2025 Long Island Sound Coastal Water Quality Report for Darien

Darien Library, Darien Nature Center, and Darien Land Trust welcome Bill Cavers and Rob Roberto, members of the Town of Darien's Advisory Commission on Coastal Waters, Mindy Chambrelli, Director of the Darien Health Department, and Julie Jones, Vice-President of Darien Land Trust, who will present the annual water quality progress report of Darien's waters in Long Island Sound.

Darien’s coast is under three miles from east to west, but its many coves and harbors stretch its coastline to over 16 miles.  With picturesque harbors, sandy beaches, marshy inlets and its Maine-like Great Island, Darien’s coast is one of the town’s greatest resources. To monitor and protect these beautiful waters, the Town of Darien and its volunteers, along with the support of key local partners, regularly tests for possible bacteria and for long-term indicators of ecological health.

Members of the Commission will report on the findings of the 2025 testing, while Mindy will share her role in monitoring the health of our local beaches and how she makes decisions to close beaches when water quality is degraded. 

Learn how all of us have a part to play in keeping Darien's coastal waters clean and accessible, and what you can do to keep Long Island Sound pristine and safe for all!

About the Town of Darien's Advisory Commission on Coastal Waters

The Advisory Commission on Coastal Water advises the town of Darien on matters concerning the protection and the use of Darien's coastal waters and shellfishing. Working with the town's harbormaster, police department, fire department, and Coast Guard, the commission also promotes boating safety, and publishes progress reports as necessary and an annual report of the Commission's activities.

About Darien Nature Center

The Darien Nature Center envisions a community that is deeply connected to nature and inspired to take action to preserve and protect it. The center inspires passion and respect for the natural world through nature education, hands-on experiences with nature, and environmental action and stewardship. Founded by a group of committed citizens who wanted to open the eyes and minds of Darien citizens to the natural beauty surrounding them while teaching respect for and understanding of the environment, the first Board of Directors was composed of Darien residents active in the Audubon Society, the Conservation Commission, the Darien Community Association, and Darien Public Schools. Today, nearly half of a century after its inception, the Darien Nature Center is a thriving community center, home to robust environmental educational programs, a diverse collection of live animals, seasonal exhibits, and lectures.

About Darien Land Trust

The Darien Land Trust preserves natural space, connects the community with nature and promotes conservation awareness to protect land now and forever. The have permanently protected diverse natural environments such as wetlands along the Five Mile River, tidal salt marshes at Holly Pond and Scott’s Cove, upland forests in Dunlap Woods, and meadow habitats at Mather Meadows, Fox Run, and Brendan’s Meadow. The Land Trust now owns or has conservation easements totaling 230+ acres in Darien.

Photo of Fish Island, off the coast of Darien, Connecticut