Watershed Projects

Did You Know?
The Thames River Watershed contains 1,478 square miles, and is the third largest land area draining into Long Island Sound. All 35 towns in the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor are also located within the Thames River Watershed. Click here to view a new Thames River Watershed Map!

Make a Sound Choice for Clean Water
Many of our daily activities contribute to water pollution. When rain water (or snow melt) washes over roads, parking lots, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up oil, trash, soil, excess fertilizer and pet waste, and carries those pollutants directly to our waterways. Most storm drain systems are not designed to remove pollutants - they simply convey the polluted water into our rivers and lakes, and eventually into Long Island Sound.

With generous support from the CT DEP Long Island Sound License Plate Program and the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, we have produced educational exhibits with large maps, kid-friendly-hands-on watershed models, sampling gear, fun give-a-ways, and outreach materials including fact sheets about preventing polluted runoff and septic system maintenance. These materials focus on water quality and the simple steps you can take to prevent pollution from reaching our rivers and Long Island Sound. Copies of all materials are also available from the TLGV office. We have also developed exhibits and displays on water quality that are available for loan. You can make a difference by taking the "Sound Choice" pledge for cleaner, healthier waterways!

Hey Kids!
What exactly is a watershed? What is your watershed address? Where does all the rain water go, rushing down your street after a storm? How does walking your dog impact the health of fish in a nearby stream? Find out by clicking on this link to an activity booklet just for you - Connecting the Drops - Exploring Long Island Sound's Watersheds.

How Can I Become a Water Quality Monitoring Volunteer?

It's simple - sign up! We're always looking for volunteers to help monitor the health of our waterways. Together we can identify, track, and correct problems that might otherwise go undetected. For more information about the Water Quality Monitoring Program, contact Jean Pillo, Coordinator for The Last Green Valley Water Quality Monitoring Program, at 860-928-4948 or jean.pillo@conservect.org. You can also click here to view our Water Quality Monitoring Brochure.

Welcome to the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Water Trail System!
What is a water trail? It is a combination of a river with paddle routes and segments that are clearly described in maps and guides, with partnerships to expand public shoreline access, and stewardship projects to reduce erosion and protect water quality - the very resources paddlers come here to enjoy. Click here for more information about water trails and paddling opportunities in the watershed.