Connecticut Annual Report

THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER

Farmington River

Ranked 6th on the 2024 Most Endangered Rivers list for the United States due to concerns for fish and the local ecosystem, the health of Connecticut's Farmington River is connected to a local dam. What can be done about dams and culverts that render waterways non-navigable for migrating fish? The Nature Conservancy is creating solutions to reconnect and support rivers, like the Farmington River.

Support is growing. More than 100 people attended TNC's first-ever World Fish Migration Day event in May. Guests hiked along the Farmington River, learned about local organizations and joint efforts to reconnect rivers and enjoyed a documentary screening on river restoration—particularly how the removal of obsolete and vulnerable dams can renew an ecosystem and open wildlife passageways.

Only 1/3 of the world’s longest rivers remain free-flowing. Freshwater plants and animals have declined by 83% since 1970. TNC is working to safeguard or restore 1 million+ kilometers of healthy rivers and streams by 2030. In Connecticut, our efforts toward that goal will involve the Town of Groton where we are partnering to improve a culvert along Haley Brook, a tributary of the Mystic River. A new design would facilitate fish passage for critical migratory species like river herring and brook trout, with a more resilient crossing during extreme storm events and flooding.

Rocky Neck State Park

For the salt marsh at Rocky Neck State Park, things have been…rocky. The area is known for its stunning beach, train route, peaceful walking paths and pavilion, but the marsh is a large and integral piece of the ecosystem. It’s about to get some much needed support through a $4 million grant secured by The Nature Conservancy from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Specifically, TNC will manage the Bride Brook Estuary Transformation Project in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which manages the park, and local partners. A team has launched a planning process for transformative work to restore the Bride Brook estuary and coastal marsh at Rocky Neck; ensure resilience; and improve visitor access to the park’s natural resources.

Tree Species in Peril Project

Imagine a future where Connecticut forests have lost some of their most recognizable, magnificent and essential native trees—American beech, Eastern hemlock and ash. Invaded and decimated by pests and disease over decades, these native species are dying out, triggering a cascade of negative consequences beyond the loss of trees themselves. They need people like you, who understand their immense value, as well as scientists and researchers, to join together for solutions.

Luckily, that’s happening through the Tree Species in Peril project, made possible by the Manton Foundation, which The Nature Conservancy has proudly called a partner for the last decade. Species under greatest threat could one day be eliminated from diverse forest ecosystems, in Connecticut and across the country, from New England to the Midwest. So, since 2022, TNC has been rapidly coordinating efforts, alongside our primary partner, the U.S. Forest Service, to disrupt this destructive chain of events. The blueprint will be used to rapidly respond to future pests, diseases and climate challenges, keeping our forests healthy and diverse. Tree Species in Peril is a critical investment in the future of North American forests—because our work here matters everywhere.

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Community Resilience Process

When TNC leads its Community Resilience Building (CRB) process with a municipality or academic institution, the work doesn’t stop there. It’s truly just the beginning. The city of Stamford is seeing that firsthand.

Back in 2013, Stamford asked TNC, in partnership with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, to initiate its very own CRB process. Goals included helping the city become more resilient, sustainable and equitable.

With 40+ participants representing 25+ organizations, the process led to agreement on climate action plans with a list of priority actions. One in particular provided TNC with an opportunity to help Stamford’s Stormwater Management Department reduce flooding impacts and decrease stress that runoff from storms can place on municipal sewer systems and streams and rivers at the end of the pipes. The goal was to generate flood reduction and water quality improvement by installing green stormwater infrastructure projects (like bioswales, tree street planting, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, porous pavement and other bioengineering techniques).

In the following years, TNC worked to secure funding and allowances to design and install Stamford’s first bioswale in 2019. The location was sited in the downtown business district directly in front of the University of Connecticut Stamford Campus in hopes of educating residents and students on green stormwater infrastructure practices. Dr. Adam Whelchel, TNC's director of science in Connecticut, worked with a contractor to install the bioswale—a success that resulted in Whelchel and TNC receiving the highest environmental honor that the city awards.

The project’s importance and impact were clear. So clear, that Tyler Theder, Stamford’s director of stormwater management, decided the city would be better off with more bioswales. Stamford is now installing 20 additional bioswales with $1M in Congressionally directed funding.

From providing a CRB, to identifying green stormwater infrastructure as a priority, to partnering on installation and offering continued expertise, TNC is proud to have served as a catalyst for this work. In building strong partnership, and prioritizing nature-based solutions, the effort will help reduce climate impacts in one of Connecticut’s biggest cities—while being a model for others anywhere in the state.