Hinsdale Celebrates World Fish Migration Day with Interactive River Events

This complimentary festival features activities that allow families to learn about the migration and survival of fish amid human-made obstacles.

A day-long event dedicated to the journey of migratory fish will take place at Millstream Riverfront Park on Main Street on Saturday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration is a collaborative effort among the town of Hinsdale, the Connecticut River Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire. This complimentary festival transforms the Ashuelot River into a hands-on educational venue featuring activities that allow families to learn about the migration and survival of fish amid human-made obstacles.

A highlight of the event will be a sturgeon touch tank, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey’s S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Lab, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with one of the ancient species native to the river. In addition to the touch tank, attendees will navigate a fish-passage obstacle course designed by the Connecticut River Conservancy and participate in various demonstrations, including stream-table activities, water quality monitoring, and wildlife observation. Creative projects like mural painting and button-making will also be part of the festivities, along with hourly screenings of the film Love Flows, which focuses on global fish restoration efforts.

The importance of this event is magnified by the current discussions surrounding the Fiske Mill Dam, located downstream from the park. Conservation organizations are optimistic that removing this dam could create access to over seven miles of upstream habitats, significantly benefiting migratory fish such as sea lamprey and shad. These species currently navigate past major dams on the Connecticut River but face barriers at Fiske, which lacks a fishway.

The Nature Conservancy, which acquired the dam last year through private donations, is in the process of determining whether to remove the structure or create an engineered fish passage. This exploration involves thorough evaluations, including engineering assessments and hydrologic modeling, in collaboration with state and federal partners. Town officials plan to provide updates as the analysis progresses, emphasizing that restoring the river connectivity will benefit both migratory species and the surrounding communities that depend on a vibrant river ecosystem.

World Fish Migration Day is commemorated in over 80 nations, highlighting the remarkable migrations undertaken by fish, some spanning thousands of miles. Further details can be found at nature.org/nhwfmd.