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The Mill River Wetland Committee, Inc. (MRWC) is an award winning non-profit organization founded in 1967 to strengthen environmental education through the study of river basin systems. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, MRWC promoted purchase of open space along the Mill River, Fairfield, Connecticut, and took a leading role in the defense of endangered wetlands. Concern for our environmental future prompted the launching of River-Lab, a unique hands-on program of environmental study.

In consultation with educators and environmental experts, River-Lab provides classroom materials and activities for students, extensive training for study-trip guides, and professional development for teachers. At each grade level, classroom teaching is enhanced by study-trips to the Mill River and the town estuaries. Each year, more than 185 volunteers guide over 3,500 children through more than 650 study-trips. All elements of the program have been adopted as part of the science curriculum.

A 2007 redevelopment of the program has now aligned River-Lab with the State of Connecticut Science Curriculum Framework in preparation for the Connecticut Mastery Tests in Science administered to each student in grades 5 and 8..

River-Lab Center
476 Old Mill Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
203-259-1847

Charlene-Brauns Schindler, President, MRWC
Cathi Zilling, Executive Director, MRWC