NAUGATUCK RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

The Naugatuck River Watershed Association is a citizen's, non-profit ecological organization dedicated to the restoration, conservation and development of the Naugatuck River Watershed as a multi-use resource.  It was incorporated in 1994 and received its 501-C3 status from the IRS in 1995.  Since its inception it has been working to enhance the river's scenic beauty, recreational uses and economic value. To enjoy clean air and water and unpolluted land is our fundamental right. The NRWA is prepared to defend that right and to act as a voice of public concern in protecting the air, water and land in the watershed.

The Naugatuck River Watershed Association encourages and supports environmental teachers and students, canoeists, kayakers, wildflower enthusiasts, anglers, trail riders, bird watchers and other outdoor sport persons to use and enjoy the river environs and to complete projects along the river's 40 miles and its tributaries.

Objectives: Work to restore, conserve and develop the Naugatuck River Watershed as a multiple-use resource. Act as a voice of public concern in protecting the air, water and land in the watershed. Enhance the river's scenic beauty. Work to develop the river's educational and recreational uses and economic values. Inform the residents, industries, businesses and municipalities about the river and environmental issues in the watershed.

Action Plans:  Establish short and long-term plans. Form a network of volunteers and financial supporters to help complete the plans. Monitor the entire river basin. Inform the residents, industries, businesses, and municipalities in the Naugatuck River Watershed about the issues in its environs that relate to clean air, water and land through its website and the media. Work cooperatively with Trout Unlimited and other groups to plan and complete projects (clean-up, planting and fish stocking) that affect the river.
Board of Directors: President - Bob Gregorski, Vice President - Dave Leveillee, Treasurer-John Ploski, Secretary-Anita Gregorski, Director - John K. McDonald, Esq., Director - Joseph Savarese, Director - Robert Perrella Jr.

NRWA's Mission Statement, Objectives, Action Plans have been stated. Collectively, members of the Board have more than 100 years of experience working to improve and protect the environment for everyone. In that process, they have donated thousands of hours of their time. Hundreds of other volunteers have volunteered 5 to 10 hours each in a number of ways including: cleaning up the river and its banks, planting trees, bushes, flowers and grasses and building and erecting bird houses.

ROTC Cadets planting willow bush cuttings and conservation grass seeds for erosion control.

The following is a partial list of School Ecology Clubs and Scout Troops, which NRWA has worked with in completing conservation related projects:

Note: The list of past individual, corporate and foundation donators is too long to publish. NRWA has financially supported: Litchfield County Conservation District, Rivers Alliance of CT, Long Island Sound Fund and Trout Unlimited, has awarded several scholarships to deserving high school graduates and sponsored Eagle Scout projects.

Naugatuck High School ROTC Cadets and leaders show the result of cleaning up the river bank along Linden Park.

The Naugatuck River Watershed Association, Inc. welcomes donations from individuals, groups, clubs, businesses, civic organizations, foundations, manufacturing companies and any entity that is interested in maintaining and enhancing the quality of the life and environment for people and wildlife in the Naugatuck River Watershed. NRWA, Inc. has NO paid employees, but has expenses of a non-profit conservation organization.

Donations will enable NRWA (501-C3 non-profit) to continue its conservation/education projects. Please complete the form and send your check made out to NRWA, Inc.  Box 122   Middlebury, CT 06762.

NRWA, Inc.  Donation Form
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Name: _______________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
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Accomplishments & Recognition

NRWA and its conservation minded volunteers have accomplished a great deal since 1994.  Hundreds of volunteers devoted thousands of hours improving the water quality and riparian habitat of the Naugatuck River and its tributaries. In regard to water quality, greatest improvements have been seen with regard to aesthetics, clarity, ammonia levels, dissolved oxygen levels and chemical constituents. There has been a significant increase in flora and fauna and the reduction of unsightly visual pollutants (debris) and are reasons why many people now enjoying fishing, observing wildlife and paddling in the river.

Awards Received Conservation Awards received by the Naugatuck River Watershed Association, Inc. and Bob Gregorski, NRWA, Inc. president and a director of Naugatuck Valley Trout Unlimited (one of the founders of both organizations—1976 & 1994 respectively). The following Awards & Recognitions received by NRWA and Bob Gregorski were accepted of behalf of the hundreds of volunteers
Awards NRWA-- 1996 Outstanding Cooperating Agency from The New Haven County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. The Conservation Award for 2000 from The Litchfield County Soil and Water Conservation District. 2000 -- Outstanding Conservation Award from The Connecticut Association of Soil and Water Districts.

Awards -- Bob Gregorski --1992 - Housatonic Valley Association -- Conservation Award for the work completed on the Naugatuck River (river clean-ups, plantings, trout stocking, etc.). 1996 - Naugatuck Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited -- a plaque recognizing his 20 years of dedicated service to TU and Conservation. 1997 - The Beacon Valley Grange #103 -- Community Citizen of the Year Award for the work done leading restoration efforts for the Naugatuck River and its environs. 1997 - Environmental Committee of the Waterbury Board of Alderman -- a citation for being the organizer and coordinator of River Keepers for the Naugatuck River and for the outstanding work done in river clean-ups, trout stocking and planting bushes and trees along the river by the River Keepers and hundreds of other volunteers. 2000 - The Litchfield County Soil and Water Conservation District --The Conservation Award. 2001- The DEP Fisheries Division -- a plaque in recognition for work to significantly improve the state’s aquatic resources and communication to Connecticut anglers. Advisory Council Membership --NRWA was one of the 25 member organizations of the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) to the CT DEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources for the period 2000 - 2004. NRWA president Bob Gregorski was the NRWA representative to CAC.

A bird house along the Naugatuck River is being checked.

     A tree swallow house is being erected along the Naugatuck River.