Quinebaug River Cleanup Crews

Are Truly Amazing      

Wow!!  Is all we can say about the incredible volunteers who came out to spruce up the Quinebaug River in August.  Together, we removed 239 tires and hundreds of pounds of trash from the Quinebaug River in Wauregan and Killingly.  

The first river cleanup on August 5 was thrown together quickly to take advantage of low water levels.  More than 30 volunteers responded with strong backs and enough enthusiasm to pull 239 tires and a truck-load of trash from the river.  This kind of large-scale illegal tire dumping illustrates why we need more friends like our cleanup volunteers and paddlers to keep an eye on the river and report illegal activities.   Special thanks to Connecticut Light and Power (we love "The Power of Caring" t-shirts), Eastern Connecticut Conservation District, Frito-Lay, Danielson Adventure Sports, Cozy Corner Restaurant, Empire Tire of Plainfield, property owners along the Quinebaug River, and the Town of Brooklyn for making this cleanup successful.    

The second cleanup on August 27 was completed just before heavy rains ahead of Hurricane Irene started dousing the region.  A dozen volunteers took time out from their own hurricane preparations and helped us clean up a segment of the Quinebaug River and River Trail in Killingly.  We removed about 300 pounds of trash but were delighted that this mile-long stretch was in relatively good shape.  It's clear that people who use the river trail have become good stewards.  Special thanks to the Town of Killingly for helping to coordinate the cleanup and for disposing of the trash.     

We hope you will join us for our river cleanups next spring and summer.  It's a great way to improve river conditions in only 2 or 3 hours, and it's fun, too.  Just look at the smiling faces below!     

National Estuaries Day and Poquetanuck Cove Paddle - Saturday, September 24

Avalonia Land Conservancy is hosting an event at the Royal Oaks Drive Car Top Boat Launch in Ledyard, CT.  At 10 a.m., a new Environmental Education Kiosk will be dedicated.  Hands on exhibits hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Connecticut SeaGrant and the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District will be on display from 10 a.m. - noon.  Start the day with a 7a.m. early bird paddle (bring your own boat and life jacket).  Poquetanuck Cove is the best preserved brackish water tidal cove of the Thames River.  Set aside some time and celebrate National Estuaries Day with us.  Hosted by Avalonia Land Conservancy, Inc. For more information, call Anne at 860-464-8101

Directions to Royal Oak Drive, Ledyard:  Take Route 2A onto Cider Mill Road (Avery Hill), and take the second right onto Arrowhead Drive. Go to the end and turn right.

WALKTOBER PADDLES 

Wonderful Waters of Wangumbaug Lake -  

Saturday, October 1, 9:30 a.m.  

An on-land orientation will provide background to the lake history, land uses and recreation opportunities, and an overview of a community initiative to raise awareness and enact positive steps to protect water quality and property values in the watershed. A water-based tour will then lead paddlers to several points of interest. Participants must be able to safely operate a kayak or canoe. Heavy rain cancels. 3.5 mi., 2.5 hrs. Sponsored by: Coventry Parks and Rec. & Willimantic River Alliance.

From the intersection of Rtes. 31 & 275 in S. Coventry Village, go west on Lake St. for 0.2 mi. At top of hill turn right at the Community Center (120 Lake St.). Follow signs to unload boats and park vehicles. Meet at bandshell. 860-930-7515. Register: online at www.coventryrec.com or download form and mail it or bring it to the Coventry Parks & Rec. Office.

East Brimfield Lake Scenic Paddle -  

Saturday, October 1, 1:30 p.m.    

How Long is the Five Mile?  Sunday, October 2, 1 p.m.

See you on the water!