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mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her < Back Mary McCaughey Development Coordinator Mary joined CRC in September, 2022. Mary has been living in the Connecticut River Valley in Western MA since 2008 when she began her studies in Plant, Soil, and Insect Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mary reluctantly worked in retail sales and customer service before being lucky enough to join CRC. She currently lives in Easthampton with her husband and dog. She enjoys art, music, and spending time with family and friends. mmccaughey 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

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. 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 102,362 TREES spanning approximately 313.8 acres throughout the watershed (since 2012) 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 riparian buffer planting projects in 2024 alone resulted in 7,331 native trees and shrubs planted, restoring roughly 13.8 acres of 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 17 miles of river habitat in 50 streams with 13 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. CRC's Tree Planting History (Through 2024) 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 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 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. How to Support Turtles and Their Habitats in the Connecticut River Watershed Learn about the 7 species of turtles in the Connecticut River watershed, CRC's current project for turtle habitat restoration, and how to help injured turtles you may encounter. For questions about river restoration with Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Ron at rrhodes - at - ctriver.org.

bmorrison at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 218 He/Him < Back Brett Morrison Director of Development Brett grew up on the Connecticut River – fishing, swimming, and floating on the brooks, streams, and rivers of southern Vermont’s hills and valleys. He joined the CRC team in 2018, eager to meet CRC members and work toward the river’s better future. His professional experience includes fundraising throughout New England and NYC for the Student Conservation Association (SCA), consulting and business development with a communications and printing company specializing in nonprofit fundraising, and over a decade teaching, coaching and house parenting at New England independent schools (including Bement School in Deerfield, MA and Northfield Mount Hermon). Since returning to Vermont in 2006, Brett has served on the boards of the West River Watershed Alliance (VT) and the Strolling of the Heifers (Brattleboro, VT), and the Planning Commission in Vernon, VT. He enjoys coaching lacrosse, skiing, playing ice hockey, time with family, and exploring new parts of the river and watershed. bmorrison at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 218 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. Get Involved Whether you want to learn more about the watershed, support our work, or get your feet wet to volunteer for community science, there are many ways to get involved with the Connecticut River Conservancy. The options below change based on the season - with more hands-on volunteer opportunities in April - October. Choose your own adventure below or contact us anytime with questions or ideas. You can also sign up for e-news to get updates in your inbox. Watershed Snapshots Photo Raffle Submit your favorite watershed photos for a chance to win a 2026 subscription to Estuary Magazine & recognition. Deadline to submit is January 28th, 2026. More Info Upcoming Events (in-person & virtual) CRC has fewer events in the winter season, but we're always planning something! See the calendar for a range of events throughout the Connecticut River watershed in NH, VT, MA, CT + virtual. Events Calendar Support Our Work for Cleaner Rivers As a nonprofit organization we rely on contributions from donors to conserve and restore the Connecticut River watershed. Thank you! Donate Learn About CRC's Programs Learn about the different ways we accomplish our mission of clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Primary Programs Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect River Programs Learn about CRC's focus areas 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. 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 this work during the 2023 field season. 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 Cyanobacteria Monitoring Report is now available to provide the data gathered so far from 8 lakes and ponds tested in Massachusetts. In short, 2 of the 8 waterbodies were found to have active cyanobacteria blooms in 2023. This research will continue during the 2024 field season and will have new reporting in the fall of 2024. 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 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. New & Improved Website for Water Quality Data in the Connecticut River Watershed Is it clean? It will now be easier than ever to determine whether the waterbody near you is clean for swimming, boating, or recreation at isitclean.us. Bacteria Monitoring and Combined Sewer Overflows: Water Quality Data and Public Understanding in Hampden County The Connecticut River Conservancy has been collecting weekly water samples to test for E. coli bacteria in the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Some of the Hampden County sites in Massachusetts are heavily impacted by combined sewer overflows (CSOs), particularly from the more densely populated communities of Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. 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.

Support the Connecticut River by making a contribution for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Become a 2026 Sponsor of the Source to Sea Cleanup Make a positive impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities by sponsoring the 30th anniversary of the Source to Sea Cleanup ! Event sponsorship can help increase your business exposure through media coverage, CRC recognition, and other promotion. See sponsorship options here. Other Ways to Give Sponsor by Mail Please mail your check, made out to Connecticut River Conservancy, to: 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301 Sponsor by Phone To sponsor by phone or to get assistance with your sponsorship, please contact Mary at (413) 515-0710. Business Inquiries For any other questions related to your business, please contact Brett Morrison, CRC's Director of Development at (413) 772-2020 x 218.

dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 She/Her < Back Diana Chaplin Director of Communications Diana brings over 15 years of experience in communications strategy and marketing for both nonprofit and startup organizations with a distinct passion for conservation and uplifting storytelling. Her background also includes publishing, leadership development, and graphic design. Prior to joining CRC in 2022, Diana was the Marketing Director at global reforestation nonprofit One Tree Planted during 5 years of its early critical growth, establishing the organization as a media-savvy environmental brand and growing a robust internal team while funding the planting of over 40 million trees – including being a funding partner of CRC! Diana currently oversees CRC's content throughout this website, email, social media, and custom distribution channels in partnership with programs staff. When she’s not working, Diana enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her family in Massachusetts. dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her < Back Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer Angie began working with CRC in 2010 as an AmeriCorps member. Prior to joining CRC, she graduated with an M.S. from Antioch University New England’s Environmental Advocacy and Organizing Program. During her time there, she worked on a variety of water-focused projects that engaged communities with their natural resources. Angie grew up in Michigan, the “Great Lakes State,” where she also worked as an environmental educator, and got her B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University. When she’s not working, you’ll find Angie in her garden or baking sweet treats for her friends, family, and co-workers. She lives in Springfield, MA with her husband, Kevin, and their two rescued pets. achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 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. About Our Mission & Values The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports science-based efforts for natural and life-filled rivers from source to sea. Below are the areas of interconnected impact we are focused on. River Restoration Dam Removal Aquatic Invasive Species Migratory Fish Advocacy Hydropower Water Quality Monitoring Community Engagement The Connecticut River watershed is a public trust resource that invites dedicated people and integrated solutions to come together. Connecticut River Conservancy staff. Meet the team here. Our Values Collaboration By listening, learning, and developing inclusive relationships, we build partnerships for action at all levels. We create opportunities and resources, offer meaningful support, and implement priority projects throughout the watershed with the communities who sustain and are sustained by our rivers. Integrity We act with transparency, accountability, and respect—honoring the trust placed in us by the communities, partners, and ecosystems we serve. Our decisions are grounded in science, guided by ethical practices, and focused on the long-term health of the Connecticut River and watershed. Purpose We are driven by a passion and deep commitment to clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities. Every action we take—whether through advocacy, restoration, or events—advances a mission to protect and restore the Connecticut River for the benefit of current and future generations. Adaptability We embrace change as essential to progress, responding to new challenges with creativity, flexibility, and resilience. By remaining open to innovation and learning from experience, we strengthen our ability to lead in a dynamic environmental and social landscape. Support Connecticut River Conservancy Today Your contribution will make a lasting impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities in the Connecticut River watershed. Donate

kbeerman at ctriver.org 802-318-1390 She/Her < Back Kelly Beerman AIS Program Manager Kelly joined the CRC team in May 2025 as the Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager. She is responsible for directing, coordinating, and executing CRC’s work regarding hydrilla, water chestnut, and all aquatic invasives throughout the Connecticut River watershed. This includes current community education & outreach initiatives as well as designing and implementing future projects. Kelly is particularly interested in collaborating with local river and lake communities within the watershed. Before coming to CRC, Kelly was a director of conservation for a Vermont non-profit, a manager for two Vermont AIS prevention programs, a summer camp program manager & administrator, an environmental & wildlife educator, a research student studying cooperative invasive species management between landowners, and a lifeguard. Kelly holds an M.S. in Forestry with a focus on community collaboration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. in Environmental Studies & Anthropology from Juniata College. She lives with her partner, son, and two dogs on the Vermont side of the Upper Valley. Kelly loves paddling and hiking with friends & family and playing roller derby for Twin State Derby. kbeerman at ctriver.org 802-318-1390 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

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.