Projects

to support training 3 municipal department of public works crews in stormwater pollution prevention using Lunch and Learn sessions and to support investigating the lower Quinnipiac River public access potential at two locations: Lowe's on Route 80 in New Haven and behind Toelles Road businesses in Wallingford, adjacent to Quinnipiac River State Park. Mill River Watershed Association of South Central Connecticut, Inc. is acting as the fiscal sponsor.

to support educational programming, installing educational signs, organizing volunteer events and beginning research into potential acquisition of land surrounding the Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene B. Fargeorge Nature Preserve.

to support the Be the Solution to Pollution project which raises awareness of how pollution threatens the health of humans, animals, and the environment along the Quinnipiac River.

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.