QUINNETUKUT: THE CT RIVER FROM SOURCE TO SEA

The Connecticut River runs over 410 miles through four states, eventually flowing into Long Island Sound. We study the significance of the river to indigenous cultures and livelihoods, explore the impact of human activity and climate change on its watershed, and learn about today’s conservation work.

Learning Objectives

Students become familiar with the American Indian tribes that settled along the river and how they interacted with it.

Students discover the ecosystems struggling to flourish along the river, and understand the threats posed to the health of the river’s watershed over the years by pollution, damming, industry and climate change.

Students learn about the conservation work currently underway in a number of different nonprofit and governmental organizations. We come to understand the challenges of conservation work, and the different stakeholders who come into play.

Lenses of Inquiry

Indigenous Peoples’ History

River Ecosystems

Environmental Conservation

Let’s work together

“I was incredibly impressed by the care taken by Envoys. Before we even hit the ground, there was an emphasis on comprehending impact on our destination’s environment that I appreciated..Throughout the trip, our Envoys leaders made sure that we continued to be conscious of impact. That awareness of cause and effect is something that often gets lost when traveling, and Envoys did not allow it to. During this trip, there was never a moment I did not feel safe and cared for nor a moment where I did not feel I was learning something!”

— Keylee S. , Student, Dalton South Africa 2014

“Many student groups participate in ‘Voluntourism’. This trip did not attempt that, but rather funneled the collective energy of each member into meaningful, mutually beneficial cultural interactions. Thank you so much for this unforgettable and transformational experience.”

— Altana , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016

“The Envoys staff were very open about sharing their first-hand experiences, which was a game-changer in terms of learning about post-apartheid South Africa. Also, having everything planned to the T made me feel very safe. I knew that I was in good hands.”

— Gio H. , Student, Friends Seminary South Africa 2016