Friends of the Farm River Estuary, Inc. (FFRE – pronounced free) was formed in 2002 by local citizens to have a voice in determining the estuary’s future. Our founding mission was to facilitate access to, and environmentally sound use of, the lower Farm River watershed through collaboration, outreach and education.
In 2024 we changed our name to Friends of the Farm River and Estuary, Inc. (still FFRE) to broaden our scope to include the entire river. Our purpose is to support and advocate for the protection and improvement of the environmental quality of the Farm River, including its watershed, estuary, and surrounding areas of South-Central Connecticut and Long Island Sound (collectively, the “Farm River resources”).
To further this purpose, FFRE may engage in activities including but not limited to:
• Working independently and in collaboration with non-profit and community groups, government agencies, and private entities to achieve FFRE’s goals and objectives;
• Educating the public about the Farm River resources, including its ecosystems and environmentally sound use and public access;
• Monitoring and taking action to improve water quality of the Farm River resources;
• Protecting the ecological health and resilience of the Farm River resources in the face of existing and anticipated environmental and climate change impacts;
• Advocating for environmentally sound public policies and land use practices affecting the Farm River resources;
• Owning, managing, or maintaining land for public use or access to the Farm River resources;
• Raising funds and applying for grants for the benefit the Farm River resources; and
• Engaging in other activities to further FFRE’s purpose.