Public Education

Funds are requested to support the continuation and extension of the successful Safe Grounds Campaign in efforts to reduce non-point source pollution from lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Funds are requested to support organization and implementation of outreach and advocacy for the Quinnipiac Watershed Stream Buffer Initiative (Phase II) and regular grassroots events.

Funds are requested to support implementation of informational and educational efforts and activities advocating for pesticide use reduction. These efforts will focus on the 80 property owners whose properties abut the Quinnipiac River in Plainville, CT. The activities will include 2 river clean-ups, coordination of a fishing derby, Earth Day Extravaganza, promotion and advocacy of Freedom Lawn Initiative, and a Tomasso Nature Park clean-up. (see grant notes)

Funds are requested to support the organization and implementation of "Consider the Qunnipiac" photo-based awareness campaign" motivationg people to consider the consequences of poor stewardship. The campaign will include photo exhibits, and web-based gallery including information about the specific threats, pollutants, and damages to the river.

Funds are requested to support the continuation of short courses concerning river processes to local members of the conservation/inlan wetland commissions and environmental activists.

Funds are requested to collect water quality data to study the ecology of the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor and provider public education about the river.

Funds are requested to support the implementation of landowner and youh education about reducing non-point pollution.

Funds are requested to support the implementation of a four-day training program to educate land use leaders.

Funds are requested to support the publishing of six in-depth stories including 240 photographs about the Quinnipiac River and its surrounding environment.

Funds are requested to support the implementation of an intensive workshops to teach 100 Connecticut school groundskeepers how to mamnage fields without the use of harmful pesticides.