Researchers, volunteers fight pollution in the Quinnipiac River
YALE DAILY NEWS – Local scientists and volunteers are trying to reduce pollution in the Quinnipiac — once one of Connecticut’s most polluted rivers — through water monitoring and cleanup events. Photograph by Logan Dinkins
A Salty Situation
In cities like New Haven, winter brings more than just flurries and flakes. Salt laden sidewalks and streets are a sure sign that snow is on the forecast. Safety conscious New Englanders are quick to…
Pollution in Quinnipiac River is decreasing. Hauling away trash will help reduce it further
NEW HAVEN REGISTER — The sheer amount of waste recently pulled from a forest surrounding a local stretch of the Quinnipiac River was enough to furnish a one-bedroom apartment. A dirty, tan leather sofa (cushions included),…
North Haven Quinnipiac River trail fenced off over contaminants
NEW HAVEN REGISTER – Since 2015, signs posted along the Quinnipiac River have proudly proclaimed the existence of the Tidal Marsh Trail, which a town nonprofit has maintained for the public. This past weekend, however,…
Wallingford officials push to extend Quinnipiac River Linear Trail to North Haven
NEW HAVEN REGISTER – State Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, would like to see Wallingford’s Quinnipiac River Linear Trail connect to similar trails in North Haven and Meriden, even if it takes some pioneer tactics to…
Chargers Conducting Grant-Funded Research Exploring Impact of Pollution on the Local Environment
This summer, several faculty members and students are engaged in important research projects supported by the Quinnipiac River Fund, examining how microplastics and metals are affecting wildlife in local aquatic habitats.
Here there be dragons
Hundreds gather for Canal Dock’s annual Dragon Boat Regatta On June 3, 2023, a dozen dragons were spotted in the New Haven harbor. “Dragons” are not necessarily a new occurrence in these waters. In the…
What makes oysters happy?
UCONN researcher studies oyster reefs in Quinnipiac River and Morris Creek The creek was said to be dead. Industrialization and decades of pollution took its toll on many Connecticut rivers and tributaries, including Morris Creek…
Down by the river side
Quinnipiac Park hosts community events With broad views of river, oyster boats and two historic bridges, and a wide stretch of grass to gather and play, the Quinnipiac River Park makes an ideal place for celebrations…
No swimming in the rain
River testing reveals big difference in bacteria levels after rainfall It was a cold and windy day in mid-October. Bundled in winter coats, a dozen people gathered at Wharton Brook State Park. Swimming wasn’t on…
Canoeing the Q
*cover photo by Dan Kinsman It’s the only real kind of sport,” said a paddler describing the adventure of canoeing the Quinnipiac River from its origins near Meriden all the way to the Long Island…
New Outdoor Rowing and YOGA Classes
NEW OUTDOOR ROWING AND YOGA CLASSES Canal Dock Boathouse introduces fitness classes with a fantastic view Canal Dock Boathouse re-opens with OUTDOOR fitness classes and youth camps After a long and difficult 2020 for all…
No to Residential Waste Along the Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac River Fund member testifies against trash hauler’s application to accept household garbage A proposal by Murphy Road Recycling, located adjacent to the Quinnipiac River at 19 Wheeler Street, to accept “wet” garbage from suburban…
PLASTIC POLLUTION: The hidden invasion
We’ve seen the images and heard the stories: turtles caught and choked in the plastic rings from six packs; sixty pounds of plastic and other debris discovered in a deceased whale; massive islands of garbage…
Rising Waters: The Banton Street story
A bygone community on the banks of the Quinnipiac Weed-dappled asphalt, rusty vine-tangled fences, fragments of piers and retaining walls, stone stairs dipping toward the river. A hike through Quinnipiac River State Park, north of…
The Quinnipiac River Fund 2020 Grant Awards
Funding to study microplastics and other pollutants, advocacy and organizations working to improve the water quality and enjoyment of the Quinnipiac River April 22, 2020 (New Haven, CT) Once home to a thriving waterfront, the…
From Rails to Trails
North Haven Tidal Marsh Trail reveals secrets of its railway past photos by Ian Christmann He tells hobo tales to captivate the audience gathered on the grassy slope, recounting fables of those who rode the…
Historic photos reveal community’s fascinating waterfront heritage
Current day photos by Ian Christmann Once home to a thriving oyster industry, the community along the banks of the Quinnipiac River in New Haven, Connecticut still reflects its rich heritage. Though much has changed…
LOTS OF FISH
Eco-art makes a splash for New Haven waterways Photos by Ian Christmann “It’s incredible how a little bit of art can change a space,” a passerby observed of the empty lot between two abandoned buildings…
Free to Flow
Pipe and dam removal restore Quinnipiac’s current In early April 2019, backhoes and excavators descended on the River in Meriden, dismantling an exposed but obsolete water line. The pipe was the last barrier preventing migratory…
Calling All to the Ocean
Canal Dock Boathouse opens doors for New Haven to engage its waterfront Photos by Ian Christmann (may not be reused without permission) We’ve watched the walls rise and the architecture emerge on the striking…
2019 Grant Awards
New Haven, CT (April 22, 2019) – The Quinnipiac River Fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has awarded $138,000 in grants to study, improve, and reduce the pollution in the Quinnipiac River…
If a tree falls in the river…
If you’re keen to explore the upper passages of the Quinnipiac River by canoe or kayak, be prepared to duck, climb and carry. Downed trees and woody debris form frequent obstacles, requiring clever craft maneuvering…
A CREATIVE SOLUTION
Pick-up Artists de-litter the landscape in Quinnipiac River Park By Carolyn Christmann Photos by Ian Christmann Desmond drags the broken chair from the water’s edge, disentangling himself from discarded fishing wire as he goes. Zoe…
On Board for a summer of sea stewardship
Schooner Camp excites kids to care for the environment through songs, games and adventures. “Imagine a clean river as it flows through a healthy watershed. In this river lives Fred the Fish. Fred has lived…
Keeping Up With the Garbagians
Source to Sound clean-up clears more than a ton of trash from Q River watershed For more than four years, Bob Diamond has been grabbing gloves and garbage bags and joining QRWA for its semiannual…
On Duty with New Haven’s Bridge Tenders
“Everybody wonders who lives in the house,” said Mike Dorsey, one of New Haven’s ten bridge tenders who keep New Haven’s moveable bridges moving. While not a residence per say, the curious orange building perched…
Canal Dock Boathouse Rises, Wows
New Haven Independent The new Canal Dock Boathouse is getting closer to the finish line, and it is a thing of beauty. I got to join a sneak preview of the waterfront gem on Thursday…
Plan Previewed For Deepened Harbor Channel
New Haven Independent. You dredge, deepen and extend the New Haven harbor channel to bring in bigger ships leading to more efficient business. Then you take the sand, silt, and other stuff you’ve hauled out…
Once Upon a Time
Once upon a time there was a city that loved the water. And the water made her great.New Haven’s waters (a protected harbor with three tributary rivers) drew settlers to her side. A village formed. In…
Few Connecticut polluters penalized for toxic wastewater violations, EPA data shows
Nearly half of the 60 companies that are allowed to discharge wastewater directly into Connecticut’s rivers, brooks and other bodies of water exceeded the amounts of toxic metals or other pollutants that their permits allowed…
New Haven Register Editorial: DEEP must do a better job protecting water from pollutants — and fining companies that illegally dump
Connecticut residents sure have a lot to be worried about these days. Budget deficits, unequal education funding, an opioid crisis, a state in continued economic decline and possible new taxes and fees on the way,…
If I Catch It, Can I Eat It?
The Dept. of Public Health’s annual Guide to Eating Fish Safely is out now. If you fish and want to know what you can eat safely, read the 2017 Connecticut Fish Consumption Advisory. 2017_if_i_catch_it_english.pdf
Work. Eat. Play.
Whether you’re launching a kayak, meeting in the conference room, dining at the café, working in your private office or preparing your 28-foot proline for a cruise in the sound…at the Quinnipiac River Marina, it…
Oystering in Fair Haven
Jimmy and Norm Bloom are the largest commercial growers of wild oysters on Long Island Sound. They tend oyster beds nearly the entire length of the Connecticut coastline and into Rhode Island, harvesting and packaging…
Ospreys in the Quinnipiac Meadows Preserve
The Quinnipiac Meadows Preserve is home to about four osprey couples nesting on platforms constructed in the marsh. In the 1950s and 60s, the osprey population was in a decline attributed, in part, to the pesticide…
An Urban Oasis
During summer, you are almost guaranteed to see an osprey on a walk through the 35-acre Quinnipiac Meadows preserve. And if you’re really lucky, you might spot a Diamond Back Terrapin, a threatened species of…
New Haven Land Trust Branches out to Community
Phote Credit: Sarah Tabin. Elm City residents learned how to identify maple, oak and ash trees at the Pond Lily Nature Preserve on Sunday morning. The New Haven Land Trust hosted the event “Trees and…
A Visit To Wallingford’s Fireworks Island
Copyright © 2016, Hartford Courant. Five years ago, I visited Wallingford’s Quinnipiac River Linear Trail and left somewhat empty. Not to leave you with the impression the 1.1-mile-long trail isn’t worth a visit, but once…
Something Fishy
The New Haven Land Trust is perhaps best known for managing 44 community gardens throughout New Haven and 6 coastal land preserves. Yet it also has an active events calendar with topics ranging from workshops…
Wallingford company reaches agreement with Quinnipiac River advocates
WALLINGFORD — A local river advocacy group rescinded a request to hold a public hearing on a discharge permit sought by chemical production company Allnex after working with state officials and company representatives on an…
Advocates reach accord
River advocates have dropped their request for a public hearing regarding the discharge of a new manufacturing chemical into the Quinnipiac River Watershed after an agreement was reached regarding the amount of the chemical that…
Riverfest
On Sunday, May 15, come down to Riverfest at the Quinnipiac Marina at 309 Front St. New Haven, CT. Bands, canoe rides, a beer tent, and more! This is a BYOC event. To guarantee you…
River popular with anglers, but pollution brings concerns
Photo Credit: Catherine Avalone — New Haven Register NEW HAVEN >> As Aly Tatchol Camara biked to the very edge of Criscuolo Park, fishing poles slung on his back, he found he would not be…
Annual Awards To Improve The Health and Enjoyment Of The Quinnipiac River Top $117,000
New Haven, CT (March 28, 2016) – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is pleased to announce that $117,700 in grants has been awarded from the Quinnipiac River Fund to support 8 programs that study and…
Allnex permit application concerns river advocates
WALLINGFORD — Allnex’s application for a change to its waste water discharge permit has some river advocates calling for a public hearing after filings showed the chemical company had 17 discharge violations since February 2012….
Allnex Permit Application Open for Public Comment
The Public has until March 22 to comment on a permit modification application submitted by Allnex USA Inc., the chemical manufacturer in Wallingford. Allnex proposes a monitoring process for a new byproduct, “Tetrahydrofuran,” as well…
“Hot Pipe” across from State Park
The Connectiuct Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection’s investigation into a discharge pipe across from the Quinnipiac River State Park concluded that the discharge was likely related to the accidental release of lubricating oil into…
Q River Pollution Mystery Solved
NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT — Crews working the dashing Rock & Roll and other small boats from the several fleets that berth along Quinnipiac River in Fair Haven will not have to worry about a discharge upriver near Wallingford….
Detecting Pollutants from “Hot” Pipe
Harry Pylypiw stumbled across a Quinnipiac River “hot spot” where previously undetected chemicals pour into fish-filled water streaming toward New Haven Harbor. Now he wants to find out if we should worry about that. And…
The Quinnipiac and Fair Haven: A brief social history
There was once a place called Dragon, in the east. A place where oysters thrived and Quinnipiac arrowheads could be found simply by tilling the soil of your garden. It got its name for the seals…
Pollution Busters Hit the Q
Estrogen, fertilizers, plastic and heavy metals may kill entire species of fish in the Quinnipiac River—and limit humans’ dinner and recreation options. Unless four University of New Haven researchers succeed in sounding the alarm. The…
A Citizen’s Guide to Urban River Permits
A new handbook has made it easier for the public to be involved in the permitting process that regulates the use of the three major rivers in Greater New Haven. The Urban River Permits Review…
Solar Youth Trip to the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association
Young stewards from Solar Youth, the New Haven-based youth empowerment program, traveled to the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association for a river adventure. First stop: the Wallace dam for an overview of the river and its…
Phase III Quinnipiac River Trail Groundbreaking
After more than a decade of waiting, work has finally begun on the Fireworks Island leg of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail in Wallingford. An official groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 5 to honor…
2015 Grant Awards
Grants Support Research into the Sources and Effects of River Contaminants, an Anti-Pollution Public Education Campaign, and the Continued Development of a Recreational Trail along the River’s Edge. New Haven, CT (May 28, 2015) –…
Downriver Classic
At 35 years old and counting, the Downriver Classic is believed to be the longest running canoe/kayak race in the state. The primary fundraiser for the Qunnipiac River Watershed Association, the race brought several dozen…
Quinnipiac Riverfest 2015
The 6th Annual Quinnipiac Riverfest brought the crowds down to the historic and scenic Fair Haven waterfront for an afternoon of live music, beer tasting, boat rides, and more. Held every spring on the Sunday in…
Yale Crew Returns to the Q River
Outdoor training sessions typically begin for the Yale Crew teams in late February or early March, depending on when the ice breaks apart and opens the wide, flat, fresh water of Lake Housatonic in Derby,…
The Quinnipiac River Watershed Based Plan
The Quinnipiac River Watershed Based Plan identifies priority issues for the watershed and provides recommendations to address them. Although advances and upgrades in wastewater treatment have improved water quality over the past several decades, the water…
Teaching Solutions to Water Pollution
In the 1970s, the Keep America Beautiful advertisements with the “Crying Indian” turned into one of the most iconic anti-pollution images of all time. Four decades later, The Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ) is taking inspiration…
Fishing for Toxins
Research scientists from area universities detect and measure the impact of chemical pollutants in the Quinnipiac River A vast number of products used and relied on everyday are made possible because of modern chemistry —…
Monarch butterflies on the decline at Meriden habitat
MERIDEN — Monarch butterflies are hard to find during summer and are becoming more rare at a local butterfly and bee habitat, despite efforts to boost the population. The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association’s Butterfly and…
Taking Ground
New Haven Land Trust battles invasives by planting new native trees photos by Ian Christmann “You can never declare victory,” said John Cox, a longtime New Haven Land Trust volunteer, speaking about the battle against invasive…
Making Strides: Recreation with a view
Making Strides: Recreation with a view Nature and recreation go hand in hand, and when water is involved, the outdoors has an even greater allure. In New Haven County, the Quinnipiac River offers beautiful and…
Three rivers run through it
Three rivers run through it. New Haven might not be known as a river city, but in fact it boasts three – the West River, Mill River and Quinnipiac River. A natural buffer for urban…
Can you canoe?
The sun was shining on this group of paddlers out for a scenic canoe trip on the Quinnipiac River. Hosted by the New Haven Land Trust on Saturday, August 23rd, the trip launched from the…
Tire Recycler Eyes New Haven Waterfront
“Tires—loads and loads and loads of tires—may arrive on the shores of Fair Haven if a growing recycling company gets its wish.” From the New Haven Independent: http://bit.ly/1nIhKKa
A concrete concern
photos by Ian Christmann Made infamous by the movie Erin Brokovich, the compound hexavalent chromium is a classified carcinogen, of controversial concern in drinking water as the film’s storyline reveals. But what, if any, impact does…
More Than $135,000 Awarded to Improve Public Awareness and Community Access to the Quinnipiac River
Grants Help Educate Area Residents about Pollution and Continue the Development of a Recreational Trail along the River’s Edge New Haven, CT (May 30, 2014) – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is pleased…
The fish are flying
“I grew up fishing this river,” said Joe Tkack as he bent down to help his daughter release a 16” rainbow trout into the Quinnipiac River. “It’s great to be able to share what I…
50 turn out for cleanup of Hanover Pond, Harbor and Sodom brooks in Meriden
MERIDEN — About 50 people participated in the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association’s Annual River Cleanup Saturday morning. Volunteers removed refuse from both the water and its banks. Nine primary cleanup points were established along the…
A river-full weekend
New Haven celebrates community and the Q River It was a weekend of fun on the Quinnipiac River in New Haven. Thousands came out to enjoy festivities in two separate events on the weekend of…
Three New Haven Companies to Pay Fines for Violation of Polution Control Laws
The Associated Press recently reported that a court has ordered three New Haven companies and their operator to pay nearly $750,000 in penalties for violations of the state’s hazardous waste and air pollution control laws….
Grants Available from Quinnipiac River Fund for Programs that Benefit Connecticut’s Quinnipiac River
Deadline to Apply for Funding is January 17, 2014 The Quinnipiac River Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, announces that grants are available for projects designed to benefit the…
Assessing Threats
A New Generation of Chemical Pollution The days of factories discharging heavy metals and homes flushing untreated waste directly into the Quinnipiac River are thankfully a thing of the past. But as industries and lifestyles…
Watershed Grant Available
Calling researchers and environmental advocates The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation is once again offering funding for grantseekers who wish to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest…
A preserve within a preserve
Volunteers clear invasive plants from Quinnipiac Meadows A preserve within a preserve From 1-91, the strip of land looks like a golden wild island in the River. Although it is actually connected to land, the…
Rain Gardens: clean water resources on the Quinnipiac River
There are many ways communities abutting the Quinnipiac River can help keep it and the surrounding environs clean. This past spring, Save the Sound installed nine rain gardens in Southington as part of the Connecticut Fund for…
To call a hummingbird
photos by Ian Christmann Plant lupine, hollyhock or phlox and you may find iridescent-feathered hummingbirds frequenting your yard. Cultivating wild grape vines or crabapple trees can entice cardinals and bluebirds. Fueled by a grant from the…
If these fish could talk…
If these fish could talk… …they might say, “caution.” The lower Quinnipiac River offers a bounty of fin-laden delights, such as bluefish and bass – tempting possibilities for a low-cost, high-protein family dinner, but eating…
Small steps add up
Ideas for keeping your corner of the planet clean and green Did you know that the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers some ideas you can use at home, work, in your community…
Thinking like a river
Quinnipiac River photographs by Ian Christmann LULA empowers unified effort to protect the Quinnipiac “We must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.” ― David Brower…
2013 River Race
“Go where it flows…” QRWA’s 33rd annual Quinnipiac Downriver Classic Read the Record Journal article here. http://www.erecordjournal.com/ee/recordjournal/publink.php?shareid=0ea064b37#.UZoHi6EXFO0.facebook Photos by Diego
“Nobody knows it’s here…”
“Nobody knows it’s here…” Proposed trail highlights hidden beauty behind Target From DVDs and diapers to paninis, pasta and apparel, North Haven’s Universal Drive shopping area has much to offer, and if the efforts of…
Nearly $70,000 in Grants Awarded to Foster Awareness of Environmental Issues and More
Resources from The Community Foundation’s Quinnipiac River Fund Will Help Measure and Monitor Chemical Levels in the Quinnipiac River and Support the Development of a Recreational Trail along the River’s Edge New Haven, CT (May 30, 2013) –…
Quinnipiac River featured in New Haven Magazine
Quinnipiac River featured in New Haven Magazine New Haven Magazine’s May edition featured the Quinnipiac River in an eight page article “Exploring the Quinnipiac River Watershed” by Melissa Nicefaro and photographs by Ian Christmann. “A $20,000 grant…
Art installation raises river awareness.
The ‘Quinnipiac River Bottled’ on Beinecke Plaza in the Yale News “On Earth Day 2013, the public helped create an art installation by the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and local artist Fritz Horstman….
Trout stocking the Quinnipiac
QRWA trout stocking draws record crowd Photos by Ian Christmann QRWA trout stocking draws record crowd One hundred and sixty slippery newcomers made quite a splash in the upper Quinnipiac on Thursday, April 18. The rainbow,…
Well Fracking
To people who care about rivers and water quality, In order to frack a well – besides the many toxic chemicals and sand that is included with the huge amount of water – each “frack”…
Quinnipiac River Fund Launches New Way to Navigate the Q: www.TheQuinnipiacRiver.com
New Haven, CT (July 26, 2012) –The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Quinnipiac River Fund announces the launch of a new website – www.TheQuinnipiacRiver.com – created to serve as a comprehensive source of advocacy and information about Connecticut’s…
Cleaning the Quinnipiac, one pollutant at a time
One thing that everyone agrees on: the Quinnipiac River is a lot healthier than it used to be. “It really was a cesspool,” said Mary Mushinsky, a state legislator from Wallingford and science educator for…
Row, paddle or float.
Article from MyRecordJournal http://www.myrecordjournal.com/local/article_38a9d72c-a2f8-11e1-92df-001… by Kimberley Primicero posted Sunday, May 20, 2012 MERIDEN — The sun was blazing through a cloudless blue sky Sunday morning as racers in canoes and kayaks got ready to paddle…
Journey down the Quinnipiac
As the river flows… Consider The Quinnipiac from Catalyst Studios Inc. on Vimeo.