Projects

To support the protection and care of the Quinnipiac Meadows and Long Wharf Nature Preserves, as well as to support efforts to acquire additional preserve property and increase outreach programming, volunteer events, and Schooner programs that engage the local community with the Quinnipiac River and its surrounding environments.

To support policy, planning and regulatory training for natural resource protection, storm water runoff, watershed protection, and shoreline resiliency to municipalities in the Quinnipiac River Watershed.

To support a summer employment program for New Haven youth that will engage participants and community members in reducing the pollution in the Quinnipiac by stormwater run-off through a storm drain stenciling art, data collection, education, and outreach program.

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.