The Rockfall Foundation Awards Scholarship to Quinn Bransfield

The Rockfall Foundation has selected Quinn Bransfield of Old Saybrook High School to receive the 2024 Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship.

For the past two years, Quinn has volunteered as a River Steward at the Tributary Mill Conservancy (TMC), working on the TMC Atlantic Salmon Restoration Project. This year, as Lead Steward, Quinn recruited a team of seven volunteers to manage the care and development of approximately 100,000 salmon eggs provided by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

This rigorous process involved meticulous cleaning of the trays holding the eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria. After months of careful nurturing and DEEP supervision, the team introduced the salmon fry into the Connecticut and Salmon Rivers.

Quinn’s leadership has extended beyond his work at TMC. He authored a research paper on salmon conservation strategies, crafted promotional materials for TMC, and actively mentored new stewards, increasing the program’s outreach and impact.

Quinn will attend the University of Vermont in the fall.

Founded in 1935, The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants. The Rockfall Foundation also operates the historic deKoven House Community Center which offers meeting and event room rentals and office space for non-profit organizations.

For additional information about the Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship or The Rockfall Foundation, please visit www.rockfallfoundation.org .