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

The Connecticut River Conservancy restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. We protect, restore, and advocate for the Connecticut River Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Connecticut River Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. We collaborate with regional partners to restore and advocate for your rivers, and educate and engage communities. We bring people together to prevent pollution, improve habitat, and promote enjoyment of the river and its tributary streams. Join us to support healthier rivers today! Clean Water Through advocacy to prevent pollution and water quality monitoring to track data. Healthy Habitats Through dam removal, tree planting, and migratory fish programs. Resilient Communities With river recreation, community science, & Source to Sea Cleanups. Our Mission & Programs Sign Up for River News! Sign up to get emails about river news and events. Choose Your Newsletter Read Our Latest Annual Report Get the Full Report 1,182 Tons of trash removed from rivers 32 Old dams & culverts removed 104,908 Trees planted in the watershed 150+ Sites annually tested for bacteria 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. Understanding Our Winter Watershed Winters in the Connecticut River watershed are evolving as our climate continues to change. Join the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and speakers Matt Devine (CT DEEP), Jamie Shanley (USGS), and Melissa Langley (CRC) for this one hour webinar, “Understanding our Winter Watershed.” 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. River Stories from Around the Watershed Latest News More River News We envision a future where people and wildlife can enjoy a clean, free-flowing Connecticut River. Upcoming Events Wed, Apr 15 From Hitchhikers to Habitat Changers: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Connecticut River / LiveStream webinar Learn More Apr 15, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LiveStream webinar Fri, Apr 24 City Nature Challenge: Connecticut River Watershed / Locations throughout the watershed Learn more Apr 24, 2026, 12:00 AM – Apr 27, 2026, 11:59 PM Locations throughout the watershed Fri, Apr 24 City Nature Challenge: Springfield, MA Nature Walk / Riverfront Park Learn More Apr 24, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Riverfront Park, Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway, Springfield, MA 01103, USA Sat, Apr 25 City Nature Challenge: New Hampshire Mink Brook Nature Preserve Walk / Mink Brook Nature Preserve Learn More Apr 25, 2026, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mink Brook Nature Preserve, Mink Brook, Hanover, NH, USA Thu, Apr 30 Wild & Scenic Film Festival with CRC / Bellows Falls Opera House Learn More Apr 30, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Bellows Falls Opera House, 7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101, USA Load More Learn About: 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. CRC's migratory fish restoration efforts include advocating for and expanding fish passage and raising awareness through community science and education. Learn More

Connecticut River Conservancy invites you to join us for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Bellows Falls Opera House Hosted by the Connecticut River Conservancy on April 30th, 2026 Enjoy an evening of short films about environmental stewardship, adventure, and fellowship in the natural world at the Bellows Falls Opera House in Vermont on Thursday, April 30th. Festival-goers can expect family-friendly films handpicked by CRC and featuring people working around the globe to promote cleaner water, healthier habitats, and more resilient communities. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will also be refreshments, raffle prizes, and guest speakers! Proceeds from the event will benefit CRC’s programs in VT & NH. Get Your Ticket! Bellows Falls Opera House 7 Village Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Doors will open at 6pm and films will begin at 6:30pm Here are some of the films you'll see! Beyond Beliefs Danielle earns a 4-day river trip through the Gates of Lodore Canyon. The catch: she can’t swim and is terrified of water. Join her on this wonderful journey, watch her account of what it took to go beyond her beliefs about water, and how that expanded her vision for the future. Between Moon Tides Follow a team of citizen scientists in Rhode Island trying to save the Saltmarsh Sparrow from extinction. As climate change causes rising tides to drown nests before hatchlings can fly, they deploy "arks" to raise nests above the water, offering a glimmer of hope. HYPERSCALED Resource demands from AI data centers are increasing threats to communities across the US. Proposed developments are projected to consume unprecedented amounts of water and energy. Unearth the real cost of AI as residents fight to get answers about the impacts of this industry. Clean Up Sayu This film promotes Sayulita's natural heritage with the goal of highlighting the individuals who are working to protect it. Enter Chilly-Willy. His dedication to protecting Sayulita embodies the resilience and determination that defines this community. Surf and Turf A celebration of the connection between land and water. This tale weaves together the power of nature, hope, and an unexpected alliance. Discover how we can find a way to strive together for clean air, clean water, and a brighter future. It's Time Set in the spring thaw, "It's Time" weaves together maple sugaring, Indigenous wisdom, and environmental awareness. This poetic film celebrates ancient traditions while awakening viewers to nature's delicate balance and our role in preserving it. Native to the Klamath This is a story told through the voices of the salmon people. The Klamath River is going through one of the largest transformations in history. Hear the story of this river renewal through the words of the peoples who live by the sacred obligation of stewardship. Accessible, Inclusive Travel on the Oregon Coast With a range of accommodations and thoughtful design, Oregon ensures that people of all abilities can experience its beauty. Learn about the programs that are changing travel and recreation in this region. River Herring in the Connecticut Rver Dive into the lives of alewife and blueback herring—collectively known as river herring—whose once-massive populations in the Connecticut River have plummeted. These anadromous fish face challenges, from blocked migration routes and degraded habitats to deadly encounters with ocean fisheries. Get Your 2026 Ticket! Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Become a 2026 Sponsor Presenting Sponsors: Watershed Sponsors: River Sponsors: GPI Construction Terrigenous Landscape Architecture West River Marina, Inc. Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association Stream Sponsors: Atowi Project Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center Brattleboro Area Realty Brattleboro Communiy Television Brattleboro Savings & Loan Cheshire County Conservation District Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited #450 The Richards Group, an IMA Company Rockingham Arts & Museum Project In-Kind & Raffle Sponsors: Blake Hill Preserves; ByWay Books & More; Hook & Arrow Hot Sauce; Moon Dog Cafe; Vermont Institute of Natural Science Interested in sponsoring this event? We'd love to add your business to the above! See our sponsorship opportunities and get in touch today. Become a 2026 Sponsor Parking & Accessibility The Bellows Falls Opera House is ADA accessible. The wheelchair ramp into the building is on the side, not through the main doors out front. Once in the theater, there is seating available that is wheelchair accessible. Aisles in the theater are long ramps. Bathrooms are gendered & have wheelchair accessible stalls. There is some street parking directly outside of the Bellows Falls Opera House. You can also find plenty of free parking in nearby municipal lots. Here is an area map with parking options.

sfarrington at ctriver.org She/Her 603-703-5657 < Back Stefanie Farrington Aquatic Ecology Program Associate Stefanie is passionate about aquatic conservation and endangered species protection, with an emphasis on freshwater mussels. A major focus of her career has been creating tangible outcomes to guide restoration and management decision-making, while also providing transparency to the public and improving efficiency without sacrificing data quality. She received her M.S. and B.A. from Clark University, where she studied the population genetics of freshwater pearl mussels in central and western Massachusetts. Stefanie has held several roles with non-profit, municipal, state, and federal agencies focused on the conservation of rare wildlife and wetlands protection in Massachusetts and the northeast United States. She received her PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2026, where she was part of the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and a Pathways Trainee with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At UMass, Stefanie worked on several applied research projects developed in partnership with key stakeholders including conservation organizations, government agencies, natural resource professionals, and policymakers. These projects included benthic mesohabitat mapping and characterization for species distribution modelling in large rivers, field- and laboratory-based ecological mussel-host fish assessments, and a range-wide synthesis of conservation and management needs for the yellow lampmussel. When not in the lab or the river, Stefanie enjoys playing board games, doing all kinds of crafts, and spending time outdoors. sfarrington at ctriver.org Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Staff at Connecticut River Conservancy CRC Staff We are very fortunate to have a talented staff stewarding CRC's work. Meet the people behind the mission. Executive Director Rebecca Todd She/Her, rtodd at ctriver.org, (413) 834-9457 For over 30 years Rebecca has advised organizations, individuals, and businesses in matters related to environmental, educational, contractual, employment, and non-profit management. Prior to joining Connecticut River Conservancy in October 2023, Rebecca served as General Counsel for Antioch University, as Associate Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington in the Education and Ecology divisions, and litigated cases for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Inc. (now Earthjustice) and the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and hazardous waste laws. Rebecca also teaches environmental law, legal advocacy, and other subjects nationally and internationally. In addition to these professional accomplishments, Rebecca grew up in the Connecticut River watershed, has raised a family while stewarding farmland along the river in New Hampshire, and is cultivating a new passion for the sport of rowing. Staff Members Alphabetical by first name Alix Kaplan Content Coordinator akaplan at ctriver.org 413-834-7953 They/Them Read More Angela Chaffee Grant Strategist & Writer achaffee at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 204 She/Her Read More Charles Soucy Stormwater Project Manager csoucy at ctriver.org 802-490-9701 He/Him Read More Donna "Lucky" Riggs Finance Assistant driggs at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Kathy Urffer Director of Policy and Advocacy kurffer at ctriver.org 802-258-0413 She/Her Read More Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 She/Her Read More Mary McCaughey Development Coordinator mmccaughey at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Nina Gordon-Kirsch River Steward in Massachusetts ngordonkirsch at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 216 She/Her Read More Sam Stegeman Operations Manager sstegeman at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 200 He/Him Read More Susan Heitker Chief Development Officer sheitker at ctriver.org 413-490-9197 She/Her Read More Amanda Major Outreach & Events Coordinator amajor at ctriver.org 413-253-6855 She/They Read More Ansel Appleton Staff Accountant aappleton at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 He/Him Read More Chris Riffenburg Director of Finance criffenburg at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 202 He/Him Read More Fritz Gerhardt Conservation Scientist fgerhardt at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 219 He/Him Read More Kelly Beerman AIS Program Manager kbeerman at ctriver.org 802-318-1390 She/Her Read More Mallory Strider Assistant Director of Finance mstrider at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 201 She/Her Read More Melissa Langley Water Quality Program Manager mlangley at ctriver.org 413-450-8739 She/Her Read More Rebecca Budd Restoration Program Manager rbudd at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 222 She/Her Read More Stacey Lennard Events Manager & Source to Sea Cleanup Coordinator slennard at ctriver.org 413-325-5995 She/Her Read More Amara Cunningham Executive Assistant acunningham at ctriver.org 413-450-8785 She/Her Read More Bay Holmes AmeriCorps Member bholmes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/They Read More Diana Chaplin Director of Communications dchaplin at ctriver.org 413-834-0079 She/Her Read More Kate Buckman Aquatic Ecologist kbuckman at ctriver.org 603-931-2448 She/Her Read More Laura Herbert Staff Accountant lherbert at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 She/Her Read More Marilla Harris-Vincent River Steward in New Hampshire mharrisvincent at ctriver.org 603-503-0419 She/Her Read More Nicole Reigle Assistant Director of Development nreigle at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 221 She/Her Read More Ron Rhodes Director of Programs rrhodes at ctriver.org 413-772-2020 ext. 214 He/Him Read More Stefanie Farrington Aquatic Ecology Program Associate sfarrington at ctriver.org She/Her 603-703-5657 Read More Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

Board of Trustees at Connecticut River Conservancy Board of Trustees We are continually rewarded by the generous gifts of time and skill from members of the CRC Board of Trustees. All are seasoned experts in fields ranging from the environment and education, to legal, corporate business, and finance. The dedicated folks on our Board offer us the know-how and long-range thinking that helps keep CRC moving in the right direction. We cannot thank them enough. Board Members are listed in alphabetical by first name order. Bob Sproull Trustee Computer scientist, rower, and experienced conservationist and board manager. Read More David Deen Trustee Former CRC River Steward + 30 years as a VT legislator advocating for river protections. Read More Leslie Harris Trustee, Board Chair Nonprofit administrator for 25+ years, orchard manager, and outdoor enthusiast. Read More Stephen Gephard Trustee, Vice Chair Fisheries biologist and consultant, formerly with CTDEEP for 42 years. Read More Candace Damon Trustee Creates sustainable urban redevelopment strategies in cities across North America. Read More Geoffrey Habron Trustee Former professor of Fisheries/Wildlife; current focus on equitable climate resilience. Read More Lucas McDiarmid Trustee Legislative staffer and firefighter dedicated to agriculture, public safety, and clean water. Read More Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Avid paddler and conservationist retired after a career in manufacturing. Read More Christine Palm Trustee State Rep. in CT and legislative champion for the environment & working families. Read More Janki Darity Trustee 15+ years of experience in regulatory compliance and ethical responsibility. Read More Michael Simpson Trustee Environmental Scientist & Professor Emeritus at Antioch University New England. Read More Tony Judge Trustee Former broadcasting executive and radio, television, & film producer, and wildlife nonprofit board vice-chair. Read More Honorary Trustees Raul de Brigard Land Use Consultant Higganum, CT Ed Gray Author Lyme, NH Susan Merrow Environmental Lobbyist East Haddam, CT Jim Okun Principal, O'Reilly, Talbot, and Okun Ellington, CT Ronald Poltak Retired, Executive Director, NEIWPCC Auburn, NH John Sinton Retired, Professor of Geography, Land-Use and Environmental Planning, Human Ecology Florence, MA Annette Spaulding Retired, Spaulding & Harris Tax Service Bellows Falls, VT Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate

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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: 2 Massachusetts Water Quality Monitoring Assistant Classification: Seasonal Part-time - 10-20 Hours/week (0.6 FTE) Deadline to Apply: April 13 , 2026 Start Date: Late April (preferred)/Mid May (Required) End Date: Early September (Required)/End of October (Preferred) Office Location: Field and lab work will be in person; other work can be done remotely or at the Greenfield, MA office. Pay: $20/hr Apply Aquatic Invasive Species Field Technician New Hampshire & Vermont Classification: Non-Exempt, Seasonal Part-time - 30 hours/week (0.75 FTE) Deadline to Apply: April 10 , 2026 Start Date: May 1, 2026 End Date: September 25, 2026 Office Location: Remote – field work at various locations along the Connecticut River in VT and NH between Springfield VT, and Hinsdale, NH. Pay: $20/hr Apply Interested in more ways to connect with us? Get Involved

< Back Aquatic Invasive Species Field Technician New Hampshire & Vermont Position Classification: Non-Exempt, Seasonal Part-time position 30 hours/week (0.75 FTE) Weekly hours are approximate dependent on grant funding and to be confirmed upon offer of employment Salary: $20/hour Start Date: 05/01/2026 End Date: 9/25/2026 Location: Remote – field work at various locations along the Connecticut River in VT and NH between Springfield VT, and Hinsdale, NH. Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Supervisor: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Position Description The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) seeks motivated individuals to facilitate prevention and awareness programming of aquatic invasive species (AIS) along the southern portion of the Connecticut River in Vermont and New Hampshire. This program will focus on boater engagement, implementing AIS spread prevention initiatives, monitoring river for new and existing invasive populations, and supporting water chestnut removal efforts. This role will take on three primary objectives: · Provide courtesy boat inspections & distribution of education materials to the public (60%). · Perform Aquatic Plant Monitoring Surveys (25%). · Support Water Chestnut Management (15%). Primary Responsibilities · Conduct weekly courtesy boat inspections at NH & VT public boat ramps after the successful completion of the NH Lake Host & the VT DEC Greeter Trainings. · Distribute AIS educational materials to boaters, volunteers, and general public. · Support water chestnut pull work organized by partner organizations in Windham County, VT. · Collect and submit data from boater and plant surveys. · Participate in staff & stakeholder meetings. · Coordinate weekly work schedules with CRC staff and external partners. · Transport equipment (canoes/kayaks/trailers) to various work sites · Make event planning decisions based on weather and other conditions Qualifications 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 this opportunity and believe you meet most of the job requirements, we encourage you to apply. · Interest and passion for the environment and river ecology · Experience and comfort paddling in a kayak and/or canoe · Enjoy working and talking with people about AIS and river health · Ability to engage boaters and members of the public in a conversation about AIS · Knowledge of aquatic invasive species or willingness to learn · A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle · Ability to participate in strenuous physical activity outdoors and lift 50 pounds · Ability to work independently as well as with a team of field staff and groups of volunteers. Office Location Remote – field work at various locations along the Connecticut River in VT and NH between Springfield VT, and Hinsdale, NH. Salary and Benefits Salary: $20/hour Health Benefit Eligible: No Retirement Benefit Eligible: Yes Application Instructions Use form below to submit a resume and brief cover letter in one PDF document that is titled with your first and last name, and the position you’re applying for. Application Deadline Deadline to apply: April 10th, 2026 . Interviews will take place on a rolling basis ending by end of April 17th. Overview of the Organization The Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) restores and advocates for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities to support a diverse and thriving watershed. CRC has been a steward of the Connecticut River and its tributary streams since 1952. Our programs include advocacy, aquatic invasive species management, dam removal, habitat restoration, migratory fish surveys, recreation, trash cleanups, and water quality monitoring. Through collaborative partnerships in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, CRC leads and supports efforts for resilient and life-filled rivers from source to sea. We are uniquely positioned to leverage local, state, regional, and federal resources as the only science-based nonprofit working throughout the entire watershed. Our values of inclusion, collaboration, resilience, and stewardship guide our ongoing work to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Together through community engagement and education, we’re helping to ensure healthy rivers for all. Learn more at ctriver.org. Connecticut River Conservancy is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will engage in an inclusive recruiting and hiring process. It considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Apply Now First name Last name Email Phone Applying for Choose an option How did you hear about this job? Please upload your resume and cover letter as a single PDF file. Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit Application Thanks for submitting! Previous Next

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. 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 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. No Simple Swim: Tracking Population Declines in Alewife and Blueback River Herring A video and article documenting 2025's migratory fish research for river herring 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.

lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 She/Her < Back Lauren Zielinski Stream Restoration Specialist Lauren joined the CRC staff as a Stream Restoration Specialist in July 2024. She has a BSc in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University and an MSc in Ecohydrology from UNESCO-IHE (now IHE Delft) in The Netherlands. She has worked in river science, watershed management, and environmental flows since 2010 and collaborated on projects across the United States and Africa. Some of her highlights include conducting environmental monitoring for stream restoration projects in Lake Tahoe, completing field work in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park to determine environmental flows in the Mara River in Kenya and Tanzania, leading the first ever environmental flow assessment in the Ouémé River Delta in Benin, and coordinating training courses on water accounting in several countries in Northern Africa and the Near East. Lauren grew up in New Hampshire admiring the beautiful landscapes and waterways, but it wasn’t until she discovered stream restoration during an AmeriCorps internship did her appreciation for water really blossom. Now she works on all aspects of stream restoration, from grant funding and project management to engineering and construction oversight. When she’s not in the water, you can usually find Lauren hiking and camping in the woods or traveling the globe in search of adventure. lzielinski at ctriver.org 603 325-7022 Our Mission Get to Know Our Mission, Vision, & Values Upcoming Events Register to Learn & Connect Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate