If you are reading this, there is an excellent chance you love the River as much as we do. The more we speak with readers like you, the more we hear new and interesting stories about the River. This is an invitation to submit those stories to us so that we might share them with other readers. We have a process for doing this. Go to estuarymagazine.com/submissions and read the detailed instructions on how to submit story ideas. You can also submit letters to the editor.

In every issue, we have six areas of interest for story submissions:

People. We’re interested in special people you know who have left their mark on the River, like famous artists, inventors, and engineers; interesting people behind current efforts to preserve the River and their work to enhance our watershed experience.

Recreation. Tell us about your joys of River recreation such as special fly-fishing spots, frostbite sailing in the winter, your kayak or canoe trips, and riverside bicycle tours or camping.

Science and Conservation. We want to know about special efforts to improve the quality of the River waters, fish ladders, dam removal, invasive plants, restoring habitat, even the geology of the River
from ancient times to today.

Wildlife. Tell us about your River birding adventures, and “Wildlife Wonders” like black bears, beaver, the osprey success story, and more.

Lifestyle and Culture. We’re interested in real people you know living on the River, their lives, their homes, their avocations; what they have contributed to the culture of the River through their art, their photography, and their poetry.

History. We’re interested in the rich history of the Connecticut River; stories of early colonial settlers, native Indian tribes, their art and culture, the history of River steamboats, shipbuilding, covered bridges, and more.

Estuary magazine has an editorial focus for each issue. This inaugural issue focuses on Science and Conservation. Our June issue will feature stories on Summer River Recreation. In September, we will feature stories about Migratory Birds and Wildlife, and in December, you will read aboutHistory, Winter Ice, and Waterfowl.

One thing I’ve learned as this project developed is that the River defines us as her own Community. Whether Upriver at the origin near Canada, or Mid-river through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, or where I live in Old Saybrook on the estuary, we, the River’s people, share a bond of love, respect, and care. I look forward to meeting many of you through Estuary, and hope you enjoy our articles and the extraordinary photographs that bring them to life.

 –Lisa LeMonte, Managing Editor