OUTREACH
At Downunder we take great joy in making paddling possible for everyone, especially those that are disadvantaged. Whether it is a physical or learning disability, a challenge such as autism, or Down syndrome, we are eager to help make your experience successful and fun.
The Westport location is fully handicapped accessible with an elevator from the parking garage to the store, and a ramp to the dock. Our capable staff is always available to assist in whatever manner necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Awareness, stewardship, and responsibility are always a priority at Downunder
It’s all about the water we paddle on! We are blessed with the wonderful resources of the Saugatuck River, the Five Mile River, and Long Island Sound. And we are privileged to be marine stewards – every one of us, from the youngest children through seniors, are encouraged to be aware of the environment we are paddling in and to make a difference.
Downunder offers beach and river clean-ups on a regular basis, inviting the public to join us and Save the Sound as we remove debris that has collected along the shores.
We keep an eye on the horseshoe crabs, assisting with tagging and recording tagged crabs, for the Limulus Project run out of Sacred Heart University.
Our guides will educate you on the habitat, pointing out the local flora and fauna, picking up any trash they see when they’re out there, leaving no trace – no impact – wherever we go, especially the islands. We share information taught by Harborwatch – what’s going on in the marine environment – how healthy it is, what we have to do with that. We show you what’s in the traps we keep on the river to monitor the activity of marine life – and share the excitement with our younger clients. Of course we empty them daily.
Many of our staff have science and environmental studies in their backgrounds, and bring that knowledge and passion to their job.
Harborwatch
A harbor and river quality monitoring agency that operates out of Earthplace in Westport, Harborwatch monitors the water quality of shallow water harbors, local estuaries, and watersheds in lower Fairfield County. Data collected is supplied to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) to aid in their study of hypoxic events in Long Island Sound. Such data is used to substantiate legislation to protect the waterways and restrict practices that cause its deterioration.
Downunder has helped with this process by collecting water samples, and sending staff out weekly to check the water temperature, salinity, oxygenation, connectivity, nutrients, and bacteria.
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