Projects

Funds are requested to conduct mercury contamination research at Wharton Brook in Quinnipiac River system. Research activities include measuring mercury in water, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish along the length of thw Wharton Brook and its tributaries.

Funds are requested to support the offering of a short course in river processes to local members of conservation/inland wetland commissions and environmental activists. The course will cover the basic hydrologic, geomorphic, chemical, and biological processes that govern stream ecosystems, and how they are perturbed by human activities. Participants will recieve the scientific tools that they need in order to understand and critically evaluate environmental data on the Quinnipiac River.

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.

To support the measurement of methyl mercury in the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor. The work will also provide direct information on safety of local finfish and shellfish.

Funds will be used to support the improvement of of water diversion and instream flow policy on the Quinnipiac River through advocacy and public education.

To support the organization and implementation of QRWA Stream Buffer Initiative to encourage land use practices that minimize adverse impacts on the watershed and increase public access to the river and its tributaries.

To support the salaries for two part-time Student Conservation Assocation interns who will work on improvement of water quality through community outreach.