QRWA Looks Forward in 2012

As we look forward to 2012, we are busy planning events and programs to take the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) to the next level to continue with the mission of the QRWA.  Here are just a few, with some events pending grant approval… 

With a history of the Longest Running Race in CT we are looking for a sponsor for this years 32nd race to make the event bigger and better than ever.  With the damage from both Tropical Storm Irene and Storm Alfred, there is a significant amount of work to be done along the five mile course from Southington to Meriden.  If it proves to be impassable, there may be a course change. 

We will always focus on the health of the Quinnipiac River and one way we do this is with our river cleanups.  For 2012, we have two events scheduled, one in the spring and the other in the fall, concentrating on Hanover Pond in South Meriden.  If you have a passion for the environment and would like to help us with our mission, gather a group of family, friends or coworkers and together, we can keep the water clean.  Remember, the watershed touches the towns of Plainville all the way down to New Haven, central Connecticut’s premier water source. 

With the success of this past years’ Rapid Bioassessment, we are planning to expand the number of locations tested from central Connecticut to move south towards New Haven.  In order to do that, we will need volunteers, who will need to be trained, and then identify appropriate locations with DEEP approval.  The RBV program does not test the water’s drinkability, but rather the quality of the ecological environment based on the type and amount of organisms in the water.  Collectively, we can monitor the health of the Q River using the RBV method of testing. 

As in previous years we will offer our members and the public to join us on four seasonal hikes led by Peter Picone, wild life biologist and QRWA board member.  Each season brings with it its own special beauty and offerings to the wild life along the Q River.  Peter will highlight some of the flora, fauna and conditions and what they mean to the local inhabitants.  In the spring we have a special opportunity to combine a hike with a paddle on Hanover Pond to observe the resident eagles.  In a combined effort with Peter and Dan Pelletier, experienced paddlers can get an up-close-and –personal look at these majestic birds of prey.  The eagles have made Hanover Pond their premier spot for hunting since the water quality has improved over the years. 

An exciting event on our calendar is the Nature Art Show, a collaborative effort with the Meriden Arts Council, with grant funding provided by the Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation.  The show’s theme, “Life along the Quinnipiac River”, will have art students of Lincoln Middle School participate in a presentation about the wild life, flora and fauna that make up the watershed habit.  Working with their art teachers they will create a three – dimensional representation in the hallways of Lincoln.  The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 26th, afterwards, selected artwork will be entered into the Meriden Schools Art show to be held at Gallery 53 and other pieces will be showcased at the Meriden Naugatuck Savings Bank.  What a wonderful opportunity to show the creativity of these students with nature as the subject. 

To continue with being inspired by nature we plan to host the second annual Midsummer Celebration in late July.  We are pleased to again work with the Meriden Arts Trust to provide musical entertainment to delight young and old alike, while providing numerous opportunities to learn more about our environment in a fun way.  Of course, the QRWA’s Butterfly & Bee Garden will be in full bloom, so feel free to wonder about to enjoy the beauty nature has provided.  Afterwards, plan to stop and visit our vendors who will provide a wide array of gifts for purchase. 

Last year we offered an introductory class on digital photography with Richard Castiglione, certified professional photographer.  We hope to offer four seasonal classes this year so that professionals, amateur and those who just want to learn more about digital photography will be able to capture nature throughout the different times of the year. 

Imagine being able to rent a bike or a canoe for you and your family or friends to travel around Hanover Pond to see the environment from a completely different perspective.  We are currently working on the details to offer both bike and canoe rentals to the public. 

To learn more about the many happenings going on at the QRWA, please feel free to check our website, www.qrwa.org.  Or better yet, become a member, rates are very reasonable, and get advanced notice of out events and programs. 

May 2012 be a great year for everyone! 

Upcoming QRWA Events:

Tuesday, January 10th, 7:00 pm.  2012 Speaker Series with Wildlife Biologist Peter Picone, with a presentation entitled, “Enhancing Habitat for Songbirds Using Native Plants”, light refreshments served.

Wednesday, January 11th, 6:30 pm.  QRWA Board Meeting, the public is invited to attend. 

To learn more about the QRWA and to confirm information, dates and times for upcoming events,please visit our website at: www.qrwa.org. 

QRWA provides water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area.  The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river. 

Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.