Janelle Steiner's FCRW Fundraiser

For me, the Chemung River is so much more than the water flowing past its banks. It’s a place of connection, discovery, relaxation, and fun. Ever since I was little, I have loved being near, on, and swimming in the water (just ask my family)! Even more, I love being able to share that reverence with others and turn my passion into a purpose through my work with Friends of the Chemung River Watershed (FCRW). Every day is an opportunity to help people connect with the river, understand why protecting it matters, and learn how they can make a difference.

At FCRW, we work year-round to protect this invaluable resource and connect our community with the river through education, environmental stewardship, and safe recreational opportunities. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone experience the joy of being on the water for the first time or watching a child discover something new about the plants and animals that depend on it. Those moments remind me why this work matters so much! 

💚 We Protect Our Watershed

A healthy river starts with a clean watershed. Through monthly watershed cleanups, our River Guardians program, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we work to keep our riverbanks clean and prevent garbage and debris from entering our waterways.

Thanks to our amazing, dedicated volunteers, we've removed more than 4.5 tons of garbage and debris from our watershed so far this year!

🛶 We Connect People with the River

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Chemung River! During the warmer months, we offer nearly 15 discounted beginner paddle workshops and guided kayak excursions, helping community members discover the joy of being on the water while learning to recreate safely.

🦺 We Teach River Safety

River safety is at the heart of everything we do. Through engaging river safety education programs offered in partnership with local organizations, we teach children and families how to stay safe in and around the water, including how to properly wear a life jacket.

Thanks to the generous support of Hesselson's Hot Tubs & Pools, we were able to provide more than 200 free life jackets to community members this year! 

🌱 We Inspire the Next Generation

Protecting our watershed starts with understanding why it matters. Through youth summer camps, educational workshops, and family-friendly activities, we give children and adults hands-on opportunities to explore the river, discover local wildlife, learn why clean water matters, and understand how they can help protect the environment.

With more than 100 programs offered annually, we strive to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and build a community that cares about our watershed.

💙 You Can Make a Splash Too!

Every gift, no matter the size, can make a big difference. Your support helps FCRW protect our watershed, connect our community with the river, and keep this invaluable resource clean, safe, and accessible for generations to come.