Search Results

This article was originally written by Gary Moore for the Caledonian Record and is republished with permission. Brook trout, the trout species that symbolize clear cold water are a favorite of many anglers who enjoy fishing small mountain brooks and other waters not overrun with anglers. Regular readers of this column know that I love fishing remote brook trout streams, some of which are barely four feet wide. State and federal fish and wildlife agencies, Trout Unlimited and many other conservation organizations have long worked to protect and enhance brook trout habitat. I visited one such project last month with Dana Hazen of Redstart Inc. and Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs for the Connecticut River Conservancy. The unnamed brook in the western section of Corinth is one of several brooks that were part of a strategic wood addition project implemented by Redstart. Some twelve miles of streams that are all tributaries of the Cookville Brook in Corinth which leads to the South Branch of the Waits River and then to the main stem Waits River in Bradford have been the focus of the effort. The days when trees were simply cut and dropped in a stream are long past. Now a process guided by science and experience determines where and how the wood will be placed to create trout habitat. In the case of the Corinth projects, the National Resource Conservation Service required the wood to be placed every 100 feet and dictated the size and quantity of the wood. The locations of the projects are carefully chosen so as to not endanger, bridges, culverts or private property should high water incidents move the trees downstream. The projects require a lot of interaction and many permits from federal and state agencies. They are also labor intensive requiring a lot of handwork to cut and winch the trees in to place without heavy equipment. I should point out that the undertaking is not cheap and has to rely on many funding sources. In the case of the projects I visited, the Connecticut River Conservancy did the grant writing and contracted with Redstart, Inc. to do the work which took place last year. I was impressed that most, if not all, of the wood Redstart had placed did not move with the record July flooding Vermont received last summer. The pools and rifles created will certainly enhance the trout population of those steams.

STEM Gems Summer Camp (a project of STEAM Train Inc.) is a STEM-intensive week of hands-on activities, career exploration, and mindful conversations. This summer, Connecticut River Conservancy partnered with Mary Ruth Shields who is a long-time CRC volunteer and business owner, Kim O’Rourke, Middletown Recycling Coordinator, and Jane Brawerman of the CT River Coastal Conservation District to bring the children an expansive and engaging array of environmentally focused activities. CRC’s seasonal staff helped the day come together by assisting our partners with their activities. Rotating Learning Stations Create a Dynamic Activity Flow The campers rotated through the stations so they got to experience all the activities. We begin with paper making! Adelheid Koepfer and Mary Ruth Shields hosted a table to showcase the children’s creativity by having them learn how to make paper out of recycled paper. There was a variety of colors to choose from and the children loved getting the chance to make their own recycled piece of paper! We then move stations to get down and dirty with compost. Kim O’Rourke and her assistant Kate led an exciting activity that taught children how to compost, and why it is important and helpful to the environment. They also got to see some worms! The children were thrilled to get to see what makes up compost and to be able to plant seeds in a container of their own to bring the activity home. Not too far from compost, we have our soil station! Jane Brawerman and Kate Preston taught the children about what makes up healthy soil and the different critters that you can find in it. The children couldn’t stop talking about the different insects they got to identify and why healthy soil is important for healthy plants. After feeling antsy from the soil and compost, the campers were ready for some tag! Ava Gandhi and Michelle Helming led a Runoff Tag Activity designed by a Wesleyan University student. The activity taught the children how trees prevent pollution from getting into waterways and how they provide habitat and shade from the sun. The children could barely contain their excitement as they identified where certain species live in the Connecticut River watershed and pretended to be trees in the tag game. To cool off, the campers finally headed inside to finish off the day with another colorful activity. Kaitlin Koczon and Hayden Crumb helped the children explore their creative side by having them add their touch to Mary Ruth Shields’ art project which consisted of different materials that may have been referred to as “trash” prior. The children also had the chance to color in some beautiful coloring pages of different species in the Connecticut River watershed. Environmental Education is Essential for Future Generations About 80 children had the chance to see how fun and diverse environmental science can be. CRC and our partners are thrilled that we had another chance to show that there are many different avenues to take if the campers wish to pursue a future of helping and learning about the environment. Our environmental education work in Middletown is funded by the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, the Raymond and Pauline Larson Family Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. Thank you for making these incredible experiences possible!

Connecticut River Conservancy’s recent Annual Meeting & Riverside Celebration had governance and programmatic updates, brunch and boat rides, and community mingling. We heard from our Executive Director, Rebecca Todd, about the future of CRC. Programmatic updates were given by Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy, and Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs. Every year, CRC has the distinct honor of recognizing individuals from our communities with the Bud Foster Award. We presented it to Dick Shriver, founder of Estuary Magazine at the annual meeting. Read more about the award and Dick's accomplishments here. Candice Constantine from Fuss & O'Neill presented on Community-Centered Climate Adaptation and Ecosystem Restoration, which was followed up by some Q&A! Time Stamps: 00:00-09:30 - Welcome from Rebecca Todd, Executive Director 09:30-16:10 - Policy & Advocacy updates from Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy 16:20-23:20 - Programs updates from Ron Rhodes, Director of Programs 23:30-31:30 - CRC Board Meeting and Finance Updates 31:40-43:45 - Bud Foster Award presented to Dick Shriver 44:30-1:09:40 - Presentation by Candice Constantine from Fuss & O'Neill 1:10:05-1:22:30 - Q&A

Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is thrilled to announce that Board of Trustees member Kari Kastango is the first person to complete a swim of the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River! The final stretch of the swim took place on Sunday, October 15th, in Old Lyme, CT, as Kari swam 2.6 miles from the Amtrak railroad bridge towards Long Island Sound. The conditions were just right for the swim finale, starting 1 hour and 33 minutes past high tide, with a north wind gusting upwards of 30 mph to provide a helpful river assist for the takeoff as fans cheered from the boardwalk at Ferry Landing State park. The winds diminished further downriver, but the speed of the tide increased as Kari made her way towards the Sound. The final swim took 47 minutes and 2 seconds. After the final swim, a Riverside Celebration was held at the Great Island Boat Launch where speakers included the following: Tim Lewis – who has provided swim support for Kari for much of the swim journey by following in a boat, helping with logistics and planning, and ensuring safety – spoke of how focused Kari has been in the river during her many swims. Tim relayed how Kari is truly “one with the river” during these outings, noticing incredible details including wildlife, trees, or any unexpected debris. Tim is a fellow member of CRC’s Board of Trustees, President of the Great Meadows Conservation Trust in Connecticut, and someone who’s paddled the entire length the Connecticut River. Kari Kastango spoke about how she became inspired to begin this endeavor after realizing that while the river is swimmable now, that was not always the case. She became more involved in advocacy and conservation for the river throughout her swim and connected with Connecticut River Conservancy and many others whose efforts have helped to make the river cleaner and healthier over the years. Rebecca Todd – Connecticut River Conservancy’s new Executive Director – presented Kari with a Certificate of Appreciation and an award to celebrate Kari as a “Connecticut River Champion.” Rebecca then went on to highlight how the length of the full swim is equivalent to the distance between Boston and Baltimore, and recognized the many individuals who have helped to steward the Connecticut River, including the indigenous people of pre-colonial history and all the volunteers, fellow conservation nonprofits, state and federal agencies, anglers, paddlers, boaters, donors, advocates, and local communities in more recent decades. Markelle Smith – Director of the Friends of Conte (Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge) closed out the speaker portion by sharing the latest updates of the Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act, highlighting that regional partnerships are a critical component of how progress for conservation can be made as we look ahead to the future. Kari’s motivation is to raise awareness for the immense significance of the Connecticut River, all the efforts taken to reverse the river’s historic water pollution, and the ongoing collective action to keep the river clean, healthy, and swimmable for future generations. While Kari had swum in the river for a few years prior to starting this ambitious endeavor, it was in early 2019 that she firmly set the goal of swimming the entire Connecticut River. She swam a new section of the river each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the help of her wife, Alison Garvey, a good friend, Julie Paradis, fellow Connecticut River Conservancy Board of Trustees member, Tim Lewis and many others who would follow her in a kayak, canoe or motor boat for safety during each swim. Kari’s story was previously covered by NEPM in 2019 at the start of the swim, with additional details shared in a CRC webinar in 2022 when she had surpassed the half-way point in the journey. The final swim has since received incredible press coverage, including in CT Insider, WWLP, MassLive, 22 News, NEPM’s Fabulous 413, The Day, and Western Mass News among others. Through challenges related to climate, planning logistics, water quality, accessibility and much more, Kari has accomplished this ambitious goal with resilience and dedication. “Kari is what I consider a true adventurer. She was self-funded, took time off work to travel up and down the watershed, providing her own transportation, housing and equipment. She even purchased a used Boston Whaler for safety in the larger sections of the river. It was all on Kari, and she deserves a tremendous amount of credit for completing this monumental task, and for being the first to do so for the Connecticut River!” -Tim Lewis, CRC Board of Trustees member and support for Kari’s swim “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, CRC Board of Trustees member and first person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River It was never about “conquering the river” for Kari, but rather about developing a relationship with the river and all the wildlife within and around it. This experience was held with deep appreciation for the living river, and the many individuals who work tirelessly to protect it. Below is a collection of Kari’s photos taken throughout the swim experience, with the top two rows of images being from the day of her final swim. As a unique symbol of connection with her family ancestry, Kari wore 7 Norwegian coins around her neck as she traversed the entirety of the Connecticut River swim journey. The coins hold even greater meaning now as they have also traveled the entire Connecticut River, and Kari is thoughtfully offering them as gifts to loved ones. With a father who was a Sea Captain in the Merchant Marines, and a mother who loved the water and ensured that all of her children learned to swim at a young age, Kari’s roots run deep in water. Kari’s sister, Eve Kinne, also described Kari as “the perfect aunt” for having inspired her nephews to embrace water sports including competing in the Ironman 70.3 Western Massachusetts race. Through this experience, Kari has become a role model for many more young people who may be drawn to the river in new ways. Kari, a resident of South Hadley, MA, began her career as a research exercise physiologist (UMASS, Amherst ‘89, ‘92) which then led her to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics (PITT ‘06). With 19 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Kari currently works as a director of statistical operations at a clinical research organization in addition to serving on CRC’s Board. Kari balances these professional and personal commitments through physical pursuits that are meditative in nature. In addition to a significant personal achievement, this unique swim journey highlights the importance of ongoing commitment to conservation, restoration, and advocacy of the Connecticut River and tributaries. At the start of Kari’s swim, she was not aware of the history of pollution in the river, and had immense gratitude for the commitment of many organizations including state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and volunteers who have spent decades working on watershed-wide strategies for cleaner and healthier rivers. We have come a long way since the state of polluted local rivers in the 1950’s, which can now be enjoyed for swimming, fishing, and recreation, and yet there is much more still to do in supporting the clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving communities that Connecticut River Conservancy and partners strive for every day. Here is a map summarizing Kari’s swim, with additional stats below: Swim Facts: Total # of swims/outings: 84 Longest distance of any one swim: 11 miles. Turner Falls Dam to Sunderland. That swim only took 2 hours and 8 mins due to a river assist resulting from water released from the dam a few hours prior to the swim start. Longest duration of any one swim: 3 hrs 50 mins; 10.9 mile swim: Bloomfield Access to Maidstone Bridge Access (swimming in a drysuit) Longest duration total of two swims back-to-back: 6 hrs 10 mins. The Bloomfield Access to Maidstone Bridge Access swim (swam in drysuit) on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s swim: Johns River Ramp to Gilman Boat Launch (including a portage, also swam in the drysuit). Coldest swim: ~47.5 F. Route2 Bridge, Lancaster, NH to Mount Orne Covered Bridge, Lunenburg, VT on April 29, 2023. Frequent Questions & Answers: Q: How did you get around the dams? A: Kari followed the safety signs around the dams, swam as far as she could above the dam, and then hiked or biked around the dams until she could safely re-enter the water again below the dams. You can learn more about how hydropower affects the Connecticut River, and the current hydropower relicensing process. Q: What about CSO’s/sewage in the river? Kari used CRC’s water quality database to track water safety in the areas she intended to swim, and avoided certain sections of the river during/shortly after rain events. Kari did not swim during any flood conditions when stormwater runoff would have put her safety at risk, and at which times sewage in the river is of highest concern. Over the last 50 years water quality in the Connecticut River has improved tremendously and the river is very often safe enough for swimming, boating and fishing. However, combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) are an issue in some parts of the river during heavy rain or flood events when sewage contaminants are released into the river. This is a result of outdated infrastructure where Connecticut River Conservancy is advocating for funding to make improvements. You can read more about the challenge of stormwaters in Massachusetts. Contact: For interview requests or media inquiries, please contact CRC’s Communications Director, Diana Chaplin, at dchaplin@ctriver.org or (413) 834-0079.

On Sunday, June 2, I led a Trails Day Paddle in collaboration with Great Meadows Conservation Trust and the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC). Assisting were CRC Executive Director, Rebecca Todd, and CRC CT River Steward, Rhea Drozdenko. We launched from the Wethersfield Cove with an excited group of 19 paddlers and headed out onto the CT River, turning upriver toward Hartford. Light winds were out of the south, with incoming tide, both in our favor, under partly sunny skies. As we passed Brainard Airport, we discussed the recent tree cutting by the CT Airport Authority to provide a safe approach for planes landing at Brainard. We also discussed waste management when we reached the MIRA trash plant. This trash-to-energy facility, which produced electricity by burning waste, was closed in 2022, forcing the state of Connecticut to rethink its solid waste management policy. Finally, after 3 miles of paddling, we reached the entrance to the Park River, the highlight of the trip. Most of the paddlers in the group had never entered this underground tunnel before, so they did not know what to expect. The tunnel was completed in the 1980’s for flood control for the city of Hartford. Entering from the CT River, we were paddling upstream into the Park River. We stopped at the entrance, and I instructed everyone to put on their headlamps before entering. I reminded everyone we were not going all the way through but were only going to paddle in for about a half mile. That may not seem like much, but in that distance, the tunnel makes two slight turns, one to the right, then to the left, enough to completely block out the light from the entrance. You are in total darkness! So much so, that even the brightest headlamp or flashlight seems to be swallowed up in the darkness. There was a lot of excitement as we entered the tunnel, and everyone immediately felt the difference in temperature, increased moisture in the air, and heard the echos of their voices. The water was dark, and you could not see the bottom, which is only about 8 feet deep at the entrance. But, as we proceeded into the tunnel, the water gradually became shallower, as the tunnel has a gradual, imperceptible incline. Finally, we reached the half-mile point, where the water becomes only a foot deep, and the outflowing current begins to increase. This was where we needed to turn around and head back out. It was also here where we could clearly see the fish swimming in an upstream direction below us in the shallow water. We identified some very large carp but could not tell what other kinds of fish there were. In the dark tunnel, with only the light of a headlamp, they looked like zombie fish, and there were many of them! We paddled back to the entrance and welcomed the light of day and warmth of the sunshine. After stopping for a break at Great River Park on the East Hartford side of the river, we paddled back to Wethersfield Cove. Everyone said they would gladly do it all again.

Community Challenge Race – Sunday, June 28 Rally your cheering squad and bring your competitive spirit to Norm’s Marina on July 28th for a day of fun and friendly competition! Event Details: Location: Norm’s Marina, 1347 Brattleboro Rd, Hinsdale, NH Registration begins at 10:00 AM // Races start at 10:30 AM Race Description: Two-person canoe teams in traditional canoes compete in a scenic 1-mile (0.9 km), single-lap race around Brattleboro-Hinsdale Island. Compete for local pride, cash prize, and enjoy the laughter-filled entertainment with friends and neighbors. Already Registered Teams: Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors, Brattleboro Food Co-op, Brattleboro Reformer, Connecticut River Conservancy, and Norm’s Marina. Whether you’re a family, group of friends, or a company, add your team to the list! Don’t have a canoe? No worries – we have boats available! Additional Opportunities: For serious paddlers, sign up for the New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC): 12-mile marathon or 5-mile race options available. Registration fee: $20 per adult. How to Get Involved: Register for the Community Challenge race at $10 per boat. Registration is HERE. For more information or to join our race-day host team, contact Gabriél Chevalier (gchevalier@ctriver.org) or Stacey Lennard (slennard@ctriver.org). Volunteers are also welcome to help make this event a success!

The Water Way(s) Project and Curriculum is a community arts engagement project connecting children with their local Rivers.  Erin Maile O’Keefe, educator and community activator, leads a collaborative team of teaching artists to bring the Water Way(s) curriculum to local schools. In June, fourth graders at Green Street School in Brattleboro, VT invited community members to attend an Expo showcasing what they learned during a multi-week Water Way(s) residency. Students presented maps, movements, and poetic writing inspired and informed by the Whetstone Brook and restored floodplain a short walk from their school. Erin Maile O’Keefe described the goal as, “understanding the impact of a floodplain on human settlements, animals, water quality, flooding events and the indigenous peoples who live here.” Dear River: Weathergrams “River…I can hear your voice but nobody believes me when I say ‘that river talks.’” On their walking field trip to the Whetstone Brook, students wrote notes to the River on biodegradable paper. They attached the “weathergrams'' to vines hanging from a lofty willow tree. The poems hang there for anyone to read and for students to revisit to discover how they weather over time. Sharing Land Acknowledgements Students launched the Expo by reading aloud from land acknowledgements they composed after visiting the floodplain, learning about its history, and collecting sensory observations. “When I am near the river I feel safe… almost like the river is singing.” Their words resonate with gratitude: “I respect the animals and moss. I honor our indigenous ancestors. I appreciate the life and fish the river brings to us.” How Rivers Move – Fluvial Geomorphology Choreography In a choreographed performance, students moved their bodies and props to illustrate a floodplain in action. With synchronous fluctuations, pairs of students manipulated blue fabric for running water, push sticks for soil, and pull ropes for change. Initially calm, they made the River build in intensity to a flooding event, showing the impact on soil and sediment. “It all ends up in the river!” Two students held the attention of the audience with an interactive Enviroscape demonstration, cheered along by Kathy Urffer, Connecticut River Conservancy’s Vermont River Steward. The students sprinkled point and nonpoint pollution on the model, then sprayed it with water so everyone could see how “it all ends up in the river!” One of the fourth graders explained in her introduction, “this is a model of our actions and how it affects the river and really just… life.” Map-Making Gallery Walk To conclude the Expo, students invited visitors to observe their colorful folded maps and ask questions about the mapmaking process. The maps, created with educator and legislator Mollie Burke, feature local waterways, streets, and buildings, decorated with artistic flourishes and poetic text. The mapmaking project, according to 4th grade teacher Kjersten Cantillo, “pulled together a lot of things they were learning.” She added, “I’m blown away by what they did!” River Reflections Flowing across the wall outside the 4th grade classrooms, a banner of “River Reflections” displays droplets of student writing capturing take-aways from each day of the arts residency. “How will you continue your relationship with Whetstone Brook?” prompts the final panel, anticipating and encouraging childrens’ enduring connections with the river. “I will try to visit the river more often and respect it.” For more information: Water Way(s) — Human Connection Project Collaborations and Gratitude Collaborating educators: Erin Maile O’Keefe, Water Way(s) leader and educator Carol Berner, River of Words Regional Co-Coordinator Mollie Burke, state legislator and educator Kathy Urffer, Connecticut River Conservancy River Steward and educator Special Thanks to Vermont Humanities Connecticut River Conservancy Gedakina Vermont River Conservancy – Hayley Kolding Brattleboro Planning Department - Sue Fillion and Brian Bannon Kelly Shifflette & Kjersten Cantillo - 4th grade teachers All the 4th graders

Among the governance and programmatic updates, brunch and boat rides, and community mingling, Connecticut River Conservancy’s recent Annual Meeting & Riverside Celebration also honored the contributions of Dick Shriver with the Bud Foster award. About the Bud Foster Award: Every year, CRC has the distinct honor of recognizing individuals from our communities with the Bud Foster Award. This award is given to those showing outstanding devotion, service, and accomplishment in the Connecticut River watershed. Bud Foster was the first Executive Director of the Connecticut River Watershed Council, now the Connecticut River Conservancy. In those pre-Clean Water Act days when CRC was first established, the challenge facing our rivers was significant. That meant the dedication of those looking to make a difference was also extraordinary. This award shines a light on those who work hard for the benefit of our rivers. About Dick Shriver: Richard H. Shriver has an esteemed professional history that has taken him all around the world and led him to settle by the Connecticut River we all know and love. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He has held executive positions in government and industry having been assistant secretary of the US Treasury Department and Senior Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank. He has been professor of Business Finance & Marketing at the International Management Institute in Kiev, Ukraine and Executive-in-Residence at the US Coast Guard Academy. Dick has worked in an advisory role on behalf of Native American communities conducting research for the Department of the Interior, and served as a member of the board of the National Museum of the American Indian, participating in the transition of this museum to the Smithsonian Institute. He is also Provost Emeritus of the European College of Liberal Arts (now Bard College Berlin). These years of experience have led to incredible contributions in international business and education, and national heritage, and ultimately led Dick to focus his attention closer to home. When he retired near the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Lyme in 2007, Dick began to get friendly with his neighbors and form a deeper connection with the river through recreation, hiking, fishing, sailing, and photography. This resulted in the launch of Estuary Magazine in 2019, an aspiring endeavor of traditional media which was quickly challenged by the economic impacts of the Covid-19 health crisis in 2020. But the magazine survived under Dick’s leadership as Publisher and Editor, highlighting unique bioregional perspectives, history, scientific insights, and storytelling from up and down the watershed. Contributions to Connecticut River Conservancy: Dick has been supportive of Connecticut River Conservancy at every turn since starting the magazine and developing a connection to our organization and many others. He has been an early morning boat captain for the Unified Water Study, has published articles about restoration stories (such as the Fenwick project) with great depth and detail, has hosted murmuration bird paddles for local community members, and offered his home as a celebratory reception for CRC Board of Trustee Kari Kastango’s monumental Connecticut River swim. He has been a convener, connector, and friend who brings others together with open arms to unite our efforts for greater collective impact. Thanks to Dick’s leadership, 1 million dollars was recently granted by the Endeavor Foundation to support conservation priorities throughout the watershed. All this in a relatively short time after a successful career. Dick Shriver is an impressive example of how much one person can accomplish when inspired and committed. And now his efforts inspire more of us to appreciate and steward this amazing resource.

Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) is happy to share the continuation of programs dedicated to collaborative community science for a healthier Connecticut River watershed, with a focus on the specific projects outlined in this announcement. Building upon previous progress and tangible outcomes in 2023, programming will expand in 2024 thanks to support from generous funding partners and volunteer engagement. Community Science Objectives: The primary objectives of this collaborative community science effort are to expand and strengthen established community science programs while fostering new collaborative partnerships to increase local participation. The CRC is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of the Connecticut River and its watershed. By engaging with local communities, organizations, and volunteers, we aim to address pressing issues, including invasive aquatic plants, river cleanliness, and the need for collaborative partnerships and local citizen action across the watershed. Funding Partners: Funding collaboration has proven essential to growing success, and we’d like to recognize the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for their support of this work for a second year in a row. Additional funding partners include the Town of Glastonbury; Cities of East Hartford and Middletown; Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Sestero Fund; Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s Janvrin Fund; Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Aquatic Invasive Species Grant; Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant; Raymond and Pauline Larson Foundation, The Kitchings Family Foundation, and Connecticut River Conservancy’s member support. Program Focus Areas: These projects aim to increase efforts in aquatic invasive plant management, enhance water quality monitoring, and strengthen community engagement through educational and recreational events. Removing and Preventing Aquatic Invasive Plants: Our focus remains on combating the spread of invasive species, particularly European water chestnut and hydrilla. This year we are expanding our Aquatic Invasive Species Field Crew from three to four seasonal staff members. These individuals will remove plant material from waterways, organize volunteer events, and educate community members about ways to prevent the spread. 2. Ensuring River Cleanliness: Through CRC's water quality monitoring programs, we will continue to provide essential data to address public inquiries regarding river cleanliness. Continued funding will support hiring a new Water Quality Monitoring Assistant who will coordinate bacteria monitoring volunteers and our participation in Save the Sound’s Unified Water Study, which looks at ecological health throughout the Long Island Sound watershed. We are also launching a new project funded by CT DEEP – in which we will support the creation of a Watershed Based Plan for the Scantic River. We are partnering with CT DEEP, the Scantic River Watershed Association and the University of Saint Joseph on this several-year long project. This project will help us become better connected with communities in the Scantic River Watershed and will help identify key areas to improve water quality. 3. Community Engagement and Partnerships: Our commitment to collaborative partnerships remains unwavering. By fostering alliances with environmental organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, businesses, and governmental agencies, we aim to broaden collective impact across the watershed. Friends of Whalebone Cove and the Jonah Center for Earth and Art two examples of such partnerships. We are piloting a new seasonal staff position: Environmental Education and Outreach Assistant. This individual will organize environmental education and youth engagement opportunities like the Compass Youth Paddles and school visits, as well as engage community members at farmers markets and environmental fairs. They will also support events and initiatives put on by our watershed partners. Impact and Outcomes from 2023: Previous years efforts have yielded tangible benefits for the Connecticut River and its surrounding communities. We aim to build upon these collaborative foundations in the year ahead: Removal of invasive aquatic plants, resulting in improved habitat quality and biodiversity Increased awareness of river cleanliness and public safety, leading to informed decision-making by recreational users Strengthened community engagement and partnerships, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among community members Exposure and enjoyment of the river by new communities In 2023, CRC engaged 98 water chestnut volunteers, logging 419 hours of work. Despite a difficult season due to heavy rain and flooding, CRC staff and volunteers removed over 16,550 pounds of water chestnut, or 1,202 cubic feet. Vinton’s Mill Pond in South Windsor used to be a major infestation – yet last year we found less than one hundred plants. This shows the importance of consistency in our work. Thanks to the foldable kayaks provided by an anonymous donor through Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s Express Grants, we were able to engage many new volunteers who do not own their own boats and would not have been able to participate otherwise. The boats also expanded community access to the river by creating on-water experiences that benefitted the volunteers and the river. CRC's community science initiatives also have played a pivotal role in monitoring bacteria levels at eight locations along the Connecticut River in Connecticut. Through the "Is It Clean? / Está Limpio?" online network , high-quality data on river cleanliness has been made accessible to the public, ensuring informed decision-making regarding recreational activities and public safety. With all the rain and flooding the Connecticut River watershed experienced last summer, we had many opportunities to educate communities about water quality issues like combined sewer overflows and dangers of contaminated floodwaters. CRC staff were featured in local news outlets  discussing the flooding and organized a CRC webinar on where our water comes from and where it goes. Collaborative partnerships and community engagement remain central to CRC's mission. This year we met regularly with our River Partners group, which brings together diverse stakeholders to work towards common goals. We engaged a diversity of communities and ages from UConn Adult Learner’s Program to the STEM GEMS Summer Camp to the Compass Youth Collaborative Paddles. We look forward to continuing these collaborative community science programs. Future announcements will share similar initiatives in the upper watershed and celebrate how CRC's watershed-wide collaborations and programs are improving ecology and resiliency across the system. Thanks as always to our incredible funders, dedicated volunteers, and watershed communities for continuing to engage in this important work for healthier rivers.

Our June LiveStream was part how-to and part storytelling, bringing you two seasoned Connecticut River paddlers who shared stories from the trail. Ahead of the summer recreation season, check out this recording to hear how these travelers made their journeys from source to sea. This episode featured Mary “Badass” Anderson, a Vermonter and seasoned hiker, paddler and adventure blogger, who through-paddled in 2022; and Tim Walsh, hailing from Georgia, who solo kayaked his journey down river in two seasons, getting invaluable car shuttle help and new friendships from a couple of River Angels! We also shared the rich resources of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, including available maps, campsites, and safety information, and answer any questions you may have about getting out on the river this summer! For more information on Connecticut River recreation go here. _____________________ About LiveStream: CRC brings your rivers to you! Join CRC staff and partners for a series of live lunchtime presentations, on select Wednesdays from Noon-1pm. You get to learn more about the rivers you love, ask questions, and interact with a river-loving community all from the comfort and safety of your home (or wherever you may be). LiveStream will be hosted via Zoom. Please register for each presentation to receive meeting information.

Recorded on 5/22/2024 At Connecticut River Conservancy's LiveStream, we dove into the dynamic realm of river ecosystems at a virtual event that brought together migratory fish restoration experts and community scientists. We were joined by William McDavitt, fisheries expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Jill Devito, PhD, an enthusiastic community scientist, ecologist and teacher. They helped shed light on the vital role of migratory fish and inspire you to explore how community scientists can contribute to their restoration efforts. As part of this LiveStream, CRC's Ecology Planner, Aliki Fornier, shared a number of interactive opportunities happening in the spring and summer that will allow you to participate in this important work. For more information on how to get involved go here. About LiveStream: CRC brings your rivers to you! Join CRC staff and partners for a series of live lunchtime presentations, on select Wednesdays from Noon-1pm. You get to learn more about the rivers you love, ask questions, and interact with a river-loving community all from the comfort and safety of your home (or wherever you may be). LiveStream will be hosted via Zoom. Please register for each presentation to receive meeting information.

“What do you think watershed means?” Kathy Urffer, CRC River Steward, asked 5th graders in Bridget Cole’s class at Dover School in Vermont. On a cloudy Monday in late January, with snow piled high outside the school, Kathy and Alden Dumas, an ECO Americorps member serving with the CRC, facilitated a lively presentation about the Connecticut River watershed featuring the 3D EnviroScape model. Kathy broke the word down into “water + shed” and asked students what happens when dogs shed? “What if your dog was made of water and it shed?” Everyone laughed when Aleah responded, “It would disappear.” Students contributed ideas about water moving downhill and bringing stuff with it. Alden confirmed their concepts with a definition of watershed – “an area of land within which water flows into the same body of water” – and projected maps of the Deerfield and Connecticut River watersheds. Watershed neighbors and stories Colorful slides provided a vivid backdrop to the question and answer format of learning about the watershed. Students shared stories about storm drains (Where do you think the water goes?) and fish living in the Connecticut River watershed.  Miles observed that “two trout live under the rock” in the stream behind his house, and another student once saw a sea lamprey stuck onto a fish they caught in the river. They were spellbound by Kathy’s stories of American eels leaving their babies out in the ocean to find their way home: "Could you do that? No! We’re human!” Working with the 3D Model Alden invited students over to the 3D watershed model and asked them what people put on the land and where will it end up when it rains? Students called out: Cow manure! Gasoline! Trash! Salt! Sewage! Pesticides! Fertilizers! With each suggestion, Alden and Kathy sprinkled substances. Everyone pointed to the basin of water at the bottom of the landscape as the place where it would all end up. One student exclaimed, “I would not drink anything from that town!” Point Source Pollution Kathy and Alden used the “factory” building with sludge flowing out from a pipe to explain “point source pollution” (“you can point to it!”). Kathy explained how it is restricted by federal and state regulations. Students seemed surprised and indignant that factories are allowed to put any “sludge” into the water. “When you get older, how can you help to solve this problem?” Kathy asked the 5th graders, who were examining the mess on the model watershed. “Pull the plug!” was the first suggestion – but Alden and Kathy said it would go straight to the ocean. Students chimed in with other possible solutions: “Use giant squeegees to remove the dirty water” “Make people who live in the town use the water for cooking, so they realize” “Maybe in the future, instead of gasoline we could use orange juice” “Make people use this water – we would give them clean drinking water – but if they want to fill their pool, they have to use it” Alden shared a solution from the Rich Earth Institute that ECO Americorps friends of his are developing- a project to pasteurize pee to reuse the nitrogen to fertilize crops. Kathy showed students on the model where and how planting trees could protect streams and filter run-off before it reached our rivers. Takeaways and reflections The session closed with thank-yous from Alden and Kathy for students’ interest in learning about water problems and solutions. Students each shared one word that stuck with them from the presentation: “dinosaur fish, sturgeon, cow manure, eels leave their babies in the ocean, sludge, sea lamprey, loon, pollution.” Their words capture the excitement of learning about the challenges, complexities and wonders of our watershed. Fifth grade teacher Bridget Cole reflected on the lesson,“What a great presentation! I think it’s so important for the youth to learn about what is going on in their environment. I want them to know as much as possible so they are better able to make changes for a better future.” CRC staff is glad to come present in your classroom.  Don’t hesitate to reach out to our river stewards in each state.  Teachers are also welcome to borrow CRC’s Enviroscape pollution model: Enviroscape Watershed Model Request.