Connecticut River Gateway Commission – Legacies of Preservation: A Panel Discussion

Live from the Boathouse!
Connecticut River Gateway Commission presents Legacies of Preservation: A Panel Discussion
6:00 – 7:00 pm
Members: FREE (please use the ticket reservation link to reserve your spot)
Non-Members: $5.00

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Visitors coming to the Connecticut River estuary today would hardly know that the area was once described as “the world’s most beautifully landscaped cesspool.” The work of the Connecticut River Gateway Commission, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been critical to the conservation and preservation of 21,500 acres encompassing the Connecticut River estuary, its shoreline and the landscape up to the first ridgeline.

The Connecticut River Museum is thrilled to host a panel discussion featuring three members of the Connecticut River Gateway Commission: Suzanne Thompson, Commission Chair and Old Lyme representative, Judy Preston, noted naturalist and the southern region representative and Jerry Roberts, Deep River representative and former CRM director! Suzanne will speak to the Commission’s work in preserving the “natural and traditional riverway scene” as mandated by state law; Jerry will talk about why the Connecticut River has not been industrially developed at its mouth, contributing to its scenic appeal; and Judy will talk about how the estuary’s ecologically significance and the Commission’s call for riparian buffers.

Jerry Roberts is a Deep River representative to the Commission and has been in the history business for over 30 years. He has served as Vice President in charge of Exhibits at the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York City, and as Executive Director of the National Lighthouse Museum project in NYC, the Connecticut River Museum in Essex CT, and the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks CT. He has written several books and other historic publications and has co-written and appeared in a number of documentaries.

  Judy Preston is a RiverCOG South representative to the Commission. She is a long-time environmental professional in Connecticut where she focuses on community-based conservation and education. Judy was awarded The Garden Club of America Coastal Zone Conservation award in 2021. She holds an undergraduate degree in geology, and masters degree in botany (UVM Field Naturalist) and environmental management (Yale).

Suzanne Thompson is an Old Lyme representative to and Chair of the Commission. You may have followed her CT Outdoors weekly talk show on WLIS & WMRD radio stations for 16 years, or read her features and garden columns in The Day, Harbor News, Lyme Times or in Lymeline.com or Lyme-Old Lyme Neighbors magazine. An environmental advocate, she is co-leader of Pollinate Old Lyme, her town’s Pollinator Pathway effort, and founder of Nix the Knotweed, a campaign to combat the invasive plant through organic control methods.

The Connecticut River Museum may record this lecture, including all questions, comments, etc. by the audience. By participating, you agree to allow the recording to be posted on the Connecticut River Museum’s website, Facebook page, Instagram feed, and other media. Please consider becoming a Member for free admission to this event and many other benefits!

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Save the Date!

Other Events Coming Up :

• January 13, 2024: Paul Costello presents Connecticut River Ferries: Past, Present & Future
• February 9 – March 13, 2024: Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest
• March 28, 2024: Rebecca Todd presents From Source to Sea: The Work of the Connecticut River Conservancy
• April 25, 2024: Nancy Finlay presents Prisoners and Privateers: Joseph Webb and the American Revolution