Eastern Connecticut Conservation District

10/21/2026

Where Does Stormwater Go?

When it rains, stormwater flows over roads, lawns, and parking lots, picking up pollutants along the way. This runoff can enter storm drains and flow directly into local waterways, including Baker Cove and eventually Long Island Sound.

The good news? Green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and planted areas can help slow, absorb, and filter stormwater before it reaches our waterways.

Small changes in how we manage stormwater can make a big difference for local water quality!

Learn more about stormwater management: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program

Image credit: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

10/14/2026

🌸Volunteers Needed! Help Plant a Rain Garden!🌸

The Pattagansett Art Center and Eastern Connecticut Watershed Network (ECTWN) are looking for volunteers to help plant a new rain garden on Thursday, October 22!

Help create a beautiful new space while learning how rain gardens manage stormwater, improve water quality, and support pollinators and wildlife. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in a creative printmaking activity using plants!

Thursday, October 22 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Location: Pattagansett Art Center, East Lyme, CT

No experience necessary! Come for all or part of the afternoon.

Sign up to volunteer:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-garden-volunteer-day-and-printmaking-with-plants-tickets-2002297660202?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

10/06/2026

Have you thought at the sink recently? 💧

The Baker Cove Watershed Committee (BaCWaC) brings together community members, municipalities, and local partners working to protect and improve water quality throughout the Baker Cove Watershed.

Our Think at the Sink initiative is about making the connection between our everyday activities and the health of our local waters. What we put down our sinks, toilets, and storm drains can eventually impact Baker Cove and the waterways that flow into it.

Over the next several months, we’ll be sharing simple tips and resources about ways we can all help protect our watershed.

BaCWaC meets Wednesday's 10-11:30 am, 6 times per year, and our next meeting is tomorrow, October 7! Meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more or getting involved.

Learn more: https://www.greatergroton.com/think-at-the-sink

Interested in attending and getting the Zoom link? Email [email protected]

10/01/2026

Juan is a great naturalist and wonderful educator! Hope to see you there https://gardenclubwindhamct.org

08/24/2026

Still time to sign up and join us!

07/11/2026

Check out this upcoming UConn workshop for woodland owners focused on forest resilience!

This is a great opportunity to learn more about caring for your woods and helping forests prepare for changing conditions.

Learn more and register:

On Saturday, July 25, 2026. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm UConn Extension Forestry will host a forest stand restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement works...

07/10/2026

⏰ The deadline to apply for the Connecticut Master Woodland Manager (MWM) program is approaching fast! Don’t miss your chance! Spend a year learning about forest management, wildlife ecology, forest resilience, and more — in the field and online — alongside Connecticut’s top forestry and wildlife professionals. Apply now before July 15 at ctwoodlands.org/MWM.

MWM is a program of Connecticut Forest & Park Association, in partnership with Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), Connecticut Fish and Wildlife, Audubon Connecticut, UConn Extension, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and Great Mountain Forest. Funding for this Program is provided by the U.S.D.A Forest Service through the Forest Stewardship Program, as administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Division of Forestry.

06/30/2026

Looking for volunteers tomorrow to help finish the last City of Groton rain garden!

We ended up needing one more day to wrap up the rain garden planting series and would love a few extra hands if anyone is available.

Tuesday, June 30
2:00 to 6:00 PM
Groton City Hall, 295 Meridian Street, Groton, CT

Volunteers will help with planting and rain garden maintenance. No experience is needed, and gloves and tools will be available. Please bring water, wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, and be ready to get a little dirty.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/city-of-groton-rain-garden-series-4846536

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this series possible!

06/16/2026

There is still time to join us tomorrow or Thursday to install a new rain garden with City of Groton Government! Sign up with the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/city-of-groton-rain-garden-series-4846536

Looking for a fun way to get outside, get your hands dirty, and help out in the community this June?

Join ECCD and the City of Groton for upcoming rain garden volunteer days in Groton!

Volunteers will help care for existing rain gardens and plant new ones around the city. No experience needed, just bring water, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes that can get dirty.

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/city-of-groton-rain-garden-series-4846536

06/10/2026

💧All are welcome to join us for a family-friendly nature walk to learn about native vs. invasive plants, riparian wildlife corridors and nature's best engineers...beavers! No sign up required, see flyer for details 🦫🌿🌺