http://farmingtonriversteward.org/

Farmington River Steward, Barkhamsted, CT (2026)

03/10/2026

Spend Your Summer Protecting the Wild and Scenic Farmington River — We’re Hiring!
Love the Farmington River and want to make a real impact this summer? We’re looking for passionate, motivated individuals to join our 2026 Summer River Steward Team!
River Stewards play an important role in protecting the Upper Wild & Scenic Farmington River through education, outreach, and hands-on community engagement.
Our Stewards don’t just work on the river — they’re also part of many meaningful local programs and events, including:
• Barkhamsted Recreation Department’s Summer Camp with River Education
• Community Paddle Nights on the Wild & Scenic Farmington River
• Invasive species removal projects
• Summer Family Fun Day by the River at Peoples State Forest
…and more opportunities to connect with the community!
🗓 Position Details:
• Part-time (Friday–Sunday) with flexible hours
• Must be available from the last weekend in May through mid-August
• Ideal for college students, graduate students, and recent graduates and adults who are passionate about environmental education, the Wild & Scenic Farmington River, and making a positive impact in their community
👉 Ready to make a difference this summer?
Learn more and apply here:
https://forms.gle/xJaFMsodhaQZLgDo7

01/02/2026

Happy New Year! 🎉 What a wonderful way to kick off the New Year with the First Day Hike. Many thanks to the Friends of American Legion & Peoples State Forests (FALPS) for organizing and leading such an enjoyable and informative hike once again. There was a terrific turnout, and it was great to see so many friendly faces out on the trail. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and adventurous New Year!

Special thanks to FALPS hike leader Tim Deschenes Desmond, along with board members Faith Antion, Frank Groneman, and Jon Sweeton, who led the hike. FALPS is such a fantastic group and organization.

Happy New Year!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year's Eve!

As we wrap up 2025, the FRCC River Steward team is filled with gratitude and inspiration. This year showcased the strength of our partnerships and the power of place along the incredible amd beautiful Wild and Scenic Farmington River. Together with our collaborating towns and community partners, we helped bring people of all ages to the river and surrounding trails for recreation, education, stewardship, and connection.

From hands-on river programs to community events across the watershed, your participation helped highlight why the Wild amd Scenic Farmington River is nationally recognized for its outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. Each program, paddle, hike, and volunteer effort reinforced our shared commitment to protecting this special river.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported our work, and partnered with us throughout the year. Your involvement keeps the Wild and Scenic Farmington River thriving today and safeguarded for future generations.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health, peace, and happiness in the year ahead. We look forward to continuing our work with our town partners and welcoming you back to the river in 2026 for even more opportunities to explore, learn, and care for this extraordinary place.

12/07/2025

Christmas in Riverton is pure magic — a place where holiday spirit sparkles along the Wild and Scenic Farmington River. The quaintness, magical holiday spirit, small New England village charm, and incredible people make it truly unforgettable and one of a kind.
We had so much fun again this year with everyone at the Barkhamsted Recreation Department's Christmas 🎄 and Holiday Crafters Workshop at the Riverton Firehouse! Beautiful holiday decorations and presents were made, and a huge thank-you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for stopping by the Christmas Crafters Workshop and spreading holiday cheer — the kids (and adults!) absolutely loved it! 🎅🤶✨
Many thanks to the Riverton Firehouse for letting us host the event there, and to Meghan Cook for setting up the beautiful fireplace décor that gave the Firehouse such a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Many thanks as well to everyone who attended and helped make the day so special.
There is still so much to enjoy during the final day of Christmas in Riverton tomorrow, with festive activities, great shopping, and delicious food. We hope to see you there!

📸 by: Donna Bastrzycki, Barkhamsted Recreation Director and FRCC River Steward Team Volunteer

FarmingtonRiverStewards BarkhamstedRec LoveWhereYouLive

12/05/2025

🎄✨ Christmas in Riverton Is HERE! ✨🎄
The most magical weekend of the year has officially arrived in the beautiful village of Riverton, nestled along the banks of the incredible Wild and Scenic Farmington River. Get ready for three days filled with unforgettable holiday cheer!
📅 Happening TODAY — December 5, 6 & 7
Enjoy festive wagon rides, caroling, a cozy holiday stroll, unique holiday shopping, the fantastic Festival of Trees, delicious food and holiday treats, A Christmas Carol Play performances, sparkling trees, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, crafts with the Recreation Department at the Riverton Firehouse —and so much more.
Bring family, gather and make new friends and soak in the Holiday spirit. Riverton is such a magical way to celebrate the season with all who visit! ❤️🎅🌟

❄️🎁✨ For more info visit- https://rivertontheatre2025.square.site/s/shop!

11/30/2025

Join us for the Christmas in Riverton 2025 – Creative Christmas & Holiday Crafters Workshop!

Kick off the magic of the season with our Creative Christmas and Holiday Crafters Workshop! This festive program is open to all ages — kids, teens, and adults alike! Let your little ones (and grown-ups, too!) enjoy the fun of Christmas in Riverton by decorating a creative Christmas and Holiday cards, crafts and ornaments with Barkhamsted Recreation and the FRCC River Steward.
New this year: We’ll have a special table where parents and caregivers can create ornaments and cards as well!
We provide all craft supplies and snacks. Join us for a cheerful afternoon of creativity as part of the Christmas in Riverton celebration.
📅 DATE: Saturday, December 6
📍 LOCATION: Riverton Firehouse
⏰ TIME: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
💲 FEE: $5.00 per participant
Please reserve a spot by pre-registering by Thursday, December 4 so we can prepare all necessary supplies and treats.
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/DtaX9PKHR1ukec499
We can’t wait to celebrate and create with you and see you and your families at all the Christmas in Riverton festivities. We will also have FRCC Junior River Ranger booklets available at the craft fair🎄✨

11/27/2025

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving from the FRCC River Steward Team! 🍁🦃
We are grateful for so much—especially the stunning Wild & Scenic Farmington River Watershed, the beautiful surroundong trails, and the wonderful community of river and trail users who cherish and protect these special places. Thank you for being part of what makes this watershed so extraordinary.
Have a safe, joyful, and memorable Thanksgiving Day!

11/23/2025

What a fantastic day for the 12th Annual Before-Thanksgiving Day Hike with the Barkhamsted Recreation Department, FRCC River Steward, and Friends of American Legion & Peoples State Forests (FALPS)!
A huge thank-you to everyone who registered—what a terrific group! We hope you had an enjoyable time out on the trails.
Special thanks as well to State Representative Mark Anderson for joining us once again for another event.
Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! 🦃🍁
We look forward to seeing you and your families at Christmas in Riverton (December 5–7) and at Pickleball on December 3 with Barkhamsted rRecreation.
#

barkhamstedrec

More photos on the way!!

11/22/2025

Happening tomorrow!!

🦃 Join Us for the 12th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Hike at Peoples State Forest! 🍁
We’re excited to help lead the Barkhamsted Recreation Department’s 12th Annual Before Thanksgiving Holiday Hike — and we hope you and your family will join us for this fun fall tradition! 🍂👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
📅 Saturday, November 22
🕐 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Peoples State Forest
🥾 Approx. 3.9-mile hike with route options for all levels
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon exploring the Beaver Brook Marsh Boardwalk Trail, surrounded by the Wild & Scenic Farmington River. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday — with friends, family, fresh air, and stunning views! 🌾🍃
We’ll have apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies, and snacks waiting for you at the Boardwalk and at the end of the hike. 🍎☕🍪
Please dress for the weather and bring proper hiking gear — the hike is moderately strenuous but absolutely worth it. This event will be held rain or shine, and families are warmly welcome! 🧣🧤
This community hike is proudly led by the Barkhamsted Recreation Department, Farmington River Steward, and FALPS.
👉 Register today: https://forms.gle/qVAXdqm9wD63h3aP7
Looking forward to seeing you there tomorrow!

BeforeThanksgivingHike PeoplesStateForest ThanksgivingHike FallFun2025

06/09/2025

The 2025 Summer River Steward Program is officially underway! First Sunday Spotlight

Last week, we kicked off the season with orientation and training—and our FRCC River Stewards are already diving into their roles. From community outreach and local events to hands-on river cleanups, they’re hard at work preserving and protecting the beautiful Wild & Scenic Farmington River.

🌟 Over several SUNdays this summer, we’ll be spotlighting one of our incredible new Stewards.

This week, meet Kevin!

Kevin is a first-year River Steward and a graduate student at Central Connecticut State University, where he also earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Sciences. He enjoys walking the trails along the Farmington River and soaking in the scenic views. A fan of heavy metal music and The Lord of the Rings book and movie series, Kevin brings both passion and curiosity to the team. He's excited to contribute to the stewardship of the Farmington River and make a meaningful impact on the local environment.

🌊 Welcome, Kevin—we’re thrilled to have you on the FRCC River Steward team!

06/07/2025

☔ Don’t Let a Little Rain Dampen the Fun! 🌧️
Tomorrow's Paddle Event with Barkhamsted Recreation and the FRCC River Stewards is STILL ON! We’ll already be getting wet paddling or on a SUP—so why not enjoy the adventure? Rain or shine, it’s going to be a great time on the water! 🌊💙
You can still register and join us! Details below 👇

🚣‍♀️ Paddle the Farmington River
with Barkhamsted Recreation & FRCC River Stewards
🌟 Part of the 2025 River & Recreation Events Series
Experience the beauty of the Wild and Scenic Farmington River alongside Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, FRCC Summer River Stewards, and Barkhamsted Rec. Perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned paddlers alike!
🗓️ Event Dates (Choose one or join both!)
🛶 Saturday, June 7 | 1:00–3:00 PM
🌅 Friday, August 8 | 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, 41 Bridge Street (Route 179), Collinsville, CT
🎟️ Cost:
• $25/person (includes kayak or SUP, paddle, and life vest)
• $10/person if bringing your own gear and launching from Collinsville Canoe and Kayak

✅ Who Can Join?
Adults and families welcome! Children ages 7+ who can swim may participate.

📝 Register Here:
https://forms.gle/7ZYs4EWHHge5tKLE6

We’ll see you on the river!

04/19/2025

Did you hear the news? The Easter Bunny is hopping into Riverton TOMORROW!
We’re beyond egg-cited for the Barkhamsted Recreation Department’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Visit with the Easter Bunny — all happening on the beautiful banks of the Wild & Scenic Farmington River!
Get ready for the biggest, most egg-cellent event yet — now with a brand-new Adult/caregiver Egg Hunt alongside the kids’ hunt, thanks to our amazing local Riverton merchants!
Huge thanks to:
Orchard Hill Bakery, Main Steam Canoe and Kayaks.T-Mobile of Barkhamsted, The Riverton General Store, The Royal Coachman, and Turning Point Realty for their generous prize donations for the adult/caregiver hunt!

Event Details:
When: Saturday, April 19 | 12:30–2:00 PM
Bonus fun: Catch the Easter Bunny for photos at 12:00 PM at the Shops in Riverton (2 School Street) before the egg hunt begins!
Where: Riverton Fair Grounds, Riverton, CT
What’s Hoppin’:
• Egg hunts for kids (by age group) filled with candy & toys — brought to you by the Barkhamsted Recreation Commission!
• NEW: Adult/Caregiver Egg Hunt with eggs full of goodies, gift certificates, & fun prizes!
• Prize categories for all ages
• Smiles, laughter, and tons of festive fun!
What to Bring:
An Easter basket or bag for collecting eggs — and don’t forget your biggest bunny smile!
Want to help out?
We’d love some extra hands for setup starting at 10:00 AM at the Riverton Fair Grounds!
Hop to it — we can’t wait to see you there!
Let’s make this a day to remember!

🐰🥚🌸🎉🐣🍭🧺💐

Farmington River Steward

03/10/2026

01/02/2026

01/01/2026

12/07/2025

12/05/2025

11/30/2025

11/27/2025

11/23/2025

11/22/2025

06/09/2025

06/07/2025

04/19/2025

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