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities throughout the entire Connecticut River watershed. From advancing legislation to getting our feet wet gathering data and meeting with concerned citizens in town meetings, our River Stewards are a multi-faceted team of many talents. CRC’s four focus states of NH, VT, MA, and CT each have a dedicated staff member with distinct annual priorities. CRC’s advocacy includes: Comments on State & Federal Permits Every year there are a range of permits related to development, wastewater, or natural resources that we can influence to be more river-friendly. One of the most significant right now is hydropower relicensing where we have been fighting on behalf of the Connecticut River – and the wildlife and communities it supports – for 12 years. More details here . Policy Development Each of the 4 states we focus on has unique environmental agendas and bills that can benefit or harm our rivers and ecosystems. Our River Stewards advance and promote legislation, including commenting on both state and federal procedural rules, that offers the most sustainable vision of a thriving future for our rivers and watershed communities. Community Engagement Public participation and engagement of local communities are vital in protecting our rivers. We engage with students, conservation commissions, recreation enthusiasts, volunteers, and many others to hear from and represent the public in our shared vision of supporting healthy, accessible rivers for all. Coalition-Building Collaboration is a core value of Connecticut River Conservancy, which is why our advocacy work relies on partnerships and sitting on a myriad of committees to ensure we have a voice at the table, can identify and fill in resource gaps, and represent the interests of both local human communities and the wildlife we all love. CRC’s River Stewards send monthly state-specific emails to keep you informed about the latest river news in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Sign Up for River News Meet the River Stewards Kathy Urffer Director of Policy & Advocacy/ Vermont River Steward kurffer at ctriver.org 802-258-0413 Marilla Harris-Vincent New Hampshire River Steward mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 Nina Gordon-Kirsch Massachusetts River Steward ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 Amber Lively Connecticut River Steward ctriver.org 860-681-3194 Hydropower Relicensing Since late 2012, five hydroelectric facilities in the heart of the Connecticut River have been in the process of renewing their operating licenses in a process known as relicensing. The licenses for two facilities in northern MA and three dams in southern VT and NH will endure for the next 30-50 years and impact more than 175 miles of the Connecticut River. It’s critical that we all speak up NOW in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence these operating licenses. Learn More About Hydro Relicensing From the Connecticut River’s headwaters to Long Island Sound, here are CRC’s current advocacy priorities for each state. New Hampshire In New Hampshire, CRC’s major advocacy foci are hydropower, water quality, migratory fish habitat, and community building. We are collaborating with the VT and MA River Stewards on mainstem relicensing, but also tracking and commenting on permitting processes for numerous hydro projects on NH tributaries. We are working to expand our volunteer water quality monitoring to more of NH, and collaborating with CRC’s Aquatic Ecologist and state and federal agency staff to expand our knowledge of where migratory fish are found in NH so that we can advocate for increased protection of these waters. These and other efforts are not possible without collaboration, and we are constantly working to build our partner and member base in NH. Please contact Marilla if any of these initiatives pique your interest or if you have questions or concerns about the NH watershed. Photo: Connecticut River Falls below Second Lake - by Al Braden Vermont CRC is working in Vermont to support climate resiliency policies and funding to protect our rivers and communities. We are supporting a Chloride Contamination Reduction Program - a volunteer program that will begin to address excessive application of road salt that is subsequently contaminating our soils and waters. We are supporting partner organizations with educating community members about the importance of the Flood Safety Act. We are continuing to fight for our rivers in the 40-year-long licenses that govern the Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon hydro facilities. We are supporting efforts to reclassify the Whetstone Brook to protect the trout fishery, preserving outstanding scenic and recreational areas on the Williams River, and protecting Roundy’s and Herrick’s Coves in Rockingham. We continue to educate community members about impacts to our rivers through a variety of in person and virtual events. Photo: Vernon Dam on the Connecticut River - by Al Braden Massachusetts In Massachusetts, CRC is focusing on the decade+ hydro relicensing projects, working to legalize more water recycling (greywater), eradicating aquatic invasive species, and collaborating with other watershed groups in the Valley to get residents engaged in their local rivers. CRC heads the MA Greywater Working group - a citizen group writing a new bill to put through the state legislature to allow for more residential and industrial water recycling. We are partnering with the MA state plumbers representatives and Mass Rivers Alliance to build a strong coalition of supporters for the bill before it goes to the floor. We are also committed to the FERC relicensing process for Turner’s Falls and Northfield Mountain hydroelectric projects; we filed an appeal to Mass DEP for the state 401 Water Quality Certificate and are in the legal process now. This federal relicensing process only happens once in a generation and is our chance to step up and protect our rivers! And of course, CRC has ongoing work in MA to remove dams, restore ecological habitats, and help residents prepare for the impending impacts of climate change. Photo: The Oxbow in Northampton - by Al Braden Connecticut CRC is working in Connecticut to keep our rivers clean and riverbanks green! We encourage nature-based solutions to climate change including green infrastructure and protecting the vital trees along our riverbanks. We push for increased funding and attention to aquatic invasive species that threaten our waterways like hydrilla and water chestnut. We’re working with the Scantic River Watershed Association to create a watershed-based plan for the Scantic River. And as members of the Long Island Sound River Restoration Network (RRN), we advocate for increased funding for stream barrier removal in the region and for maintaining Connecticut's environmental standards for hydropower. Photo: Connecticut River in Hartford - by Al Braden Advocacy News The River Rocks! Field Trip to the Rock River with Middle School Students The Connecticut River Conservancy continues to bring watershed education to our local schools. Summary of a field trip developed for students to get hands-on experience with water quality testing and macroinvertebrate sampling. 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. Understanding The Impact of Data Centers on Our Rivers The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing has triggered a rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. According to the industry database, Data Center Map, there are at least 4,000 data centers across the U.S., with already 126 in New England states. See all River News For questions about CRC’s advocacy work, please find the contact information of the River Steward for your state on our staff page.

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The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. 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.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Recreation At the Connecticut River Conservancy, we believe that protecting the river and enjoying it go hand in hand. That’s why CRC organizes a beginner and intermediate paddling series during the summer months, collaborates with partners for many other types of on-water/near-water activities, and advocates for river access improvements. We are dedicated to promoting recreation opportunities in the Connecticut River watershed. Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail CRC is a 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 Recreation Events Summer 2026 paddling events are in the works and will be listed soon! Coming up are beginner and intermediate learn-to-kayak events, the Peskeompskut Paddle in connection with the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, and other activities that may be near the river but not on the water. All events will be listed here as they open for registration. Be sure to subscribe to CRC's newsletters to hear about them as they open since some events may have limited capacity. 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) 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 dchaplin@ctriver.org or submit here. Through-Journeys Ben Jankowski & Phoebe Gelbard (2026) 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)