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October 29, 2026
Indian Rock Nature Center, 501 Wolcott Rd, Bristol
Tickets $50 or $100 for a Leadership Ticket. Get Tickets.
Sponsorships available starting at $250. Download the flyer. Become a sponsor.
Join friends and fellow water advocates for an autumn evening overlooking the pond at Indian Rock Nature Center. We'll gather for food, drinks, conversation, a little Rivers Alliance business, and a celebration of another year of protecting Connecticut's waters as well as the people who make that work possible.
Celebrating Connecticut's Environmental Champions
Water doesn’t protect itself. People do. This year, we are especially pleased to honor two people whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting difference for Connecticut's waters.
Connecticut Water Laureate
Mary Mushinsky
The Connecticut Water Laureate award recognizes an individual who has devoted three decades or more to environmental advocacy and to advancing the principles at the heart of Rivers Alliance's mission. It honors sustained and steadfast leadership to protect, preserve, and promote healthy waters—not only for today, but for generations to come.
For more than four decades, Mary Mushinsky has been one of Connecticut’s most persistent and effective champions for clean water and a healthy environment. From protecting drinking water, aquifers and the Quinnipiac River to championing Long Island Sound and helping make Connecticut’s State Water Plan a reality, Mary’s work has left a lasting legacy for our waters—and for the people and wildlife that depend on them.
Margaret Miner Environmental Champion Award
Jon Hall
The Margaret Miner Environmental Champion Award recognizes an individual whose advocacy, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful difference for Connecticut’s waters and environment. Named in honor of Rivers Alliance’s longtime executive director and tireless water advocate, Margaret Miner, the award celebrates those who follow her example by speaking up, bringing people together, and turning a passion for protecting our natural resources into action.
For more than two decades, John Hall has quietly helped make Middletown a model for local environmental action while lending his voice and energy to efforts across Connecticut. From bringing people and organizations together around sustainability to rolling up his sleeves to tackle water chestnut in the treasure that is the floating meadows of the Mattabessett, John has consistently turned environmental values into action. He has also been a steadfast advocate for strong statewide policies to protect our waters. He is always willing to speak up, show up, and encourage others to do the same.