Quinnipiac River Watershed Association
Quinnipiac River Watershed AssociationQinnipiac River Watershed Association
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Volunteer Programs

For over 39 years, QRWA volunteers have been leading hikes, lectures, clean-ups and habitat restoration, encouraging others to care about the Quinnipiac River and its tributaries. Its consistent stewardship of natural resources has resulted in huge gains in the river's viability as an environmental treasure as well as an important natural resource for central Connecticut. 

The QRWA volunteers and members have worked on the following projects with support from 3M Filtration in Meriden, CT DEEP, US EPA, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Meriden CDBG. Volunteer opportunities and contact information are listed below.

Source to Sound River Cleanup Spring and Fall Programs - contact David James at 203-237-2845 for information. Dates are posted to website, Facebook and details circulated to "river cleanup" volunteers via Constant Contact and email. 

Student Environmental Education Programs - Experienced paddlers needed for high school field trips to shadow students on the water for kayaking. Assistance needed in the classroom to help elementary level students ID aquatic samples.  Field trips take place in April, May and October. Interested parties should contact Ginny Chirsky via this website.

Paddle Committee - Contact Mike Mordarski at 230-605-5100 Paddlers needed riverfest events, canoe race and guided tours.

Water Quality - Provided to students for educational purposes.

Butterfly and Bee Habitat - Contact Becky Martorelli 203-213-4366. Seasonal help needed. 

Eagle Count Walk

In 2007, bald eagles nested on the river for the first time since state records were kept. QRWA volunteers participate in eagle counts whenever possible, usually in January weather permitting. To date there are 58 bald eagle nests in CT

There are bald eagles on Hanover Pond located behind the QRWA headquarters on Oregon Road in Meriden. Photos of the eagles may be seen on QRWA FB page and first hand on Hanover Pond.


Streamwalks

In the past, trained volunteers walked the river and its tributaries, reporting on erosion, over-fertilization and other ecological hazards. These teams reported on the conditions they have found to QRWA staff, who target these areas for appropriate follow-up, including landowner education.