Our Roots

The Rockfall Foundation is committed to promoting natural resource conservation, environmental education and sustainable development in Middlesex County.
The Rockfall Foundation was founded in 1935 by Middletown philanthropist and conservationist Clarence S. Wadsworth, “to establish, maintain and care for parks and forests or wild land for the use and enjoyment of the public…” Named for the waterfalls in present day Wadsworth Falls State Park, it is one of Connecticut’s oldest organizations committed to promoting natural resource conservation, sustainable development and environmental education in Middlesex County.

Educational programs Through its education and conservation programs, symposia, public forums, leadership meetings and informal networking groups, Rockfall seeks to help build consensus around environmental issues and policies. The foundation also holds and maintains open-space properties in the county that serve as models for forestry management practices.

Grants for environmental projects Each year the foundation awards grants to nonprofit groups, municipalities and educators to help launch and support environmental sustainability and outreach projects throughout the county. Rockfall is especially committed to initiatives that engage children and college students.

Historic roots Rockfall owns and maintains its offices in the historic, 18th-century deKoven House, on lower Washington Sgtreet near the banks of the Connecticut River in Middletown . As a community meeting center the deKoven serves as a hub for environmental nonprofits and other service groups in the county.

Service & leadership The foundation’s staff and Board of Directors and staff together are responsible for creating and implementing Rockfall’s programs. They rely on the help of member volunteers throughout Middlesex County, who serve on the foundation’s committees and support the green grants and education programs with annual membership donations and contributions.

Please check the News and Events pages for up to date activity and event listings.