Projects

To support recruitment and training for residents in each of the river municipalities to become advocates on behalf of the Quinnipiac River in order to participate in public meetings on the upcoming Quinnipiac Watershed Action Plan Update of 2012 and to support the completion of the Lower Quinnipiac River Canoeable Trail and the Town of North Haven canoe launch to access the new trail.

To support signage which will include a trail map and information about the natural history and historical aspects of the area for the Phase III section of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail which will extend 1.25 miles northward from the current terminus of the Trail at the Wilbur Cross Parkway underpass.

To support the continuation of a public access recreation and educational trail along the tidal marsh section of the Quinnipiac River, behind the Universal Drive shopping areas, in North Haven.

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.