Celebrate 25 Years of PRWC!

This year, Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is “Celebrating Silver!” That’s right -- for 25 years, PRWC has been, and will continue to be, a trusted voice that provides science-based expertise and leadership to protect and advocate for rivers and drinking water in the watershed and the communities they sustain.

With this milestone, we will be introducing our new strategic plan with our renewed vision for a resilient and thriving watershed. An updated mission will focus on protection, restoration, and community engagement. PRWC’s commitment to collaboration and innovation will guide us to achieve and maintain a resilient and thriving watershed. The plan sets a bold path forward: expanding our impact through education and advocacy, advancing innovative solutions to emerging environmental challenges, and strengthening partnerships that amplify our collective efforts.

Safeguarding water in our community is a shared responsibility. We invite you to support this vital work in a variety of ways in the coming weeks and months.

Coming right up is Give Local Greater Waterbury & Litchfield Hills. We have more than $17,000 pledged in matching funds that will amplify your donation to PRWC during this 36-hour online giving campaign. Starting at 7 AM on April 29, online donations of $10 or more will be matched dollar for dollar by the Salem Foundation Fund until their $12,000 pool of matching funds is depleted. In addition, New Morning Market has pledged a $5,000 contribution when we recognize 100 unique donors supporting PRWC between 8 AM and 8 PM on April 29. Your donations during this campaign also help make us eligible to win special prizes and maximize bonus funds generously provided by Connecticut Community Foundation (CCF). Please help us reach our $40,000 fundraising goal for this campaign. Launched in 2013 by Connecticut Community Foundation and presenting sponsor Ion Bank Foundation, Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills has raised $17.2 million since its inception and has supported hundreds of local nonprofit organizations.

On Tuesday April 29 during Give Local, we will be introducing our new Strategic Plan during a special happy hour at Woodbury Brewing Company. It's a great opportunity to come learn about PRWC, what we have accomplished over the last 25 years, our goals for the future, and ways to support this work. Old friends and newcomers are all welcome to join us as we raise a glass and say "Cheers to the Future." Pizza will be provided! Happy hour drink specials are available between 4 to 7 PM. Special remarks at 5:30 PM. And if you are so inclined, stay for Woodbury Brewing's regular Tuesday Night Open Mic Night starting at 7 PM.

On the official anniversary of our incorporation - May 12 - we invite you to make a splash with us at Long Meadow Lake in Bethlehem. Our goal is to assemble a Splash Mob to explore the headwaters of the Weekeepeemee River and celebrate 25 years of Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition's science-drive expertise and leadership in protecting and advocating for healthy rivers and drinking water. BYOB - Bring your own BOAT (and PFD)! Please arrive early to unload and be ready to launch at 5:30 PM.

On Sunday June 22, we will formally celebrate 25 years with a special anniversary event overlooking the Pomperaug River in Southbury. The Silver Soiree - co-hosted by Jeff Davis (PRWC Board Vice-Chair) and neighbors Dr. Glenn and Maria Taylor - will feature delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Chef Riad Amaar of Oliva on Main, wine and beer, a signature cocktail, silent and live auctions, live music, and presentation of the Dr. Marc Taylor Environmental Stewardship Award (nominations for the award are due by Friday May 2). Tickets are $125 per person. All proceeds to benefit PRWC.

There are several other educational and volunteer opportunities this spring and more that will be announced as we head into summer. Please be sure to visit our Events page often to stay up to date or subscribe to our electronic newsletter to receive announcements by email. Until then, don't miss out on the following events with PRWC:

Woodbury Earth Day - Sunday April 27 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Hollow Park, Woodbury

Fishing with CARE - Monday April 28 from 4:30 to 7 PM at Southford Falls State Park, Southbury

Geology Field Trip - Saturday May 3 from 10 AM to Noon and 1:30 to 3:30 PM (2 sessions) O&G's Quarry in Southbury

Stream Sampling - Wednesday May 14 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM, meet at the PRWC Office in Woodbury

Thermal Monitoring Launch Day - Friday May 16 from 5 to 7 PM, meet at the PRWC Office in Woodbury

Southbury Green Expo - Saturday May 31 at Pomperaug Elementary School, Southbury