Farmington River Watershed Association

The Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1953. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and restore the Farmington River and its watershed lands through research, water monitoring, habitat restoration projects, education about rivers and water issues, and advocacy for sound water policies at all levels. Our water monitoring program, led by expert staff, provides reliable scientific data to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) to use for river protection and planning. As strategic opportunities arise, we also work to restore streambanks and aquatic habitats for fish and wildlife – for example, by removing dams or restoring native plant communities. We also help watershed towns with river management issues, stormwater pollution reduction and education, and mapping projects. More information on our work can be found on our website, www.frwa.org. Through our education program, we provide watershed curriculum, classroom visits, field trips, student seasonal employment, and host presentations and workshops on organic lawn care, river history, water conservation, pollution prevention, and managing stormwater runoff. We also organize river cleanups, canoe trips, paddling events, and watershed tours. Finally, as river advocates, we speak up for watershed protection and river-friendly practices and policies at the local, state, and national level. Our policy advocacy over several decades has won permanent federal Wild and Scenic protection for two major segments of the Farmington River – ensuring its free-flowing nature for future generations.