Fort River Watershed Association

06/06/2026

You may spot our summer interns out in the field this season exploring streams, measuring culverts, and collecting data across the Fort River Watershed! 🌊

Using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol, they're assessing road-stream crossings to identify flooding risks, barriers to wildlife movement, and opportunities for future resilience and habitat restoration projects throughout Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Pelham, and Shutesbury.

📍 If you see a group in bright safety vests near a stream or culvert, stop by and say hello! We'd love to chat about local waterways, flooding, wildlife, and watershed health. 👋💚

06/05/2026

Mark your calendars for the September 19 for the annual Fort River Watershed Cleanup! This event is part of the Connecticut River Conservancy's 30th Annual Source to Sea Cleanup, where volunteers work together to remove trash from waterways, riverbanks, and surrounding communities. Since litter travels from land to water and downstream through the watershed, every piece collected helps protect our rivers and streams. Together, we can make a big impact!🤩

Registration is not yet open, but you can learn more about the event on CRC's website.
https://www.ctriver.org/source-to-sea-cleanup

06/01/2026

This year’s Walking Rivers theme was “Sounds of the Rivers.” To celebrate in true fashion, we wrapped up the event with a jam session led by Fort River Watershed volunteers Christine and Brian!🎶💙

05/30/2026

Despite the unseasonably chilly weather, some residents of the watershed never miss a chance to take a dip in the pristine Waters of the upper Fort River watershed.

05/28/2026

We love this graphic from our friends at Think Blue Connecticut River! Don’t forget to scoop the p**p! 🐶💧 Pet waste left behind can wash into storm drains and pollute local rivers and streams. Bag it, bin it, and help keep our waterways clean.

05/25/2026

We had a blast at the 2nd annual Walking Rivers event a few weeks ago! Thanks to everyone (especially our co-leaders, Connecticut River Conservancy and Kestrel Land Trust) who joined us for a stroll along Dean Brook. We loved sharing more about water quality concerns throughout the watershed!🌱

05/25/2026

You don't want to miss this opportunity to learn more about culverts and their impact on flood safety. Join us this Thursday in Hadley!

05/23/2026

🐟 It’s World Fish Migration Day! Many fish species rely on connected rivers and streams to survive. Healthy waterways and functioning culverts help fish migrate to feed, spawn, and thrive. One of the migrating species that can be found in the Fort River are Sea lamprey. They are born in freshwater, living as adults in the ocean, and returning to rivers and streams to spawn.

05/19/2026

A friendly reminder in preparation for Memorial Day Weekend celebrations: fats, oils, and grease may seem harmless, but pouring them down the drain can clog pipes and contribute to wastewater overflows into local rivers and streams. 🍳🚫

Instead, let grease cool, collect it in a container, and throw it in the trash. Small habits help protect clean water all summer long!

Learn more at https://thinkblueconnecticutriver.org/

Fats, Oils, and Grease—better known as F.O.G.s—may seem harmless in the kitchen, but once they cool, they can harden inside pipes and create major clogs. 🍳🚫

When drains back up, wastewater can overflow into streets, storm drains, and eventually our local rivers and streams.

Instead of pouring grease down the sink, let it cool, collect it in a container, and dispose of it properly. Small habits at home can make a big difference for water quality.

Learn more at ThinkBlueConnecticutRiver.org

05/13/2026

Just 3 days to go! Join us for the 3rd Annual Walking Rivers event in the Fort River Watershed 🌿 We’ll kick things off at Atkins Reservoir on Cushman Road and walk together along Dean Brook to Sand Hill Road.

🎶 Stick around for the grand finale - our “jam session” celebrating this year’s theme: Sounds of the River.

We’re excited to cohost this special event alongside leaders from the Connecticut River Conservancy and Kestrel Land Trust!

Register now to be part of it:https://forms.gle/qbqsPh7ZT8TU1iL19