Aerial image of a wetland river flowing into a natural lake

Protect and restore rivers for people and wildlife

Protect. Restore. Connect.

Protect Floodplains,
Wetlands,
and Forests

Forest stream (c) Kurt Budliger

Restore
Resilient
Communities

Painted turtle

Connect
People
to Rivers

Kid climbing rocks near river
Flooding in downtown Montpelier, Vermont July 10, 2023

Make a Difference

On the heels of recent floods, it’s clear that our rivers – and our communities – need our help. Give today to protect and restore rivers for people and wildlife.

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Events

Mountain landscape in autumn fall with a winding headwater river meandering through the valley, surrounded by colorful fall foliage and illuminated by warm alpenglow photographed by Emanuel Soza Foias

River Tours

September 5th-October 10th

Join us on our river tours in the Memphremagog, Missisquoi, White, Poultney–Mettawee, Lamoille, and Upper Winooski watersheds!

Check our River Tours!
Cyanotype art print using gathers plants in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

Cyanotypes on the Headwater Forest of the Barton River

CANCELLED — RESCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER

Due to the forecasted rain, the event on Sunday September 20th has been cancelled. Since the hike and cyanotype printing requires dry conditions and sun, we’ll be rescheduling this event for October. Stay tuned for the new date and registration details!

 AmeriCorps members and volunteers stand beside bags of collected trash during the Kingsbury Branch River Cleanup, celebrating their efforts to help keep the river and surrounding habitat clean.

Big Falls Eddy River Cleanup

Monday, September 21, 2026 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Join Vermont River Conservancy and the Missisquoi River Basin Association (MRBA) for a community cleanup at Big Falls Eddy! We’ll be working together to pick up trash both on land and on the water to protect this beloved swimming and fishing access for generations to come. Come help care for this special stretch of the Wild & Scenic Missisquoi River while connecting with fellow community members and learning more about the river.

Learn More & Sign Up!

Latest News

Learn about sea lamprey's journey through the Connecticut River Basin and Atlantic Ocean.

Part 2: The Final Journey of the Sea Lamprey

Learn about sea lamprey's journey through the Connecticut River Basin and Atlantic Ocean.

Learn More
On August 14, Kassia Randzio, Vermont River Conservancy's Executive Director, joined WCAX’s Across the Fence for a special conversation about protecting Vermont’s rivers. Learn more about what was discussed!

Protecting Vermont’s Rivers: VRC on Across the Fence

 Three years after Vermont's devastating floods, artist Renée Greenlee explores how art can help us repair our relationships with rivers and the communities they shape. Learn how her cyanotype prints reveal the beauty and resilience of Vermont's watersheds, and why restoring rivers also means restoring our connection to them.

How Art Instills Change: Reconnecting River Relationships

 On your way to your local public library? Pick up a free Vermont River Conservancy bookmark highlighting swim safety messaging!

Find Your Free River Bookmark
Statewide map of all sites protected by Vermont River Conservancy

Find Your River

Since 1995, we’ve helped protect more than 100 special places – swimming holes, paddlers trails, and fishing access sites, and habitat for warblers and wood turtles. Discover the places we've worked to protect, and plan your next adventure.

Explore Sites
North Branch of the Winooski River in Vermont

Landowner Toolbox

Behind each of our conservation projects is a visionary landowner. Thinking about the future of your land can be overwhelming, but we can help you find a solution that’s right for you. Whether you’re a landowner, or whether you’re someone who sees a great opportunity in your community, start here to learn how you can make a difference.

Explore Our How-To Guide
Vermont river clean up crew

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