Formerly Maritime Education Network
Our Story
River2Sound is a Connecticut shoreline non-profit that teaches maritime science, history and stewardship, from our home where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound.
Where the River Meets the Sound
The Connecticut River runs more than four hundred miles before it reaches Long Island Sound at Old Saybrook. Where fresh water meets salt, the estuary supports salt marshes, tidal flats, migrating birds and centuries of maritime history. It is an extraordinary place to learn.
For more than twenty-five years, our organization has helped people of all ages explore it. We believe that people protect places they know, understand and value, so we help them get to know this one: by looking closely, asking good questions and spending time at the water’s edge.
Mission and vision
Our mission
To connect people with the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound through education, scientific inquiry, stewardship, and community engagement.
Our vision
We envision communities where people of all ages are connected to the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound through lifelong learning, scientific exploration, and environmental stewardship.
25+ years on the shoreline
The next chapter
Our story began in Old Saybrook with our founder, whose programs introduced generations of learners to the River and the Sound. Over the years, the work grew quieter and became mostly seasonal.
Now a new Board of Directors, volunteers and partners are renewing it under a new name: River2Sound. As our strategic plan puts it, this is not the beginning; it is the next chapter.
Were you one of the students, families, staff or volunteers who learned with us along the way?Share your story.
Our founding declaration
Where the River Meets the Sound, we believe education becomes stewardship, stewardship strengthens community, and community creates lasting change.
Our promise
What every program should do
- Inspire curiosity through exploration.
- Strengthen understanding through scientific inquiry and place-based learning.
- Foster stewardship by turning knowledge into action.
- Build community through collaboration and service.
- Prepare future generations to care for the waterways that sustain us.
Core values
What guides us
Our Board is guided by four principles: mission first, stewardship, collaboration and sustainability.
Curiosity
Every good question is a place to start.
Stewardship
Caring for the waters that sustain us all.
Scientific Inquiry
Observing closely and learning from evidence.
Collaboration
We achieve more with partners than alone.
Integrity
Honest, careful and accountable in all we do.
Inclusion
The shoreline belongs to everyone, and so do our programs.
Sustainability
Building carefully, so our work lasts.
Hope
People can make a real difference to the places they love.
There is a place for you here
Volunteer, partner, sponsor or simply join us on the shore.