Save the Sound

Save the Sound Save the Sound leads environmental action in the Long Island Sound region. More info on our website www.savethesound.org
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We fight climate change, save endangered lands, protect the sound and its rivers, and work with nature to restore ecosystems. Please note that shares, likes, and comments do not equal endorsements.

The Alexander Center for Ecological Action brings together our Ecological Restoration program and the Doherty Climate an...
06/23/2026

The Alexander Center for Ecological Action brings together our Ecological Restoration program and the Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute to build a healthier future for the Long Island Sound region through innovation and leadership.

At the heart of this work is a simple truth: lasting change happens when people come together. The progress we make is only possible because of the teamwork, collaboration, and camaraderie of staff, partners, community members, funders, and advocates who come together to make a difference for the Long Island Sound region.

Together, we are advancing projects that create lasting impact, including:

Big Rock in Queens: Mitigating coastal storm damage with coastal resilience through developing and restoring living shorelines.

Kinneytown Dam Removal: Reconnecting historic migratory fish routes and providing public recreation by removing the first barrier on the Naugatuck River.

Haven & Exchange in New Haven: Preventing runoff pollution from entering waterways through urban stormwater biofiltration.

Westchester Stream Barrier Inventory: Restoring free-flowing rivers by prioritizing dams and road crossings for removal or replacement.

Thanks to the generous support of the Libby & Robert Alexander Family, the Alexander Center for Ecological Action empowers Save the Sound to move forward with ecological restoration, climate resilience, and advocacy, benefiting the Long Island Sound estuary for future generations.

06/21/2026

Stream Science Sundays are back!

Over the next two months, we're diving into a hot topic in ecological restoration: Stream restoration. (Video by Seatuck Environmental Association of the Nissequogue River)

What goes into restoring a stream?

We’ll explore how streams recover and what it takes to help them. Follow along as we uncover some surprising truths about rivers and streams: they aren't just channels of water. They're living systems connected to forests, wetlands, floodplains, wildlife, and the communities around them.

When a stream is degraded by dams, development, pollution, invasive species, or disconnected floodplains, restoration starts with a simple question: What are we trying to bring back? Cleaner water? Thriving fish populations? Natural flood protection? Healthy ecosystems often require all of the above.

In this new Stream Science Sundays series, we'll explore:

What are watersheds and how does our use of the land ultimately affect the health of our rivers and streams?
How can we reconnect rivers and streams for fish and wildlife?
What role do floodplains and riparian buffers play in healthier waterways?
Could stream daylighting transform our communities and ecosystems?
How do we tackle invasive species while restoring native habitats?
How do living shorelines act as a tool in stream restoration?

Join us each Sunday as we break down the science behind stream restoration and share examples from projects across the Long Island Sound region and beyond.

On the eve of Summer Solstice 2026, our zooms in on the work of Friends of the Farm River and Estuary, a partner sinc...
06/20/2026

On the eve of Summer Solstice 2026, our zooms in on the work of Friends of the Farm River and Estuary, a partner since 2018.

Join us at the third annual learning exchange! This one-day event brings together current and new grant recipients to hi...
06/20/2026

Join us at the third annual learning exchange! This one-day event brings together current and new grant recipients to highlight completed projects benefiting the Long Island Sound estuary. Organizations will share their work, challenges, and successes throughout breakout sessions during the day, including Save the Sound’s Alex Rodriguez and project partner Jermaine Smith of EMERGE CT, who will share updates on our Green Infrastructure and Job training program in Fair Haven. There will also be opportunities to participate in workshops while attendees network, strengthen ties, and build community moving forward. This annual event aims to be a knowledge and tech share of projects within a collaborative framework.

Thanks to Setauket Harbor Task Force for this glimpse into a recent perfect morning for monitoring in Port Jefferson Har...
06/19/2026

Thanks to Setauket Harbor Task Force for this glimpse into a recent perfect morning for monitoring in Port Jefferson Harbor.

Wishing many mornings on the water like this for all 31 partners groups participating in this 10th season of the Unified Water Study.

Join us on June 24 for the 2026 Annual Six Lakes Community Update Meeting, where DEEP’s Remediation Team will share the ...
06/18/2026

Join us on June 24 for the 2026 Annual Six Lakes Community Update Meeting, where DEEP’s Remediation Team will share the latest project status and answer your questions and concerns. Registration not required!

Join us for 10 days of paddling to protect Long Island Sound! Early bird registration is open through June 30.Paddle for...
06/17/2026

Join us for 10 days of paddling to protect Long Island Sound! Early bird registration is open through June 30.

Paddle for the Sound is a paddling competition and fundraiser. Launch from anywhere, raise funds for clean water, and track your miles for a chance to win prizes.

☀ NEW: Teams of five or more members will each receive a Save the Sound bucket hat.
☀ Categories: Kayak, Stand-Up Paddleboard, Canoe
☀ Save $10 when you register by June 30: savethesound.org/paddle

What can a bottle of river water tell us?Our team recently collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from eight locatio...
06/16/2026

What can a bottle of river water tell us?

Our team recently collected environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from eight locations along the Norwalk River, upstream and downstream of the former Dana Dam, which was removed to help restore river connectivity.

So what is eDNA?

As fish and other wildlife move through the water, they leave behind tiny traces of genetic material (skin, f***s, etc). By analyzing water samples, scientists can identify which species have recently been present, without ever having to see or catch them.

Think of it as nature's fingerprints left behind in the water.

Our goal is to detect migratory fish species like alewife, blueback herring, and sea lamprey, which rely on free-flowing rivers to reach spawning habitat.

After collecting water samples, we filter and preserve them in our Clinton lab. Last Wednesday marked our fourth and final day of sampling and filtration. In the coming weeks, all samples will be sent to the University of Maine for DNA sequencing. Then, we wait for the results!

The findings will help us better understand how fish are using this restored section of the Norwalk River and the long-term ecological benefits of the Dana Dam removal project.

Stay tuned for what the river reveals!

This project also highlights the power of collaboration, bringing together the water quality science expertise of the Center for Water Protection and the river restoration expertise of the Alexander Center for Ecological Action.

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127 Church Street, 2nd Floor
New Haven, CT
06510

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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