Learn About the Connecticut River Watershed in New Online Series

A new virtual seminar series will focus on the past, present, and future of the Connecticut River watershed and the issues it faces. Credit: Duane Cross/Estuary Magazine.

OLD LYME, CT – A new online educational series spanning the Connecticut River watershed from Old Lyme through its source in New Hampshire will take place over the next two years.

Estuary magazine, its parent The Watershed Fund, and the Old Lyme Conservation Commission in a news release announced the seminar series beginning Jan. 7 “for anyone interested in the environment.” The series will focus on the past, present, and future of the Connecticut River watershed and the issues it faces.

Sessions will be moderated by Matt McKenzie, professor of history and maritime studies at University of Connecticut Avery Point and co-chairman of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission. The quarterly seminars allow experts to provide in-depth, accessible, and timely explorations of the river’s history, terrestrial habitats, aquatic habitats, invasive plants, geology, and restoration efforts.

The Wednesday evening series is planned to include eight sessions from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom.

So far, the following programs and tentative dates have been announced for the first year:

January 7
Water Quality, Dr. Andrew Fisk, Northeast Regional Director, American Rivers

April 8
Avian Habitats, Jillian Liner, Director of Conservation, Audubon Vermont

July 8
Building Resilient Habitats, Dan Wilder, Director of Applied Ecology, Norcross Wildlife Foundation

October 14
Aquatic Habitats, Stephen Gephard, recently retired from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection after 42 years as a fisheries biologist

Attendance is free, but registration is required. To sign up, each attendee should email admin@estuarymagazine.com from a personal account.

For more information, visit estuarymagazine.com/2025/10/seminars/ or oldlyme-ct.gov/640/Conservation-Events.