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!

 

Become a Water Quality Monitoring Volunteer

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. Click here to learn more about The Last Green Valley's volunteer water quality monitoring program.

Protect Water Quality

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.  Click here to learn more about how you can help protect our rivers, lakes and ponds.

Explore 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.

Click here for the National Parks CT News: Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program which includes a TLGV success story. 

Click here for the National Parks MA News: Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program which includes a TLGV success story.

2009 Source to Sea Expedition

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we paddled the lakes, streams, and main-stem segments of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers, starting in the upper headwaters in April 2009 and winding slowly down to the Thames River and Long Island Sound in June.  More than 95 partner organizations planned river-related events, from river festivals, cleanups, and paddles to water pipes, toy boats, and water trail dedications, so there was something for everyone.  Learn more about the Expedition and view hundreds of watershed photos by clicking here.

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.

Thames River Basin Partnership

The Thames River Basin Partnership (TRBP) is a voluntary, cooperative effort to share resources and strives to develop a regional approach to resource protection.  The Partnership is made up of a variety of agencies, organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, companies, and individuals interested in the environmental health of the Thames River basin.  Click here to access the TRBP website.