Tree Swallow Cruise tickets available

HADDAM — The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District’s 14th Annual Tree Swallow Cruise and Wine Tasting to benefit the Connecticut River Watch Program is set for Aug. 21, 6 to 9 p.m. aboard the RiverQuest at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam.

Participants will be treated to a three hour sunset cruise on the lower Connecticut River, fine wines from Priam Vineyards in Colchester and Organic Vintages, and a sumptuous feast. For the grand finale, participants will have the opportunity to witness the aweinspiring swallow ballet, a unique natural phenomenon. Tickets are $95 per person and can be reserved by calling 860-346-3282. To download a PDF copy of the invitation and see photos of last year’s cruise go to www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal (scroll to “What’s New”).

The Connecticut River Watch Program is an EPA award winning citizen water quality monitoring, protection and improvement program for the Connecticut River and tributaries, one of the first regional programs of its kind in CT. CRWP, established in 1992, is sponsored by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District. The program provides a great opportunity for community members to participate in citizen science and take an active role in protecting their rivers and streams. Participants collect and analyze river samples, help identify pollution problems and sources, and advocate for clean water in their communities. Information collected by volunteers is used by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in water quality reports, by officials to identify and address water quality threats and impairments, and in community efforts to protect and restore rivers. CRWP supports monitoring efforts in several watersheds, including the Coginchaug/Mattabesset, Salmon, and Tankerhoosen/Hockanum.

The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Middletown, works to conserve the natural resources of towns in the lower Connecticut River watershed and coastal areas. For information about the District and our programs and services visit www.conservect.org/ctrivercoastal.