90th Anniversary Celebration

The Rockfall Foundation is proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1935 by Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth “to establish, maintain and care for parks and forest or wild lands for the enjoyment of the public,” the Foundation continues this mission throughout the Lower Connecticut River Valley.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 06-6000700), we support environmental education and conservation through community grants, awards, the annual environmental symposium, film screenings, repair cafés, and hands-on programs like bird walks and invasive plant workshops. We also steward open space properties and operate the historic deKoven House as a community meeting space and home to local environmental organizations.

Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration as we honor our history and look ahead to the future.

Event Highlights

• Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
• Time: 5:30–8:30 pm
• Location: Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, CT

The evening begins with food, beverages, and live music, along with time to explore table displays from Rockfall’s 2025 grant recipients, highlighting their work in environmental education, conservation, and stewardship throughout the Lower Connecticut River Valley. It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow environmentally minded community members, local leaders, and longtime supporters. Guests will then gather for a short program featuring welcome remarks, a keynote address by Christine Palm, and the presentation of this year’s Environmental Champion Awards — all in celebration of 90 years of impact and community leadership.

Tickets

Tickets are $75 for Rockfall members ($19 is tax-deductible) and $90 for non-members ($34 is tax-deductible). Proceeds will support The Rockfall Foundation’s ongoing work in environmental education and conservation. All food and drink is covered by the cost of the ticket.

Keynote Speaker & President’s Award Honoree

Christine Palm recently completed three terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives, where she served as vice chair of the Environment Committee. During her tenure, she worked closely with youth activists on climate legislation, including the successful passage of a bill requiring the teaching of climate change in Connecticut public schools — earning her the Walter Cronkite Award for Climate Change Education.

In addition to delivering the keynote address, Palm will also receive the President’s Award, a distinction presented only once every ten years.

Palm brings decades of experience in education, journalism, government, and advocacy, and now leads The Active Voice, a communications and advocacy initiative amplifying youth and underrepresented voices.

Environmental Champion Awards

In addition to the President’s Award, Rockfall will also present the 2025 Environmental Champion Awards.

Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award: Bruce Dodson, Killingworth Land Conservation Trust leader who helped protect over 1,100 acres of open space; and Chet Arnold, Essex Land Trust leader and co-founder of UConn’s Center for Land Use Education and Research.

Certificate of Environmental Achievement: Diana Martinez, Middletown agriculture and environmental justice advocate, creator of the Miller Street Community Farm and Pathways to Agriculture program; and Dick Shriver, founder of Estuary Magazine, promoting conservation and stewardship of the Connecticut River Watershed.

Support Our Mission

We’ve been here for 90 years thanks to the support of people like you. Our community grants are 100% funded by individual donations, and your support makes it all possible.

Membership starts at just $5 per month and directly supports environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. As a member, you’ll enjoy perks like invitations to our July 4th Fireworks Viewing at the deKoven House, discounted tickets to the 90th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Symposium, plus our e-news, print newsletter, and other special events.