Projects

To support a two-day training program for local land use leaders to educate them on the scope of their jurisdiction, the flexibility they have under the law, tools for natural resource and watershed protection and collaborative techniques including consensus building, facilitated decision-making, community participation and effective meetings management.

To educate fishers on the safe consumption of fish from the Quinnipiac River and to work with the State Department of Environmental Protection to ensure fish signage is posted in fishing areas in common languages such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Kmer, Lao and Vietnamese.

To support The Friends of the Quinnipiac Project to remedy the effects of poor land use practiced by managers and owners of riparian properties through outreach, education, training, public recognition and technical assistance.

To support the first phase of a riparian buffer research project designed as a public waterfront demonstration park.

To support the continuation of the ‘Consider the Quinnipiac’ pictorial exhibit tour at the State Capital and at three additional sites including the towns of Wallingford and Cheshire’s libraries.

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.