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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. throughout the watershed since 2011! CRC and partners have planted 89,855 TREES 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. CRC’s riparian buffer planting projects in 2023 alone resulted in nearly 10,500 native trees and shrubs being planted, restoring roughly 26 acres of riparian land along the Connecticut River and several tributary streams. 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. 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 our partners at Redstart Inc. have restored 16 miles of river habitat in 48 streams with 11 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 Dam Removal for 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 dam removal on the Wells River in Groton, Vermont. Removing these obstacles 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 21 old dams, upgraded 5 culverts, and restored over 424 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 Restoring Floodplains to Protect Against Flooding These floods have also illustrated the importance of our restoration projects in protecting against and reducing damage. Connecticut River Conservancy Receives NFWF Grant for Stone Pond Dam Removal Project Connecticut River Conservancy announces the receipt of a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for dam removal project. 29 Restoration Projects Completed in 2023 by Connecticut River Conservancy & Partners We are happy to report that Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) and project partners have completed 29 river restoration projects in 2023. For questions about river restoration with Connecticut River Conservancy, contact Ron at rrhodes - at - ctriver.org.

The Greenfield Tree Committee The Greenfield Tree Committee is a non-profit, volunteer group of concerned citizens, operating under our umbrella organization, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC). Our purpose is to promote a strong and resilient urban forest in the City of Greenfield by facilitating the planting of trees along public ways and by educating the public on the value of trees and the need for their care and maintenance. As a citizen committee, we raise funds and work closely with the Greenfield Department of Public Works in an advisory and supportive capacity. The Greenfield Tree Committee is a non-profit, volunteer group of concerned citizens, operating under our umbrella organization of the nonprofit organization Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) . ​ To contribute by check, please make your gift out to “Connecticut River Conservancy” with “Greenfield Tree Committee” in the memo line and mail to 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301.

< 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

New England Paddlesports Championship (NEPC) Sunday, July 28th, 2024 Connecticut River Conservancy eagerly welcomes the return of the NEPC – New England Paddlesports Championship – for its 45th year! Canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf ski racers from across the Northeast compete for honors on New England’s historic Connecticut River between southwest New Hampshire and southeast Vermont. Racers choose to run the 12-mile competitive course or the 5-mile recreational course. The course laps the Brattleboro-Hinsdale island by passing under the Rte. 119 bridges, where spectators cheer on competitors. NEPC is part of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (NECKRA) Flatwater Point Series. (Storm date: August 4th) On the Connecticut River @ Norm’s Marina 1347 Brattleboro Rd, Hinsdale NH – just over the river (rain date: the following Sunday, August 4th) with media sponsor: Photos courtesy Kelly Fletcher Photography 12-Mile Competitive Course Competitive paddlers on canoe, kayak, and surf ski will lap the mid-river island three times on a 12-mile competitive “marathon” course. 5-Mile Recreational Course Competitive SUP paddlers will lap a 5-mile course. Recreation Class paddlers, including adult-youth boats, can participate in the 5-mile looped course. 1-Mile Community Challenge A 1-mile Community Challenge is open to all two-person canoe teams. This event is BYOC, bring your own canoe! Ideal for small groups or families. Register for the Race! Schedule of the Day 9:00 Racer arrival 10:00 On-site activities begin 10:30 Competetive & Recreational Races begin 10:45 Community Challenge begins 11-3 Food Trucks! 1:30 Awards Ceremony 3:00 See you next year! The morning begins with the races, where over 60 racers will compete in 12-mile and 5-mile loops right off the shore from Norm’s Marina. All are welcome to join in the 1-mile Community Challenge . CRC and local partner organizations will offer on-site activities and info booths for spectators. Plus food & beverage trucks to keep you satiated. Stay tuned here for updates. Where to Watch The shores of the river at Norm’s Marina provide great views of the race and access. On the Brattleboro side of the river, the deck of Whetstone Station Restaurant on Bridge Street (Rte. 119) offers a great viewing platform. Parking Ample parking is available to racers, specatators, and Riverfest participants at Norm’s Marina. Overflow parking will be available at the Runnings-George’s Field parking lot across the street. Local Partner Interested in 2024 Sponsorship? This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors above. NEPC and its summer-long promotion offer local and interested businesses a high-value, multi-channel association across the 4-state watershed and beyond. For more information, see our NEPC Sponsorship Packet or contact Brett Morrison, Development Director: bmorrison - at - ctriver.org or (802) 375-4519. Become a Sponsor of NEPC Thanks to our 2023 Sponsors: ​ Media Sponsor Brattleboro Reformer ​ Lead Sponsor Berkshire Blanket & Home Co. ​ Main Stem Sponsor Northstar VT Yankee Decomissioning ​ River Sponsors New Belgium Brewing Savings Bank of Walpole Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors 802 Credit Union Reed & Reed ​ Brook Sponsors Hamshaw Lumber The Richards Group ​ Ripple Sponsors Brattleboro Area Realty C&S Wholesale Grocers For questions about race registration, volunteering or the overall event, contact Stacey at slennard - at - ctriver.org . For interest in sponsorship, contact Brett at bmorrison - at - ctriver.org .

Become a 2024 Sponsor of the New England Paddlesports Championship Demonstrate your commitment to the environment and to the economic benefit that recreation and tourism have in the region. Event sponsorship can help increase your business exposure through generous media coverage and other promotion. See our sponsorship benefits and select your preference below. You can also contact Brett at bmorrison at ctriver.org for any questions. 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 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.

Become a 2024 Sponsor of the Source to Sea Cleanup Help make a lasting positive impact for clean water, healthy habitats, and resilient communities! Event sponsorship can help increase your business exposure through generous media coverage and other promotion. Submit your sponsorship details below and a member of our staff will contact you via email to connect further. To make an online payment after submitting your information click 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 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.

Maps & Guides Connecticut River Conservancy offers a variety of recreation and paddling maps of the Connecticut River. We are in the process of setting up a new shop, and in the meantime you can place an order by contacting Mary at mmccaughey at ctriver.org or calling (413) 772 - 2020. The Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail maps (top 2 on the left) are $11.95, and the other Recreational Guides above are $7.95 for regular maps or $17 for laminated maps. To order, contact Mary at mmccaughey at ctriver.org or call (413) 772 - 2020. Connecticut River Paddler's Trail Interactive Map Download our app to access the 410-mile long Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail! Mostly meandering, but at times rushing forcefully, the Connecticut River flows past a diverse landscape of rich agricultural lands, rural communities, urban centers, and tidal marshes. Get the Map Navigational Maps & Guides The Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail for launch points and campsites in NH, VT, MA & CT ​ Boating in Upper Valley: maps, portages and other good information (CT River Joint Commissions) ​ The Northern Forest Canoe Trail linking NY, VT, NH, Maine, and Québec. ​ Camping, canoeing, and kayaking in Turners Falls and Northfield, MA (First Light Power Resources) Places to Visit in Pioneer Valley by Boat on the Connecticut River (Holyoke Gas & Electric) ​ Water Trails in Connecticut (Rivers Alliance of CT) ​ Public use areas and access points in central Massachusetts (Holyoke Gas & Electric) ​ Millers River Blue Trail in northern Massachusettes (Millers River Watershed Council) River Safety & Flow Information Boating Safety Guidelines from the Center for Disease Control ​ National Safe Boating Council ​ Flood predictions and times of cresting ​ Water release information from dams on Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers River flows in Connecticut (USGS) ​ River flows in Massachusetts (USGS) ​ River flows in Vermont & New Hampshire (USGS) Detailed River Maps Connecticut River Watershed This map of the Connecticut River Basin (or Watershed) outlines the entire area that drains into the river, including the portion in Canada. It also shows major tributaries, highways and urban areas. This map was prepared by the Trust for Public Land. See the Map Connecticut River Sub-Watersheds This map of the Connecticut River watershed outlines the entire area that drains, including the portion in Canada. It also shows major tributaries with outlines of their sub-watersheds. Municipal boundaries within the river basin. This map was prepared by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. See the Map

Support the Connecticut River Every contribution supports our mission of clean water, healthy habitats, and thriving communities. Together, we can restore free-flowing rivers for fish passage and recreation in the Connecticut River and tributaries for years to come. 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.

Online Sponsorship Payment Source to Sea Cleanup If paying online, please use the form below and our staff will contact you via email to connect further. 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 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.

< Back Tim Lewis Trustee, Secretary Tim retired from a long career in manufacturing, working at three different companies, each one smaller than the one before. The last was a family-owned business with 10 employees that made OEM Babbitt Bearings. It was a relationship made in heaven, and he managed it for 24 years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Education in Rocky Hill, CT, where he grew up and still lives. An avid paddler, and a former whitewater canoe racer, Tim enjoys multi-day canoe camping trips, preferably off the grid, and has paddled the Connecticut River source to sea. He is President of Great Meadows Conservation Trust, protecting and preserving vital flood plain wetlands and farmland along the Connecticut River in Wethersfield, Rocky Hill, and Glastonbury. Tim also works to protect and promote the river he knows and loves so well. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Kari Kastango Trustee In October of 2023, Kari Kastango became the first person to swim the entire length of the Connecticut River. Kari 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 2016 Kari began an exploration into racism and her own white conditioning. She is committed to helping create and hold space so other white people can explore how racism and white conditioning has impacted their lives and the communities they belong to while continuing her own inquiry. Kari actively fulfills this commitment as a teaching assistant with the UNtraining organization. Kari balances these professional and personal commitments through physical pursuits that are meditative in nature. She has completed two ultra-distance triathlons and is the first person to swim the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River. Kari lives in South Hadley, MA with her wife, Alison Garvey, and their two cats. CRC@ctriver.org

< Back Damon DePaolo Trustee Damon has 20+ years of experience in Information Technology, currently working in Cyber Security at MassMutual. A CT resident born and raised, he tempers his passion for technology and innovation with an equally strong love of the outdoors, being an avid outdoorsman who enjoys time camping, hiking, and exploring all of the amazing nature that New England has to offer. In addition to being a CRC trustee, Damon volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, and has previously given his time as a volunteer firefighter and a CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) Master Wildlife Conservationist. CRC@ctriver.org