Server: Netscape-Enterprise/2.0a Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 21:07:39 GMT Accept-ranges: bytes Last-modified: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 14:24:52 GMT Content-length: 24270 Content-type: text/html NU • Community Services

C o m m u n i t y    S e r v i c e s

Northeast Utilities

NU, through our operating subsidiaries The Connecticut Light and Power Company, Public Service of New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company, provides electric energy services to approximately 1.7 million people. We view our responsibility as extending far beyond the provision of electric service. To us, it extends into enhancing the very quality of life in the homes and communities of the customers we serve and the quality of our environment.

To implement our vision, we work in partnership with community groups and public officials to build healthier communities and address vital community problems. More information about our programs is listed under:

Contributions Programs
  • How NU shareholders invest in community programs.

Economic development

  • Economic development programs and activities that are helping to revitalize communities, retain and attract businesses.

Education Programs

  • Educational programs offered to schools and groups
Environmental programs
  • Nature trails, science centers and environmental facilities. Our trails, information and science centers, fish passageways and recreational areas in Connecticut, New Hampshire and western Massachusetts.

Speakers Bureau

  • How to invite a speaker on a topic of interest to your group.

Volunteer activities

  • To give you a flavor of some volunteer programs that benefit the communities we serve.


Contributions Program

NU's contributions program promotes improvement in social and economic conditions and the quality of our environment by making grants to eligible community organizations and by supporting community service involvement activities of company employees and retirees. Our grants support activities within the communities we serve. The program complements other company activities.

The program areas which receive highest priority for funding include:

Education

Social and Health Services

Priorities

For more information, contact:
Community Relations,
Northeast Utilities
P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270


Educational Programs
for schools and groups in our service territory only

NU offers materials and programs covering safety, conservation and the environment, energy, electricity, and much more. Teachers in the NU service territory may contact:

Connecticut and Massachusetts

NU Community Relations÷Educational Programs P.O. Box 270 Hartford, CT 06141-0270 or worthra@nu.com

More information is available for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire


Connecticut

Educational materials, electrical safety, environmental education materials, tours and field trips to nature trails, science centers and environmental facilities.

Electrical Safety for School Children
The electrical safety program is offered to fifth graders in Connecticut. Call 1-800-286-5000 and ask for the local CL&P Community Relations office which covers your area.

Speakers:
If you would like a speaker for your group on subjects such as electric generation, safety, nuclear energy, electric and magnetic fields (EMF), contact the local Regional Community Relations through 1-800-286-5000.

Environmental Education Materials
NU produces a series of environmental brochures. Two publications are available to access:


Massachusetts

Educational materials, electrical safety, environmental education materials, tours and field trips to nature trails, science centers and environmental facilities.

Electrical Safety for School Children
NU offers the electrical safety program to fifth graders in Western Massachusetts. Call 1-800-286-5000 and ask for the local WMECO district office which covers your area.

Speakers:
If you would like a speaker for your group on subjects such as electric generation, safety, nuclear energy, electric and magnetic fields (EMF), contact the local Regional Community Relations through 1-800-286-5000.

Environmental Education Materials
NU produces a series of environmental brochures. Two publications are available to access:


New Hampshire

Educational materials, electrical safety, environmental education materials, tours and field trips to see nature trails, science centers and environmental facilities.

New Hampshire teachers may call Program Director Vera Vollbrecht for more information on teacher workshops and school programs. Call: 603-636-3474.

Electrical Safety for School Children
The electrical safety program in New Hampshire is offered to second, third, and fourth graders. For more information, call 1-800-662-7764 and ask for the local PSNH Community Relations office which covers your area.

Speakers
If you would like a speaker for your group on subjects such as electric generation, safety, nuclear energy, electric and magnetic fields (EMF), contact the local Regional Community Relations through 1-800-662-7764.


Environmental Programs


Nature Trails, Science Centers and Environmental Facilities

Northeast Utilities offers numerous nature trails, information and science centers, and recreational facilities for the general public and school groups in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.


Connecticut

Tours, Science & Recreational Centers

Connecticut Yankee Information and Science Center
362 Injun Hollow Road, Haddam Neck, CT 06424-3099
In CT: 1-800-348-INFO; 860-267-9279 outside of CT
Energy programs, self-guiding nature trail, exhibits and more.

Millstone Information and Science Center
278 Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357
In CT: 1-800-428-4234; or 860-691-4670 outside of CT
Energy programs, self-guiding nature trail with bird blind, exhibits and more.

CT Resources Recovery Authority - Regional Recycling & Visitors Center
211 Murphy Road, Hartford, CT 06114
860-247-4280
Hands-on exhibits and tours, recycling programs, trash to energy viewing area and more.

NATURE TRAILS

Nature Trails and Shepaug Eagle Viewing Area Along the Housatonic River
Discover the natural and cultural history along the Housatonic River at our nature trails.

Housatonic River Nature Trails/Shepaug Eagle Viewing Facility
Falls Village Nature Trail
Falls Village, CT
•The People Shaping the Landscape Trail is located in Falls Village, Connecticut, and meanders through forests and fields and traces the story of a land rich in history from the Native Americans' use of the Housatonic River for food and transportation to the glorious vision and instant failure of an industrial canal system. Across the river is a second nature trail, the Falls Village Historical Trail, which describes the old industrial uses of the land including a Civil War cannon factory and a railroad repair shop.

Falls Village Station Nature Trail
Route 7, Falls Village, CT
•The 3/4-mile loop in the beautiful northwest corner of Connecticut meanders through the forest and fields. Along the way, post markers and a trail guide point out how the landscape changed from virgin oak, pine, and hemlock to logged-over land where a booming iron industry arose in the 18th century, requiring huge amounts of wood to make charcoal for smelters and forges. The stone ruins of a never-used dike and canal system from that era can also be seen, as well as signs of reforestation once previous land uses were abandoned.
Directions: From Route 7 South turn right at the blinking light at the junction of Route 126 North.
From Route 7 North turn left at the blinking light at the junction of Route 126 North. Proceed straight on Route 126 for 1/2 mile and turn left at the stop sign. Bear right immediately onto Water Street. The parking lot is on the left.

Contact: Community Relations
The Connecticut Light and Power Company
250 Freight Street
Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 Phone: Call 203-597-4382 or 1-800-286-5000, extension 4382, in Waterbury for more information.

Candlewood Lake Nature Trail
New Milford, CT
The Lakeside Trail traces changes in the lake and forest around Candlewood Lake. From the geologic history of the rocks to the creation of the beautiful lake, change is an integral part of Dike Point. This one-mile self-guiding trail will introduce you to the ecology of a forest and lake and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Candlewood Lake Nature Trail Dike Point
Route 7, New Milford, CT

Candlewood Lake, the largest man-made lake in Connecticut, covers eight square miles and is the reservoir for the Rocky River hydroelectric station in New Milford. Dike Point Recreation Area, located on Candlewood Lake, offers canoe and small boat access, a picnic area, and a nature trail along the lake. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A 3/4-mile loop, this lakeside trail meanders along the eastern shoreline of Candlewood Lake and returns through the cool, shaded forest. The trail emphasizes change over time and examines the picturesque landscape of the area÷its geology, the succession of vegetation covers, the creation of soil and altered environment due to the creation of a man-made lake. Recent evidence of people living along the shore is also examined.

Directions:
From Route 7 North, 3.8 miles north of the junction of Route 25 South, turn left at the stoplight onto Sullivan Road.
From Route 7 South, 2.8 miles south of the junction of Route 202, turn right at stoplight onto Sullivan Road. Take an immediate right after .1 mile onto Old Town Park Road and proceed straight for .7 mile. The parking lot is on the left.

Contact:
Community Relations
The Connecticut Light and Power Company
9 Tindall Avenue
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
Phone: Call 203-845-3463 or 1-800-286-5000, extension 3463,
in Norwalk for more information.

Shepaug Dam Eagle Viewing Facility
River Road, Southbury, CT
•The environment in the vicinity of this station, the largest hydroelectric station in Connecticut, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and is an important winter (December through March) feeding site for bald eagles. The movement of water below the dam prevents it from freezing and provides an abundance of fish upon which the eagles may feed. Reservations for an opportunity to visit the Eagle Observation Area must be made by calling (800) 368-8954. There are restrictions placed on the number of visitors allowed at one time. This area is only open on specific dates from December to March. Call the reservation number for details.

For more information:
Shepaug Hydroelectric Station
River Road, Southbury, CT

Eagle Viewing Facility: Winter
•The environment in the vicinity of this station, the largest hydroelectric station in Connecticut, provides a unique habitat for wildlife and is an important winter (December through March) feeding site for bald eagles. The movement of water below the dam prevents ice from forming so there's always access to an abundance of fish upon which the eagles may feed. Reservations for a visit to the controlled Eagle Observation Area are required; call 1-800-368-8954. There are restrictions placed on the number of visitors allowed at one time. This area is open only on specific dates from December to March. Tours of the station are available year-round for people 12 and older by prior arrangement. Call 1-800-286-5000 and ask for Norwalk extension 3463.
Directions: From Westbound I-84, take Exit 14 (Route 172). Turn right off exit ramp and left at stoplight. Proceed straight for 1 mile, turn left over high and immediately right onto Fish Rock Road for .6 mile. From Eastbound I-84, take Exit 13 (River Road). Turn right off exit ramp. Both routes now merge, and you should keep right on River Road and continue for 3.2 miles to the Shepaug Recreation Area. The river will be on your left.

Shepaug Dam Nature Trail The area is open for summer picnicing and fishing from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a nature trail with the theme Wildlife and Woodlore is available.

For more information:
Shepaug Hydroelectric Station
River Road, Southbury, CT

Nature Trail:Summer
This same area during the summer offers picnicing, fishing access, and a nature trail. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Directions: From Westbound I-84, take Exit 14 (Route 172). Turn right off exit ramp and left at stoplight. Proceed straight for 1 mile, turn left over high and immediately right onto Fish Rock Road for .6 mile. From Eastbound I-84, take Exit 13 (River Road). Turn right off exit ramp. Both routes now merge, and you should keep right on River Road and continue for 3.2 miles to the Shepaug Recreation Area. The river will be on your left.


Massachusetts

Tours, Science & Recreational Centers

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360
1-800-859-2960 or 413-659-3714

Energy and environmental programs, guided nature walks, cross-country skiing and lessons, recreational programs, interpretative riverboat tours, canoeing and more.

Fishways on the Connecticut River
Robert E. Barrett Fishway
Holyoke, MA

Open from end of April to mid-June. For reservations, call:
413-659-3714 or 1-800-859-2960

Turners Falls Fishway
Turners Falls, MA
Open from mid-May to June. For reservations, call:
413-659-3714 or 1-800-859-2960


New Hampshire

Tours, Science & Recreational Centers

The Science and Nature Center at Seabrook Station
Box 300, Route 1, Seabrook, NH 03874
1-800-338-7482
Energy programs, self-guiding nature trail, exhibits and more.

Fishways on the Merrimack River

Amoskeag Fishway: PSNH
Fletcher Street, Manchester, NH
Open from end of April to mid-June. Call: 603-626-FISH.


Volunteer Activities

NU recognizes that volunteers make significant contributions to the well-being of our communities. That's why the company actively encourages, supports and recognizes the volunteer community service of its employees, whether active or retired. We do this through a variety of company-sponsored group projects, Community Service Involvement grants, and a volunteer recognition awards program.

Encouraging and Supporting Volunteerism

We encourage Northeast Utilities (NU) people to volunteer in the community, whether on their own or through company-sponsored group volunteer projects.

Community Service Involvement Grants

We support the volunteer activities of our active and retired employees through our Community Service Involvement (CSI) grants program. An employee and retiree may obtain up to three CSI grants of $100 - $300 per year for volunteer activities they are involved in, in connection with qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Pencil Pals

One of our company-sponsored group volunteer projects is Pencil Pals. Through the Pencil Pals program, employees correspond with elementary public school students, primarily in inner cities and rural poor areas. Students are encouraged to read and write, and gain insights into the business world.

Recognizing Volunteerism
Volunteers of the Year Program

We're so proud of our volunteers that we honor them through the Volunteers of the Year program. Employees and retirees receive recognition at a variety of levels, and are awarded up to $2,000 for nonprofit organizations they help.

Speakers Bureau
Speakers are available to talk to groups about subjects such as:

To request a speaker just call 1-800-286-5000 and ask for your Regional Community Relations Department.


| Partnership Page | NU Home Page | Top of This Page |
©Northeast Utilities Service Company, 1996 All Rights Reserved