Connecticut River Valley Environmental Summit
Saturday, April 3, 2027

Wesleyan University
Fayerweather – Beckham Hall
45 Wyllys Ave, Middletown, CT 06457
9:00 am – 4:30 pm

The Connecticut River Museum will host the fourth annual Connecticut River Valley Environmental Summit at Wesleyan University on April 3, 2027. Guided by the theme of “Common Waters, Shared Future,” environmental leaders will present sessions on pressing issues affecting the Connecticut River watershed, engaging an audience that includes scientists, policymakers, academics, cultural institutions, and more. This event serves as a platform for watershed professionals and community stakeholders to learn from their peers, forge new connections, and explore opportunities for collaboration and coalition building to keep our waterways healthy and safe for future generations.

Call for Proposals opens Thursday, November 5, 2026.

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A special thanks to our collaborators:

Advisory Council:

Markelle Smith
Director, Connecticut River Watershed Partnership

Jeremiah Foley
Research Scientist, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Office of Aquatic Invasive Species

Johan Varekamp
Harold T. Stearns Professor in Earth Science, emeritus, Wesleyan University

Erica Cirino
Communications Manager, Plastic Pollution Coalition

Ava Goodale
Executive Director, Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research

Debapriya Sarkar
UConn Associate Professor of English and Maritime Studies

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At the Connecticut River Museum’s Annual Connecticut River Valley Environmental Summit (CRVES), we are committed to fostering an inclusive, educational and welcoming environment. As we gather River stewards, environmental leaders, scientists, and community advocates, we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing environmental stewardship and creating meaningful change for the Connecticut River and its communities within the watershed.

We encourage session proposals from individuals and organizations representing a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and geographic location within the watershed. We believe that diversity in all its forms—whether through lived experience, professional expertise, or cultural perspectives—enriches the conversation and strengthens our collective ability to address the challenges facing the Connecticut River and its ecosystems.

We welcome proposals that prioritize inclusive approaches to environmental issues and highlight initiatives that promote equity, accessibility, and justice in environmental work. The summit aims to amplify voices that are often underrepresented in environmental conversations and to foster a space where collaboration and innovation can thrive across all sectors of society.