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

Watershed Snapshots Photo Submission for Estuary Magazine Subscription Raffle The Connecticut River watershed is rich with stunning landscapes, vibrant ecology, and the people who call it home, and we know many of you capture this beauty through photography. Now’s your chance to share your favorite shots for a chance to win a prize and some recognition. Connecticut River Conservancy is giving away three 2026 subscriptions to Estuary Magazine! To enter, simply upload up to three photos using the form below (each photo will count as an entry to the raffle). Photos can show nature, wildlife, people, tributaries, wetlands, bridges—anything that you feel represents the watershed we all call home. Deadline: Submit your photos by January 28th , 2026. When winners are selected, we’ll showcase some of the best photos with our watershed community. Please label your files with the photo location and your name. Max image size is 5MB. First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Address* Description, location, and date for photograph(s)* File upload Upload Photo(s) By submitting my photo(s), I confirm that I am the creator and rightful owner of the image(s). I grant Connecticut River Conservancy a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, display, distribute, and publish the photo(s) for purposes related to the Photo Submission Raffle, to highlight the beauty of the Connecticut River watershed, and/or to support and promote the nonprofit’s mission. This includes use in print materials, websites, social media, presentations, reports, and other communications. I understand that my photo(s) may be edited, cropped, or adapted as needed for specific formats, and that they may be publicly displayed. I understand that I will not receive payment or other compensation for the use of my photo(s). I confirm that any identifiable individuals in the photo(s) have given permission for their likeness to be used as described above. I agree to indemnify and hold Connecticut River Conservancy harmless from any claims related to the photo(s). By submitting my photo(s), I accept the terms of this release. Submit

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Finance & Policies Financial Statements Fiscal year ending June 30th, 2024 Audited Financial Statement IRS Form 990 2022/2023 - IRS Form 990 and Financial Statement 2021/2022 - IRS Form 990 and Financial Statement Policies Affirmative Action Plan Endowment Spending Policy Overhead in Contracts Policy By Laws Fiscal Sponsorship Policy Sexual Harassment Policy Delegation of Signature Authority to E.D. Gift Acceptance Policy Sick & Medical Leave Policy Investment Policy Statement Document Management & WISP Policy Easement Monitoring & Enforcement Policy Non-Discrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Procurement policy (Executive Director issued) 2024 Annual Report 2023 Restoration Summary 2022 Annual Report for Programs Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Migratory Fish Migratory fish are essential to healthy river ecosystems. The Connecticut River hosts 8 species of migratory fish that travel thousands of ocean miles and over 200 miles upriver annually. These include alewives, American eels, Atlantic salmon, American striped bass, blueback herring, sea lampreys, and shortnose sturgeon. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness to our work through community science and education. Migratory Fish Data Research and education about migratory fish in the Connecticut River help scientists and the public understand how to best support thriving biodiversity. That’s why we work with conservation partners to bring you a dedicated website full of resources. Community Science Events Counting fish and nests, and rescuing some species from drained canals, requires dedicated volunteers! We offer dozens of engaging community science events annually, which typically run from April to July. Dam Removal Dams are the most significant obstacle to fish passage in the Connecticut River, which is why we collaborate with partners and landowners throughout the watershed to safely remove old dams and restore healthy habitats. Migratoryfish.org Volunteer Events Learn About Dams Angler Surveys Angler surveys empower individuals to contribute valuable fishing data, informing researchers and becoming stewards of the rivers through their recreation. Thanks to these surveys, CRC connects the fishing community to conservationists, for a common goal of restoring migratory fish to the Connecticut River. Learn more about angler surveys. Sea Lamprey Nest Surveys Thanks to Our Partners Migratory fish travel between freshwater and saltwater throughout their lifecycle to reach the habitat that best suits their needs for spawning, feeding, and finding shelter. The Problem: Dams and industrial practices have blocked spawning habitat and decimated migratory fish populations. Flows at main stem hydro-electric dams and canals, industrial pollution, and heated plant discharges into the river make this situation worse. Determined action is needed if the Connecticut River’s fish runs are to survive. The Solution: Require safe and effective fish passage at dams. Remove any deadbeat dams that no longer serve a purpose. Improve passage in tributaries to increase available spawning habitat. Discontinue any recent industrial practices that may be injuring migratory fish runs. Perform adequate research before making changes to main stem discharges and flow regimes to prove they will do no harm. All fish are mobile, but none on the Connecticut River make longer journeys than the suite of migratory fish moving upriver from the Atlantic Ocean: blueback herring, alewives, stripped bass, American shad, American eels, Atlantic salmon, shortnose sturgeon, and sea lampreys. These migrations have been taking place for thousands of years. The journeys of these species may take them through thousands of ocean miles annually, and nearly 200 miles upriver. Anadromous Fish Shad, lamprey, salmon, striped bass, blueback herring and alewives are anadromous fish. They are born in freshwater, swim to the sea to feed and mature, then return to the rivers of their birth to spawn. Though some members of each species die after spawning, only the sea lamprey spawns as the final act in their long-life cycle. All other species may survive, return to the ocean, and then return to the river to spawn again. Catadromous Fish American eels are different. They are a catadromous species; born in the ocean, they travel to rivers and estuaries to feed and grow. After years of feeding and maturing in the Connecticut River watershed, American eels head back to the Sargasso Sea, a weed-covered expanse in the Caribbean, where they were born, to spawn along that sprawling sargassum algae mat near their counterparts, European eels. This seaweed expanse has also been found to be the protective ocean habitat that young loggerhead sea turtles journey to after hatching on sandy shores and skittering into the sea. Main stem and tributary dams are among the major, human-induced contributors to declining migratory fish populations on the Connecticut River. Fish passage facilities are in place at most main stem dams. However, changes in operations and discharges at main stem structures, and failing fish passage facilities, further impact surviving fish runs. In addition, thousands of poorly designed road crossings over streams block fish from reaching their available habitat. Culverts at these locations need to be replaced with fish-friendly structures. Critical fish passage and dam-removal work is also taking place on many tributaries and is in the works for others. We have successfully helped create fish passage, restore habitat and remove unneeded dams at dozens of watershed sites. In doing so, we’ve opened 424 miles of migratory fish habitat since 2014. The once prolific runs of American shad, blueback herring, alewives, and Atlantic salmon have been dramatically reduced over the centuries. Today, runs are a small fraction of their historic numbers. These species play an important role in a healthy river and marine ecosystem. Download Fish Facts Explore the Migratory Fish Website! MigratoryFish.org was developed by CRC and partners to share information about fish migration in the Connecticut River. You can browse the embedded website below, or open the website in a new browser window. The Latest Migratory Fish News What do Fish Have to Do with Farms? More than You Might Think! Aquatic Ecologist Dr. Kate Buckman shares how migratory fish, farms, and ecosystems are interconnected in the New Hampshire portion of the Connecticut River watershed. Fish Passage Design: An Up (and Down) Stream Journey Fish passage is a critical component of river health and resilience. Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) hosted an engaging webinar exploring fish passage on the Connecticut River. Speakers dug deep into the importance of fish passage in our watershed, the intricacies of proper design, and what it takes to get it right. This webinar discusses how effective design restores migratory pathways and meets evolving regulatory requirements. No Simple Swim: The Mysterious Migration of the American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) Tracking the migratory life cycle, obstacles, and research related to American eel in the Connecticut River watershed. For questions about migratory fish or community science volunteering, contact us at volunteer - at - ctriver.org or call 413.772.2020 x207.

Support the Connecticut River for Giving Tuesday by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Free the Fish Challenge All donations up to $25K will be MATCHED for Giving Tuesday! Gifts through Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous donor. This means you will have twice the impact in protecting river health and restoring habitat. This Giving Tuesday, show your support for healthy habitats in the Connecticut River watershed. Donate to free the fish! This challenge will fund dam removal to restore fish passage, culvert upgrades to improve climate resiliency, fish ladders and weirs for migrating species, and other habitat connectivity projects to benefit the fish that call these rivers home! Help CRC protect and restore the Connecticut River watershed for your community and the future with a MATCHED gift today. A donation form will appear below and some browsers require a few seconds to load. Thanks for your patience and support! Photo above by Ayla Skorupa. 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.

Careers The Connecticut River Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We understand that many folks who may be impacted by biased hiring standards, such as women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC applicants, may only apply if they meet every requirement listed in a job posting. If you are interested in any of the opportunities below and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply. Number of jobs found: 0 There are currently no available positions. Sign up for our newsletter to get notified when new ones become available. Interested in more ways to connect with us? Get Involved

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Strategic Plan The Connecticut River watershed is more than an ecological boundary. It is our home. The health of our watershed is inseparable from the health of the ecosystems, communities, and wildlife that depend on it. With this understanding at the heart of our work, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is excited to share the Strategic Plan for Protecting Our Living Watershed . This plan lays out a bold path forward—strengthening our ability to restore vital habitats, advocate for clean water, and build powerful partnerships across the region. It marks a new chapter for CRC, one focused on expanding our impact and deepening our commitment to a thriving, resilient watershed for all. Below is an interactive version of the Connecticut River Conservancy's strategic plan. You can click on the bracketed square on the lower right to expand, read, and zoom in. There is also a PDF link below. Download the Connecticut River Conservancy's Strategic Plan (Compressed PDF) Our Path to Impact Over the Next Five Years Through meaningful partnerships and science-based restoration, advocacy, and community connection, CRC will prioritize the following four goals for a living watershed. Goal 1: Promote the adoption of a shared agenda for protecting and restoring the watershed Mobilizing resources at scale across the watershed will require a dual approach of deep listening and making common cause with a range of stakeholders. CRC will expand engagement with decision-makers—including federal, state, tribal, and local government officials—by fostering a shared vision for a healthy, living watershed. At the same time, we will connect with local communities and the public by recognizing the needs of the people we serve. We will continue to elevate the importance of the Connecticut River, its tributaries, and the ecological, economic, and community value they deliver. See the full plan above for key activities. Goal 2: Improve the ecological health of the riparian and aquatic habitats of the watershed The Connecticut River watershed has abundant forests, rivers, wildlife, and spaces to enjoy the outdoors. However, the combined challenges of accumulating pollutants, outdated infrastructure, increased development, severe weather events, and threats to biodiversity mean there is work to do to ensure the future ecological health of the bioregion. Building upon CRC’s prior restoration successes and staff expertise, we will continue to focus on improving the ecological condition of riparian and aquatic areas. These efforts seek to mitigate human impacts and to enhance life on, in, and near the river for people and nature. See the full plan above for key activities. Goal 3: Deliver CRC’s full mix of strategies across the entirety of the watershed In order to support a living watershed we must reconcile the gaps in availability of programmatic initiatives and the diversity of needs across different watershed communities. The regional distribution of CRC's programs has been historically uneven due to a range of circumstances including funding limitations, staff capacity challenges, inconsistent regulatory and permitting processes, and partnership priorities. We recognize the opportunity to deepen and better coordinate restoration, science, advocacy, and communications to develop greater impact across the watershed. Strengthening and expanding localized and equity-centered partnerships will play a key role in advancing this effort. See the full plan above for key activities. Goal 4: Build a strong foundation for growth The Connecticut River Conservancy has evolved rapidly in recent years, with the welcoming of a new Executive Director, expansion of the Board of Trustees, addition of highly experienced staff across all departments, and renovations to our 1813 headquarters building. These changes have improved both human and operational capacity, which help continue the trajectory of growth needed to achieve our desired impact in the watershed. Our people are CRC’s greatest asset and what make this organization thrive. This strategic plan is intended to support the continued growth of CRC’s people, places, and programs. See the full plan above for key activities. Support a Cleaner, Healthier Connecticut River The work of the Connecticut River Conservancy and our many regional partners is vital and ongoing. From removing obsolete dams and invasive species to advocating for better policies and testing water quality, we take a watershed-wide approach to just about everything we do. Your support makes this possible! Make a contribution today to support the goals in this strategic plan. Make Your Gift Today CRC's Strategic Planning Committee The Connecticut River Conservancy's strategic plan was developed as part of a comprehensive process including watershed community research, stakeholder surveys, and a strategic planning committee including the following staff (•), Board of Trustees («), and consultants (~) in alphabetical order by first name. Amara Cunningham • Ansel Appleton • Brett Morrison • Bob Sproull « Candace Damon « Chris Riffenburg • David Williamson ~ Diana Chaplin • Kate Buckman • Kathy Urffer • Lindsay Clarke ~ Rebecca Todd • Ron Rhodes • Stephen Gephard « Consulting by Bernuth & Williamson. Strategic plan design & editing by Diana Chaplin. Additional resources: Annual Report News & Announcements CRC's Programs Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 She/Her < Back Mallory Strider Assistant Director of Finance Mallory joined CRC in August 2019. Originally a native of Maryland from the Potomac River Watershed, she moved to the valley in 2014 to attend Smith College. Mallory earned her B.A. in History as a part of the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. As a history major, her capstone project for her archives concentration was a digital narrative and history of the Mill River. Prior to her relocation, Mallory volunteered with the Muddy Branch Alliance doing stream sampling as a part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Stream Waders Program. Mallory enjoys riding her bicycle, spending time outside, and exploring – sometimes guided by maps and sometimes guided only with a sense of adventure. mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

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 .

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Sign up for Email & Newsletters with the form below For questions about our newsletters or programs, contact us at crc - at - ctriver.org or 413-772-2020.

Volunteer & Event Participant Waiver and Photo Release Form Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc. dba Connecticut River Conservancy 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Please read carefully! This is a legal document that affects your legal rights! This Release and Hold Harmless Agreement, Assumption of Risk, and Photo Release (collectively, the “Release”) must be executed by the Participant in favor of the Connecticut River Watershed Council, dba Connecticut River Conservancy, a nonprofit corporation, its directors, officers, employees, agents, fiscal sponsees, successors and assigns (collectively, “CRC”) as a condition of participating in CRC events and activities (the “Activities”). If Participant is under 18 years of age, the legal guardian of Participant must sign and agree to these terms on Participant’s behalf. The Participant hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress executes this Release under the following terms: Release and Hold Harmless. Participant hereby releases and forever discharges and holds harmless CRC from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may arise from Participant’s Activities with CRC. Participant understands that this Release discharges CRC from any liability or claim that the Participant may have against CRC with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from Participant’s Activities with CRC, whether caused by the negligence of CRC or otherwise. Participant also understands that CRC does not assume any responsibility for, or obligation to provide, financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health, or disability insurance in the event of injury or illness. Assumption of the Risk. Participant acknowledges that there are inherent risks in participating in the Activities and hereby expressly, specifically assumes the risk of injury or harm in the Activities and releases CRC from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the Activities. The risks the Participant may be subjected to during their participation with CRC include but are not limited to those from: exposure to non-motorized and/or motorized water and land travel, including collision and capsize; use of hand and power tools; digging, hammering, moving earth, rocks, vegetation, or trash; walking on uneven terrain, including while carrying heavy loads; unpredictable weather; being on, over, in and around deep, cold and fast moving water with obstacles on, over, in and around the water; and all other risks associated with the environment, remote locations and tasks undertaken with others as a volunteer Participant in the Activities. Medical Treatment. Participant does hereby release and forever discharge CRC from any claim whatsoever which arises or may arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant’s Activities with CRC. In the event of illness or injury, the Participant hereby consents to be provided with emergency medical care, hospitalization or other treatment, which may become necessary during participation in the Activities. Insurance. The Participant understands that CRC does not carry or maintain insurance coverage for any Participant, including but not limited to medical and disability insurance coverage. Participant acknowledges that CRC has requested and expects Participant to have their own insurance coverages in connection with any Activities involving CRC. Photographic Release. Participant does hereby grant and convey unto CRC all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio recordings made by CRC during the Participant’s Activities with CRC, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such photographs or recordings. Other. Participant expressly agrees that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the relevant law. This Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Participant agrees that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not affect the remaining enforceable provisions of this Release. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Participant has executed this Release as of the day and year submitted. If Participant is under 18 years of age, Guardian hereby agrees to the terms in this Release.

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. River Restoration Healthy riverbanks, floodplains, and forests throughout the Connecticut River watershed are essential to supporting clean water and thriving habitats in our rivers. That’s why CRC regularly plants native trees and shrubs along riparian zones of the main stem river and tributaries, restores floodplain forests and wetlands to their natural conditions, and conducts related projects to filter pollution, slow fast-moving waters, and provide a buffer zone between our streams and other land uses. CRC and partners have planted 104,908 TREES spanning approximately 330.1 acres throughout the watershed (since 2011) Here are some of the ways CRC restores healthy rivers: Forested Riparian Buffers Buffer planting involves planting native trees and shrubs to create a vegetation zone between developed land and waterways, thereby helping protect water quality by filtering sediments and nutrients, controlling erosion, and slowing water flow during floods. This often comes with a benefit of supporting native biodiversity, including birds, pollinating insects, fish, and other wildlife. CRC’s buffer planting projects in 2025 alone resulted in 7,722 native trees and shrubs planted across 16.3 acres in 11 towns in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts to help restore riparian land along the Connecticut River and several tributary streams. To date, CRC and partners have planted over 100,000 native trees and shrubs throughout the Connecticut River watershed. Floodplain Forest and Wetland Restoration Restoring floodplains includes removing artificial berms, planting or seeding in native trees and shrubs, and converting former farm fields back into natural floodplain forests. These restoration activities increase flood storage capacity during storm events, reduce potential damage to infrastructure, help limit sedimentation of aquatic habitat, improve natural river functions, and store carbon. Additionally, CRC's Conservation Scientist, Fritz Gerhardt, is conducting research on restoration strategies with regional partners to inform future projects. One example is this Riparian Restoration Experiment in Vermont. Strategic Wood Additions Strategic wood addition projects use felled trees to add roughness in small headwater streams by securing them in place at defined intervals. These projects help reduce nitrogen inputs into the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound for improved water quality; increase habitat for native brook trout and other aquatic organisms; increase aquatic biomass; lower stream temperatures; and help slow runoff from headwater streams, which can reduce flooding downstream. To date, CRC and Redstart have restored 29.04 miles of river habitat in 106 stream sections with 20 different landowners. Biostabilization These projects help stabilize banks with large woody material known as rootwads to provide natural protection from erosion during high flow events or water quality impairments. Rootwads help trap sediment and debris, reduce nitrogen loading, and allow the stream bank to revegetate over time. They also add complexity to the river channel, slowing flows and providing cover for fish and other aquatic organisms. Green Stormwater Infrastracture Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) refers to systems and practices that mimic natural processes to manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and enhance community resilience. These projects encompass a variety of techniques such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, green roofs, and permeable pavers designed to manage stormwater in a sustainable manner. Unlike traditional gray infrastructure, which relies on concrete channels and pipes to quickly divert water away, GSI aims to capture, absorb, and filter rainwater where it falls. This approach can help to reduce flooding, improve water quality, mitigate urban heat islands, enhance biodiversity, restore natural hydrology in urban environments, enhance tourism and recreational opportunities, increase property values, create jobs, and improve human health and well-being. CRC is developing shovel-ready stormwater management projects beginning in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire to be implemented over the next 5 years. Dam Removal + River Restoration CRC’s riverbank plantings are often done in connection with a recently removed dam to ensure long-term stability and ecological health. The Connecticut River watershed includes over 3,000 dams and over 44,000 stream crossings such as culverts – many of which are obsolete and no longer serving a useful purpose. Here's an example of a tree planting following a dam removal in Wilmington, VT. Removing old dams restores vital stream access for migratory fish, supports flood resilience, and improves water quality. Our restoration teams usually plant trees, shrubs, and other plants in the area surrounding the removed dams during the following spring season. To date, CRC and partners have removed 24 defunct dams, upgraded 6 culverts, and restored over 427 miles of river habitat. Learn More About Dam Removal CRC's Tree Planting History Why Floodplain Forests and Wetlands are Important In addition to being oxygen-producers, trees provide a range of other important benefits to rivers, people, and wildlife in our watershed. Including the following: Slowing rainwater runoff to reduce flooding, erosion, and pollution, and recharging aquifers. Providing important habitat for all kinds of animals, including those that fly, swim and crawl. Keeping our rivers cool helping fish and other river life. They do the same thing for our cities and homes. Capturing carbon dioxide locking it away in its roots, leaves, wood, and soil. Improving water quality as well as absorbing and filtering pollution from our soil and air. Creating beautiful places providing spots to gather, reflect, and enjoy nature. Restoration News 20 River Restoration Projects Completed in 2025 by CRC and Partners 20 projects including dam removal, biostabilization, and buffer plantings. These projects help increase flood resiliency in local communities, and improve water quality and fish passage. 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. Biostabilization Project to Address Erosion on Jacobs Brook in Orford, NH The goal of this river restoration project is to address severe erosion and use natural materials (rootwads and native vegetation) to dissipate the river’s energy during storms, reducing the potential for future erosion and improving instream and riparian habitats in this part of the Connecticut River watershed. For questions about river restoration with Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Ron at rrhodes - at - ctriver.org.