Trainings & Events

Residents in small and rural communities often rely on onsite wastewater treatment systems because the centralized system does not extend to their property.

These residents own and are responsible for maintaining their onsite wastewater systems to protect water quality. But meeting these maintenance requirements can be a financial and technical burden on homeowners. To meet desired water quality outcomes, it can be valuable for wastewater systems and local governments to provide support to residents in maintaining their onsite systems. In this webinar, WaterNow will explore two innovative programs supporting onsite wastewater system owners in maintaining and repairing their systems, and discuss the methods communities have used to fund these programs.

This presentation has 3 objectives:

1. Highlight the need to support homeowners with onsite and decentralized wastewater systems in small and rural communities.
2. Explore methods of delivering support to private owners of onsite wastewater systems, and the strategies used to fund these efforts.
3. Highlight funding, financing and technical assistance available to support clean water projects and programs in small communities.

Join the Land Trust of West Haven for this inaugural Coastal Conversations series! The events take place on select Sundays at 10:00am from July through October and feature talks about coastal topics, wildlife, habitats, and ways to help.

• July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4

Location: Eco Park, Old Grove Park Building, 1 Palace Street, West Haven, CT
 

This workshop will focus on CT Green Bank's programs to support municipalities and schools to improve resilience and energy use.
 

Join the Partnership for Strong Communities to learn about the far-reaching impacts of supportive housing!

The conditions people need to thrive begin with a safe, stable home. For individuals and families facing complex challenges, supportive housing combines affordable housing with individualized services that improve health, strengthen families, foster independence, and create lasting stability. Its impact extends far beyond housing policy, with benefits for healthcare systems, child welfare, education, behavioral health, veterans, the elderly, and communities across Connecticut.

Join the Partnership for Homes That Heal: The Impact of Supportive Housing, an iForum exploring how supportive housing improves outcomes for people and communities across Connecticut.

The event will include the release and presentation of the Partnership's new report, Homes That Heal: The State of Supportive Housing in Connecticut. Drawing on research, stakeholder interviews, and an examination of Connecticut's supportive housing landscape, the report explores how supportive housing has evolved, where challenges remain, and what policy opportunities exist to strengthen this critical resource.

The event will feature a presentation of the report's findings followed by two panel discussions with leaders from government, supportive housing providers, community organizations and more. Together, they'll explore Connecticut's history of supportive housing, the current policy landscape, and the ways supportive housing improves outcomes for children, families, and other populations.

As Connecticut faces rising homelessness and growing uncertainty around federal housing investments, this conversation will explore why supportive housing remains one of the state's most effective tools for improving lives, strengthening communities, and making better use of public resources.
 

This month the Equity in Data Community of Practice is bringing back their Unconference! Instead of an expert presenting to a room, the topics come from the community (this could be you!). There will be two 30-minute rounds with a few topics in each, so you can choose the conversations you want to be part of.

Equity in Data Community of Practice are a group of data users in Connecticut who are supporting one another as we work toward more equitable data practices. They focus on racial equity explicitly but not exclusively.
 

Join the Connecticut Green Bank as they provide updates on their programs and solutions for homes, buildings, communities, and investments. Topics will include important updates regarding Energy Storage Solutions, Solar MAP+, Green Liberty Notes, Fleet Electrification Accelerator, Smart-E, Environmental Infrastructure, and more. Everyone who registers will receive a follow-up email with a link to the recording and materials after the presentation.
 

AgeWellFest is a two-part learning, networking, and celebration opportunity for every Connecticut community.

AgeWellFest: Celebration (5:00 - 6:30 pm) is an evening of connection, discovery, and inspiration. We'll present the 2026 Wellspring Awards, honoring communities, organizations and individuals that are fostering age-inclusivity in Connecticut. We'll also celebrate the culmination of the 2026 Community Leaders Fellowship.

Prior to the celebration, AgeWellFest: Connection (1:30 - 4:30 pm) is a more intimate networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity for current members of the Fellowship program, program alumni, and municipal leaders and residents interested in future participation. This portion of AgeWellFest is sponsored by AARP Connecticut as our Livable Communities Sponsor.
 

Join CT Sea Grant and the Long Island Sound Partnership for a field visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park, where partners are advancing one of Connecticut’s largest coastal resilience and salt marsh restoration initiatives! The day will begin at Meigs Point Nature Center with presentations from Audubon Connecticut, who will share the science behind the restoration effort, discuss the challenges facing Hammonasset’s tidal marshes, and provide updates on the design of marsh restoration, living shoreline, and culvert replacement projects. After lunch and group discussions, guests will take a guided walk to view the marsh and then drive to check out some of the culverts that will be replaced. Register by Monday, September 7 to secure your spot!

Please note, some sites are only accessible on foot and will require walking on uneven terrain. If you have any concerns regarding the walking portion of this field trip, please contact [email protected]. 

Important Details: 

• Lunch will be provided.


• Travel expense reimbursement of up to $150/person/field trip is available on a first-come, first-served basis (for those that do not have travel budgets through their employers). CT registered vehicles are exempt from the park entrance fee; out-of-state vehicles are subject to a $15 fee, which can be covered by travel expense reimbursement.


• The field trip is intended as a learning experience for adults 18 years of age or older.


• This field trip has a maximum capacity of 30 people (if exceeded, a waitlist will be available),


• Event is rain or shine!


• Please direct any questions to [email protected].

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) is an advisory council to the Commissioner of DEEP on historical and current environmental injustices across the state. The Council holds public quarterly meetings to hear updates from CT DEEP about environmental justice programs, updates on council subcommittee work, and discuss challenges that environmental justice communities continue to face. We hope that you’ll join us in-person at DEEP for an afternoon of networking and learning.

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency event.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.

We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any program or event.
 

Join Sierra Club Connecticut to kick off Climate Week for a day filled with live music, local food, art, interactive activities, inspiring speakers, family-friendly fun, and opportunities to take action alongside neighbors, organizations, and community leaders.
 

Using a placed-based approach to training, participants will learn about terrestrial invasives plants. Participants will: 1) identify invasive plants, 2) use EpiCollect App & forms to collect and manage data, 3) discuss ways that methods can be transferred to other sites, and 4) learn management & removal techniques for a couple selected invasive plants.  See detailed agenda below.

Participants will use a free smartphone GPS application for iPhones and Android devices called Epicollect5 to collect field data during the workshop. Please download Epicollect5 prior to arrival from the Apple App Store or on Google Play (Android). More information about the app can be found on the Epicollect website. Paper forms organized in Epicollect format will be provided as an option during the training event.

NOTE: UConn CLEAR and the CTNERR training team presented a related June 26, 2024 webinar, “Mapping Invasive Plants in a Coastal Forest”.  If you were unable to attend (or want to watch it again!) a recording and slides are available HERE.
 

The National Governors Association, on behalf of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, is pleased to invite you to the 2026 New England Regional Nuclear Policy Summit. The Policy Summit will be held in person on September 30 in Lowell, MA, with a Zoom option provided for remote attendees.

In March 2026, the Governors of the six New England states issued a joint statement committing to explore advanced nuclear energy as a region. In their statement, New England governors committed to host this upcoming regional nuclear summit, which will provide an opportunity for the New England public to learn more about advanced nuclear energy. The New England Regional Nuclear Policy Summit will feature speakers on a range of topics, including Safety, Community Engagement, State Actions, Regional Benefits, and Advanced Nuclear Use Cases.

In-Person Registration has reached capacity. Please JOIN THE WAITLIST by selecting In-Person Attendee below. You will be notified if a spot becomes available.
 

Energy Storage Solutions is an incentive program overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) administered by the CT Green Bank and utilities. Learn more about upfront and yearly performance incentives available for batteries paired with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and standalone batteries.
 

Connect & Catalyze: Environmental Justice Resource Exchange is a one-day statewide convening designed to connect community leaders, nonprofit organizations, advocates, funders, researchers, government partners, and technical assistance providers who are working to advance environmental justice across Connecticut.

Rather than focusing on individual organizations or isolated projects, this gathering centers on a simple idea: stronger relationships create stronger outcomes. Participants will explore new funding opportunities, build cross-sector partnerships, exchange practical strategies, and leave with the connections and resources needed to move community-driven solutions forward.

Throughout the day, attendees will engage in keynote conversations, rapid-fire panels, interactive workshops, networking activities, and a resource fair featuring organizations that provide funding, technical assistance, research support, communications expertise, and capacity-building services.

EVENT INCLUDES

• A keynote conversation on coalition building, community power, and building an abundant environmental justice ecosystem

• Lightning discussions on community-centered fundraising, nonprofit mutual aid, resource sharing, and bridging energy and environmental justice

• Interactive workshops focused on:

  • Alternative funding and financing strategies beyond grants

  • Organizational capacity building

  • Public-private partnerships

  • Research, data, storytelling, and compelling grant narratives

• A funding and technical assistance showcase featuring organizations supporting environmental justice work across Connecticut

• Facilitated networking designed to spark new partnerships and collaboration

• A resource and technical assistance fair connecting participants directly with funding programs and support organizations

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event is designed for:

• Environmental justice organizations

• Community-based nonprofits

• Grassroots organizers

• Tribal and Indigenous leaders

• Municipal and state agency staff

• Researchers and academic partners

• Philanthropic organizations and funders

• Technical assistance providers

• Climate, energy, conservation, housing, transportation, food justice, and public health advocates

• Anyone interested in strengthening Connecticut's environmental justice ecosystem

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.

We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any program or event.
 

Join the Equity in Data Community of Practice for a virtual discussion where you will have a chance to learn how to apply equitable data practices to your work.

More people in the community are hearing about data walks and wondering if they could use one in their own work. A data walk brings people together to look at data, react to it, and help make sense of what it shows. But what does that actually look like, and what do you learn from doing one?

In this session, community members who have facilitated data walks will talk about how they set them up, what surprised them, and what they would do differently. Participants will look at how the format works in practice, from choosing what data to share to how you guide the conversation.

You'll leave with a clearer picture of what a data walk involves, ideas for whether one fits your work, and practical starting points for planning your own.
 

Invasive Plant Symposium, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, UConn Student Union, Storrs, CT

The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) 2026 symposium will be a full day in-person program on October 28, with some sessions directed to all attendees and other sessions in concurrent breakouts. This year's theme is From Awareness to Action - Strengthening Our Response to Invasive Plants.

The morning session will include a keynote presentation by Tom Zetterstrom, Housatonic Valley Association: “Land Trust Decision Model for Invasive Control in Severe Impact Areas” and a Panel Discussion: “Myths of Invasive Plant Management.”

The afternoon breakout sessions are:

Group A (Concurrent):

1) Identification and Management of Invasive Vines: Dr. Bryan Connolly, ECSU; Pete Picone, CT DEEP

2) Rugged Native Plants for Restoration of Managed Areas: Frederick (Erik) C. Sechler, Jr., Native Plant Trust

3) Invasive Aquatics: Updates on Hydrilla and Water Chestnut: John Hall, Jonah Center for Earth and Art; Greg Bugbee, CAES

Group B (Concurrent):

4) Special Topics in Invasive Plant Management: Christian Allyn, Invasive Plant Solutions; Joshua Tracy, Regional Water Authority; Tim Mack, Hamden Land Conservation Trust

5) Building Layers for Biodiversity with Native Plants: Anna Fialkoff and Maggie Redfern, Connecticut College Arboretum

6) Herbicide Management of Invasives: Law and How to Apply it: Zach Donais, CT DEEP

CEU's for organizations and Pesticide Recertification Credits are available.

$90 General Registration (in person attendance). $80 Recording Only; Student Registration Available.

More info: cipwg.uconn.edu/2026-symposium
 

This workshop will focus on the Smart-E Loans program offering low-interest financing for residential home energy improvements through a network of contractors and lenders.
 

We can only collect meaningful survey data if the people we are asking questions to can understand them. For most, this means we need translation. But, knowing you SHOULD translate your survey and knowing HOW to are different things. Which languages do you choose? What are your options for translation? And once responses come back in a language you don’t speak, how do you analyze them?

In this session, guests will hear from someone who has worked to translate surveys, along with community members who will share what worked. By the end of the conversation, you will have a way to decide which languages make sense for you to translate your survey into, steps for getting them translated, and ideas for handling the data once it comes in.
 

Please save November 18 on your calendar for the 5th Annual Long Island Sound SRC Workshop! All workshop sessions will be in person this year.

More information will be shared via email and the LIS Resilience Resource Hub soon!
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.

We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any program or event.
 

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) was established in Executive Order 21-3 to provide guidance to the Commissioner of CT's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on issues related to the state's historic and current environmental injustice and inequities across the state.

The Council convenes quarterly to hear updates from subcommittees and discuss key projects. All Quarterly Meetings are open to the public. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program or event.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.

We are committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any program or event.