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.&.carr-s.6. ~calQo.:E-D ....& ....--:1[ caq,.L q~'E1L4»..rq.... &c.'I:C»..:ECI: caq... :5:~...oca~c»o • ForthelOO~ 1l0HIPadx3 ~our(e to ~ea ~as 01 Sunday, May 10 • Pomfret - Brooklyn, CT Sunday, May 24 • Canterbury - Norwich, CT Sunday, June 7 • Norwich - Ledyard, CT Expedition: Quinebaug River Paddle Quinebaug River Paddle Thames River Paddle Celebralte Mother's Day by paddling with your mom on a short The Quinebaug River and its dams increase in size and power Paddle approximately 6 miles from Howard Brown Park in ~onne(ting fue Drops through aJlnOS stretch ·from Route 101 in Pomfret, CT to Riverside Park in on this stretch. Challenging portages will limit the number of Norwich to Erickson Park in Ledyard along the eastern shore of Brooklyn, CT. (Mom needs to be prepared for a very challenging paddlers we are able to accommodate on this long segment. the Thames River. Sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Club, CT GOOZ• portage). Sponsored by The Last Green Valley Sponsored by The Last Green Valley Chapter FlatwaterlCoastaf Paddling Committee The Last Green Valley Monday, May 25 Saturday, May 16 • Thompson, CT Sunday, June 7 • Groton, CT Join us as we paddle the lakes, Quaddlick lake Paddle Memorial Day Exploring the long Island Sound Estuary streams, and main·stem seg Paddle ,from the north end of the lake to Quaddick Lake State Saturday, May 30 • Willimantic, CT Participants will have the opportunity to discover the wonder, ments of the Quinebaug and Park, lecarn about the lake, its environs, and water quality moni~ Shetucket Rivers from April Wililimantic Riverfest and Willimantic River Paddle importance, and history of our local estuary, Long Island Sound. toring efforts, then continue paddling to the southern end of During this program, the group will learn how the combination through June, starting in the Lots offun for everyone! Family paddling on theWillimantic River the lake. Sponsored by Quaddick Lake Association of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean combine upper headwaters and winding from Eagleville Dam toWillimantic, whitewater demonstrations by slowly down to the Thames River to form an important ecosystem. The group will use instruments Saturday, May 16 • Sterling - Plainfield, CT experts, music, and concessions. Sponsored by The Chamber ofCom and long Island Sound. to test salinity, pH, temperature, and tidal flow as well as explore merce, Windham Region, and Willimantic Whitewater Partnership More than 60 partner organizations MoosUlP River Paddle the shore to identify the local aquatic inhabitants. Sponsored by have planned river-related events Paddle;a quiet section of the Moosup River. From the Sterling Saturday, May 30 • Franklin, CT Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Commumity Building, paddlers will head up river and wind for you and your family to enjoy. From Water Pipes to Toy Boats From river festivals, cleanups, and through state land. Beavers, geese, ducks, wildflowers, and Monday, June 8 • Montville - New London, CT Participants will see how water was used historically on a farm. paddles to water pipes, toy boats, heron a re part of the scenery. Thames River Paddle Learn how a wooden water pipe was made and drill with an and water trail dedications, there's Sponsored by Plainfield and Sterling Recreation Paddle along the western shore of the Thames River from auger; learn about water wheels and hand grind some corn; something for everyone. Most of Montville to New London. Sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Saturday, May 16 • Killingly, CT practice sharpening tools on a grindstone; learn about present these events are free and open to Club, CT Chapter FlatwaterlCoastal Paddling Committee the public. We hope you will join us day practices of contour planting; and make a toy wooden Killing Iy River Fun Race Day for the fun and leave with abetter boat to float. Sponsored by Blue Slope Country Museum Teams of 4 or 5 will participate in a chase-relay race consisting of Friday, une Groton - NOrwiCh, CT understanding of your place in the roller bl;ading (1 mile), paddle and portage (200 yards), paddling Sunday, May 31 • Thompson, CT Thames River Basin Partnership Floating Workshop Thames River Watershed - and (2.2 miles), biking (1.1 mile) and running (1.1 mile). Killingly's History of Mills on the French River Tour theThames River from Groton to Norwich on Project Ocean what you can do to protect it! new river trail segment will also be dedicated in a short ology's Envirolab Research Vessel. This workshop is designed for Walk a paved and graveled path along the French River in ceremoflY. Sponsored by Killingly Parks & Recreation and municipal leaders, public works and land use planning officials. N. Grosvenordale. Learn about the history of mill development Econom.ic Development Departments The workshop will focus on the affects of nutrient contributions and its impact on the river with a local historian. Sponsored by from inland point and non-point sources on the Long Island Saturday, May 16 • Killingly - Plainfield, CT Thompson Historical Society Sound Estuary and TRBP efforts to reduce negative impacts on Quinebaug River Paddle Sunday, May 31 • Sprague - Norwich, CT the water quality both within your local watershed and Long After participating in the Killingly River Fun Race, we will be Island Sound. Workshop participants will receive a "toolbox" paddling through one of the most scenic but challenging Shetucket River Paddle We'll be paddling from Sprague to Norwich on a stretch ofriver of strategies that will be useful in their local area. Sponsored by stretches of river to the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery in Thames River Basin Partnership Plainfielld. Sponsored by The Last Green Valley than includes a number ofhistoric dams retrofitted with success ful fish ladders. Have your picture taken at the confluence ofthe Saturday, June 13 • New London, CT Satur
Wednesday, April 1 • Massachusetts Opening Day of Fishing Season Sunday, May 3 • Mansfield, CT Visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/index.htmfor information on Meet the Mt. Hope River fishing and boating access maps, pond maps, freshwater Participants will take a walk to observe the plants and animals licenses, and fishing regulations. living along this beautiful stretch of river. We may spot some early wildflowers and see some returning resident birds. April 1 - 30 • Thompson, CT Sponsored by Mansfield Parks Advisory Committee Thompson's 7th Annual Beautification & Clean-Up Month Saturday, May 9 • Thompson, CT Throughout the month, volunteers will remove litter from Wild Edibles Excursion on the Quinebaug River roadsides, parks, and other public places in town. Sponsored in West Thompson by Thompson Together Environment Committee Join wild foods enthusiast and expert forager Russ Cohen for an educational paddle and walk on and along April 9 - 26 • Willimantic, CT the Quinebaug River in search of wild foraged goodies. Riverscapes ofThe Last Green Valley Participants have the option of paddling in the morning, Photography Exhibit joining for the afternoon walk, or doing both. Sponsored View stunning photography featuring architecture and by Thompson Trails Committee and Thompson Recreation landscapes along the rivers ofThe Last Green Valley, exhibited Department in a Victorian·era building housing the Artisans' Cooperative. Sponsored by Swift Waters Artisans' Cooperative Saturday, May 9 • W. Thompson _ Pomfret, CT Saturday, April 11 • Thompson, CT Quinebaug River Paddle West Thompson Lake Earth Day Cleanup Join The Last Green Valley as we paddle from W. Thompson Join U.s. Army Corps of Engineers' staff and an army of Friday, April 24 • Groton, CT to Putnam in the morning (meeting up with French River volunteers and help spruce up the West Thompson lake Saturday, May 2 • Tolland - Mansfield, CT paddlers at the confluence), then paddle from Putnam to Recreation Area. Sponsored by US. Army Corps ofEngineers Informational Tour of Shennecosset Golf Course, Upper Willimantic River Paddle Route 101 in Pomfret after lunch. Refreshments will be a Certified Audubon International Sanctuary Canoe or kayak down this beautiful stretch of river for approximately prOVided at the put-out location in Pomfret. Sponsored Friday, April 17 • Union, CT Learn how and why Shennecosset Golf Course became an 8 miles from Tolland to River Park in Mansfield. Sponsored by by The Last Green Valley, French River Connection, Pomfret Source to Sea Expedition Launch Ceremony and Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. Eric Morrison, Willimantic River Affiance andAppalachian Mountain Club, a Chapter Historical Society and Pomfret Conservation Commission Paddle on Mashapaug Pond Superintendent, will describe the process for developing and Join The Last Green Valley and Commissioner Gina McCarthy implementing an environmentally-sound management plan for Saturday, May 2 • Southbridge, MA Saturday, May 9 • Putnam, CT of the CT Department of Environmental Protection for our wildlife and habitat management practices, water conservation, Thompson, CT Putnam Quinebaug River Appreciation Day opening ceremony and paddle on Mashapaug Pond in water quality management, chemical use reduction and safety, Quinebaug River Paddle 1 Enjoy a variety of events at the water's edge: a water Bigelow Hollow State Park. Sponsored by CT Department of and outreach and education to both employees and golf course Paddle from Southbridge to the Fabyan canoe launch in treatment plant tour, River Mills Heritage Trail Walking Tour, Environmental Protection and The Last Green Valley patrons. Sponsored by Groton Parks and Recreation Department Thompson, CT, on a quick moving stretch of water. There is one hydroelectric plant tour, and fly fishing and fish release portage at W. Dudley Road (also known as Paper Mill Road) where demonstrations. Sponsored by Town ofPutnam April 24 - June 21 • Willimantic, CT Saturday, April lB • Connecticut the Dudley Quinebaug Rail Trail Committee will assist paddlers Opening Day of Fishing Season The Mighty Willimantic: Water Powered Textile Mills and provide an historic and environmental overview of Dudley's Saturday, May 9 • Woodstock, CT Visit www.ct.gov/depand click on "Outdoor Recreation"then Along the River from Stafford Springs to Willimantic place in the watershed. Sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Club, Reminiscing at Roseland Lake "Fishing"to learn about special places like "Trout Parks" and Enjoy an exhibition of maps and photographs by Jamie Furness Worcester Chapter andDudley Quinebaug Rail Trail Committee. Celebrate historic Roseland Park and learn about Woodstock's licensing requirements for fishing in Connecticut. of Stafford Springs at the Windham Textile & History Museum. water resource protection and restoration strategies at this Sponsored by Windham Textile & History Museum Saturday, May 2 • Thompson, CT mini-festival. Lots of hands-on activities for kids. Rent a Saturday, April 18 • N. Oxford, MA Quinebaug River Paddle 2 and Family Fun Event boat or bring your own to paddle around Roseland Lake. The Wild French River: Greenbriar Park Saturday, April 25 • Thompson, CT at West Thompson Lake Sponsored by Woodstock Conservation Commission and Canoe/Kayak Launch Dedication and French River Cleanup Join paddlers from Southbridge on the second leg of the day, Friend~ ofRoseland French River Paddle After registration, volunteers will go to assigned locations to clean from Fabyan to the Overlook Picnic Shelter on W. Thompson Saturday, May 9 • Eastford, CT Join the French River Connection and u.s. Army Corps of in and beside the French River in Thompson. Registration, coffee lake. Park rangers will point out different species of vegetation Engineers for the dedication ofa new car-top canoe and kayak and doughnuts at Valley Springs Sportsmen's Club. Sponsored by as well as any wildlife viewing along the way. At the Overlook Streambank Hike on Bigelow Brook Bigelow Brook is similar to many small rivers used as mill launch at Greenbriar Park. Then paddle with them on a 3-mile Thompson Together Environment Committee Picnic Shelter, the public will be able to view exhibits prOVided ;n the mid-' 800s. We will follow the brook south, stretch from Greenbriar to Hodges Village Dam led by U.s. Army Saturday, April 25 • Holland - Brimfield, MA by partner organizations related to water quality, local history, Corps of Engineers' ranger and naturalist Jean Hixson. .,ussing the many small streams that drain into Bigelow Quinebaug River National Canoe Trail fisheries, and water safety. Sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Sponsored by u.s. Army Corps ofEngineers, French River Club, Worcester Chapter, US. Army Corps ofEngineers and Town from the uplands. Various wildflowers and other plants will Connection, and The Last Green Valley Ceremony and Paddle ofThompson be seen along with an old stand of hemlock and numerous Join us at Lake Siog Recreation Area for the Quinebaug River stone walls. Sponsored by Eastford Conservation & Historic Saturday, AprillB • Brimfield-Holland kickoffceremony and paddle a nationally-designated recreational Saturday, May 2 • Webster, MA Preservation Commission Sturbridge-Southbridge, MA canoe trail. Lake Siog is also known as Holland Pond. Sponsored Perryville Trace Walk Saturday, May 9 • Ledyard/Gales Ferry, CT Grand Trunk Trail Regional Earth Day Cleanup by U.s. Army Corps ofEngineers, Appolochion Mountoin Club, Participants will greet paddlers coming down the French River Aquifers, Swamps, Watersheds, and the Join U.s. Army Corps of Engineer's staff, Trail Committees Worcester Chapter, and The Last Green Valley and landing at Perryville. After a short history of the PerryVille area, and an introduction to the French River Greenway, take a Thames River, a Tidal Estuary from Brimfield, Sturbridge and Southbridge, the Grand Trunk Saturday, April 25 • Holland - Brimfield, MA Trailblazers, and an army of volunteers to help spruce up the leisurely one mile round-trip stroll on the new Perryville Trace. Three separate but inter-related programs will be coordinated Source to Sea SK Trail Race Westville and East Brimfield sections of the Grand TrunkTrail, Sponsored by French River Connection by the Avalonia Land Conservancy: the Southeastern CTWater Participants will run a 5K course originating at the boat launch Westville Lake Park, and Lake 5iog Park. Sponsored by U.s. Authority will discuss the importance ofaquifer protection and on Lake Siog (Holland Pond) and ending at canoe rest stop #3 on Army Corps ofEngineers and Grand Trunk Trail Blazers Saturday, May 2 • Mansfield, CT what each ofus can do to protect our drinking water supply; the Brimfield section of the Grand Trunk Trail. Race proceeds will Backyard WaterWise Workshop the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center will lead a hands·on Saturday, April 18 • Thompson, CT go towards further trail restoration efforts of the Brimfield Trail What things can homeowners do to help make sure there is family program exploring the adjacent swamp on the Pine Thompson Treasure Hunt Committee. Sponsored by Brimfield Trail Committee enough water for both people and nature? Jean Pillo, Coordinator Swamp Wildlife Corridor property owned by Avalonia Land for the Thames River Basin Partnership, will present a special Conservancy; and Project Oceanology will explore the water in Thompson residents put their unwanted "treasures" on their Saturday, April 25 • Woodstock - EasUord, CT lawns with a "free" sign on them. Participants can ride around workshop that will entertain, educate and hopefully inspire a Mill Cove where the brooks in this watershed meet the Thames The Still River Marsh Preserve Thompson, enjoying the scenery and finding "treasures"to new way to view your backyard. Learn to save money and time River. Sponsored byAvalonia Land Conservancy. with programs Explore the Still River Marsh on foot and if water levels are take home. Sponsored by Thompson Together Environment by adopting sustainable, ecologically friendly landscaping by Southeastern aWaterAuthority, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Committee high enough, by boat, and learn about the importance of large concepts. Sponsored by Thames River Basin Partnership Center, andProject Oceanology wetlands for breeding waterfowl and other species habitat as Saturday, April 18 • Thompson, CT well as the significance of wetlands to people. Sponsored by May3-9 Thompson Shred Day The Nature Conservancy National Drinking Water Week For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association Participants may bring no more than two (2) average size Sunday, April 26 • Sturbridge - Southbridge, MA boxes of confidential material to be shredded. Sponsored and its members and partner organizations have celebrated Lions Club Canoe Race on the Quinebaug River and by Thompson Together Environment Committee and Citizens Drinking Water Week - a unique opportunity for both water National Bank Festival at Westville Lake professionals and the communities they serve to join together to Take a wild ride on the QUinebaug River during the Lions Club's recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Monday, April 20 • Sturbridge, MA annual canoe race from Turner's Field in Sturbridge to Westville Source to Sea Dinner at the Publick House lake Recreation Area in Southbridge. Sponsored by US. Army Corps Historic Inn ofEngineers andSturbridge Lions Club Join The last Green Valley for a festive evening at the Publick Sunday, April 26 • Oxford - Webster, MA House Historic Inn. $13 per person includes an all-you-can-eat French River Paddle buffet dinner and The Publick House will donate a portion of Join the French River Connection on a leisurely springtime the evening's proceeds to The last Green Valley. Sponsored by paddle from Hodges Village to Webster North Village. Explore The Last Green Valley and the Publick House Historic Inn several coves and enjoy wildlife emerging from winter. Wednesday, April 22 Sponsored by French River Connection 39th Annual Earth Day Sunday, April 26 • Ashford, CT The first Earth Day was organized in 1970 to promote the ideas of ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and Church Farm Scramble highlight grOWing concern over pollution of the soil, air, A brief uphill scramble will bring us to brooks and wetlands. Let and water. Earth Day is now observed in 140 nations with by a renowned botanist and wetlands expert, hikers will discuss and explore the importance of wetlands on the water quality of outdoor performances, exhibits, street fairs, and television programs that focus on environmental issues. the drainage basin and tributaries oftheThames River watershed. Sponsored by Joshua's Trust andAshford Conservation Commission