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 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)

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 measure contamination along the Quinnipiac River and in oysters of the New Haven Harbor and evaluate the extent of mercury pollution and  identify sources and hotspots.

To support the production of a student lead project of internet based-handheld computer field guides resources for the Quinnipiac River that calculates water quality data, geology, oysters, plants, macro-invertabrates, birds and oystering history.

To establish a trail route and to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Quinnipiac River for phase three of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail which includes the construction of two pedestrian bridges, one on the east side of the island and the second to cross the raceway on the west side of the island.

To continue efforts in support of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Project and the development of a greenway corridor along the Quinnpiac River Watershed.  Activities will include further land acquisition, trail development, public outreach and education with regard to environmental and recreational aspects of the river.

To support The Cleaning and Canoeing the Quinnipiac Program that will get all Fair Haven students onto the river for education, provide community canoeing programs, and lay the foundation for a canoe ranger station in Fair Haven.

To further acquire land for the trail right of way, construction of bridges, boardwalks, and observation platform, and fund raising in support of those activities.