Charter Oak

…gave all governing power to the General Court (one of the reasons Connecticut is so litigious), with the right to elect deputies and magistrates given to the freemen or electors….

The Pied Piper of Land Conservation

…mother had founded with family resources. In his second term as president, from 1964 to 1966, Goodwin obtained a $550,000 grant (the equivalent of $6 million today) from the Ford…

On My Mind…

  This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue\n\n On My Mind…\n\n As Estuary begins its fifth year of publication, it seems fitting to reflect on what has taken place…

On My Mind…

…the formidable Collins Axe Company until it closed in 1966. In its heyday, this company produced 1,300 different “edge” tools for sale internationally, items such as machetes, picks, swords, bayonets,…

Thermal Refuges

…brooks. Did it work? Matt believes these actions saved a lot of fish. All of the thermal refuges were posted with signs and Matt reported that compliance by the public…

Let’s Go

…Land Conservancy (Excellence in Community Engagement Award), Connecticut River Gateway Commission (Special Award for Excellence in Conservation), Madeline McClave (Katchen Coley Award for Excellence in Conservation), and Granby Land Trust…

Take Me Fishing!

…shoe—when dunking a worm. Don’t forget that a child’s attention span can be short and easily change focus—putting down the fishing pole to chase after a frog or looking at…

Migratory Bird Act

…McLean learned through adversity how to lead change, including skills such as building coalitions, adapting to the objections of opponents, and getting support from the public by communicating the benefits…

Moodus Noises

This article appears in the Summer 2024 issue\n\n It isn’t a groan, nor a crash, nor a roar, But is quite as bloodcurdling to hear, And has stirred up more…

The Spirit of The Kate

…of Old Saybrook.” The Kate aimed to be different than its companions upriver, a mix of national acts and community acts, pivoting between music, theater, dance, comedy, and more throughout…

Gardening for Good: Ask for Them by Name

This article appears in the Fall 2024 issue\n\n Ask for Them by Name These Plants Have Superpowers!\n\n Story and Photos by Judy Preston\n\n American Copper butterfly on a seaside goldenrod…

Early Morning Row

…having retreated to warmer climates. I walk over a catwalk and then a narrow, mowed field to where my scull sits upon its rack. Lifting the boat, it rests easily…

Deerfield River

…straightening, a common practice throughout the watershed, further impacted hydrology and natural communities by causing unnaturally high flows, habitat degradation, flooding, erosion, and sedimentation. Whitewater rafters. Hydroelectric development began in…

The New England National Scenic Trail

…in many having the incorrect impression that the NET is a new national park. Unit status does not change public access to the trail or how it is managed on…

Estuary for Young Readers #15

This article appears in the Fall 2024 issue\n\n \n\n Tales of a Connecticut River Ferryman’s Son\n\n Story and illustrations by Leslie Tryon\n\n Chapter 15: Decisions, Decisions\n\n President Lincoln’s 1862 call…

Estuary for Young Readers #13

This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue\n\n \n\n Tales of a Connecticut River Ferryman’s Son\n\n Story and illustrations by Leslie Tryon\n\n Chapter 13: Crossing the Rappahannock\n\n “So, how?” Lieutenant…

A Man’s Home is His Castle

…into a tall, slim, and distinguished young man, with an aquiline nose and expressive eyebrows. After graduating from Hartford Public High School, he traveled around Connecticut doing impersonations of actors…