JOIN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY OF CONSERVATIONISTS!
When you take part in Mianus TU activities - whether you are a member or not - you’re helping us grow our impact on local rivers and streams in lower Fairfield County. Working together, we are removing dams, restoring habitat, planting native trees, combatting climate change, helping connect kids to the outdoors and so much more. We also have a ton of fun along the way and plenty of time on the water fishing with friends!

SEA LAMPREY RETURN TO NORWALK RIVER AFTER 125 YEAR ABSENCE!

There’s a new neighbor in the waters of the Norwalk River, and while it may look a little strange – even ugly or scary – the sea lamprey is a native fish - endangered in the state of Connecticut - that is essential to the improving health of our local river systems.

This pair of sea lamprey were spotted at an undisclosed location in the river for the first time in more than 125 years thanks to the removal of dams which had posed a barrier to fish passage! The two adult fish, which spend their lives in saltwater but migrate into freshwater to mate, were spotted building a spawning nest in the gravel.

Anglers fishing the river are asked to please keep and eye out for these large, noticeable spawning nests and to keep your distance and enjoy the return of these native fish from a respectful distance.

Each year, chapter volunteers scour the Norwalk River and area streams to identify and document sea lamprey spawning sites – as well as monitor other river conditions. To learn more, or to volunteer to be trained for this year’s effort, email Gerald Berrafati, Chapter President, at gberrafati@mianustu.org.