Anderson Earns ShoreRivers Award for Environmental Stewardship

From left: Isabel Hardesty, Executive Director of ShoreRivers; Jane Anderson; William Anderson, II, this year’s winner of the ShoreRivers Award for Environmental Stewardship; Marian Fry, Chair of ShoreRivers’ Board of Directors; and Matt Pluta, Choptank Riverkeeper and ShoreRivers’ Director of Riverkeeper Programs, are pictured at the organization’s Rendezvous at the Farmstead on October 20.

On October 20, William A. Anderson, II was named the 2024 recipient of the ShoreRivers Award for Environmental Stewardship during the organization’s Rendezvous at the Farmstead event at Kent Island Resort. This annual award recognizes an individual or entity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for their transformational accomplishments as a steward of the environment.

After 40 years of practicing environmental law, Anderson brought his commitment to environmental and water quality protection to the Eastern Shore in 2012. At that time, he joined the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy (one of ShoreRivers’ three legacy organizations), where he became a loyal volunteer, staff mentor, trusted advisor, and Board member. He was recognized as its volunteer of the year in 2018. He later served as an integral part of the merger committee that gave birth to ShoreRivers, an inaugural member of its Board and later its Executive Committee, and as Chair of the Advocacy Committee.

“It would be hard to overstate the role Bill Anderson has played at ShoreRivers,” said Matt Pluta, Choptank Riverkeeper and ShoreRivers’ Director of Riverkeeper Programs. “He has helped give direction and legal counsel to many of our staff and Riverkeepers on important environmental issues. He's been a volunteer, a community connector, and a leading advocate for clean rivers in Talbot County. And for the past 10 years in my role as Choptank Riverkeeper, he's been a mentor and a friend. It's an honor to recognize him in this way.”

Locally, Anderson has served on the Public Works Advisory Board for Talbot County for nine years, much of that time as its Chair. In that position, he led the board in opposing the connection of the new Lakeside development to the Trappe wastewater treatment plant. He also led it in supporting water quality improvement projects, such as sewer extensions to existing developments along Maryland Route 33 and to Bozman, Neavitt, and the Eastern Villages. Thanks to those projects, nitrogen contributions from hundreds of septic systems into our creeks and rivers will be eliminated.

Upon accepting the custom-made award—a moon vase, created by Eastern Shore artist Marilee Schumann with sand from a Choptank tributary cherished by the family—Anderson graciously acknowledged the many other volunteers he credits with these collective successes. Isabel Hardesty, Executive Director, and Marian Fry, Board Chair, presented the award on behalf of the organization.

ShoreRivers — and more than 150 supporters in attendance at the event — were proud to recognize Anderson for the significant amount of time and effort he has dedicated to fight on behalf of what's right for the rivers we all cherish. Visit shorerivers.org to learn more about this award and the organization’s impact on the Eastern Shore.

ShoreRivers' Monitoring Season Includes First Ever Bacteria Blitz

Volunteer SwimTester Lauren Atwood collects a water sample at Hillsboro Landing, located on Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County, for ShoreRivers’ 2024 Swimmable ShoreRivers Bacteria Monitoring Program.

Each summer, ShoreRivers works to provide the public with information needed to make educated decisions about contact with our rivers and creeks. This year, ShoreRivers monitored bacteria levels at 52 sites around the region — providing a critical public health service for communities and identifying pollution hotspots for future restoration efforts. 

A team of community scientists called SwimTesters volunteer their time to test these popular swimming and boating sites weekly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and generous site sponsors cover a portion of the associated costs. Their samples are then processed, according to standard scientific protocols, in ShoreRivers in-house labs and tested for enterococci — an indicator of fecal bacteria. The program follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard protocols for collecting and analyzing samples and makes public the results of that testing to let people know about current bacteria levels as they make their plans for recreating in our waterways. Reports detailing how the sites in each watershed performed throughout the 2024 season can be found at shorerivers.org/technical-documents.  

Volunteer SwimTester Dona Sorce collects a water sample at Crouse Park in Denton for ShoreRivers’ 2024 Swimmable ShoreRivers Bacteria Monitoring Program.

“Over the past four years, ShoreRivers has grown this program from 32 testing sites across our region to more than 50, made our communications bilingual, and installed informational signs in many access locations to connect the public to our data in real time,” says Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards. “We are incredibly proud of this effort, and our growth is a testament to how much our communities value and respond to this critical data. Bacteria levels have a direct impact on how we recreate in these waterways, and it’s up to all of us to find solutions.”

New for this year was the creation of the first ever Bacteria Blitz, where ShoreRivers’ members were invited to collect water samples from their own property or at their favorite swimming area for testing. The goal was to offer the community a chance to see a snapshot of what the bacteria levels looked like off their property while providing our Riverkeepers with insight as to where else high bacteria levels are found outside of the sites that are routinely sampled. Results of the Blitz (conducted on a day when light rain was recorded 24–28 hours prior at most sites) showed that of the 52 samples collected and processed, 34% failed to meet the recreational water quality.

“Our ability to swim in our rivers shouldn’t be taken away because of pollution,” said Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta, who also serves as ShoreRivers’ Director of Riverkeeper Programs. “This program was incredibly valuable in understanding where bacteria issues exist outside of our normal testing sites so we can start to dig into finding and eliminating any potential sources.”

Bacteria typically comes from local sources like failing septic systems and faulty sewer lines, pet and animal waste left along the shoreline or washed in with stormwater runoff, and the use of some organic fertilizers like poultry manure. All participants with the Blitz were provided their own results, plus information on how to connect with their health department, and resources available for addressing issues stemming from septic systems and other known sources of bacteria pollution. Based on the interest in, and success of, this effort, ShoreRivers hopes to offer the Bacteria Blitz again next season.

ShoreRivers Receives Funding for River-Friendly Yards Programming

ShoreRivers’ Landscape Architect, Katie Drummond (right), works with a student at Galena Elementary School to add native plants to a rain garden installed at the school. Funding for the planting was generously provided by the Robert F. Schumann Foundation.

ShoreRivers is thrilled to announce that it has received a three-year grant from the Robert F. Schumann Foundation to support its River-Friendly Yards program.

ShoreRivers’ River-Friendly Yards program combines community education with hands-on, roots-in-the-ground restoration planting projects. With this generous funding, ShoreRivers will be able to activate more planting projects with more communities, and provide the maintenance that is critical to the ongoing success of existing projects. This funding also supports continuing education for the workforce that cares for our river-friendly landscapes, allowing more local landscapers and municipal employees to be trained and certified in environmentally responsible practices.

Staff members and volunteers for ShoreRivers gather to finish installing native plants at a rain garden installed at Galena Elementary School. Funding for the planting was generously provided by the Robert F. Schumann Foundation.

The Schumann Foundation and ShoreRivers share goals of stewarding and restoring our environment, increasing diverse natural habitat, and educating our communities. ShoreRivers protects Maryland's Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. Data show that the majority of pollution in our rivers is coming from within our watersheds, which means every one of us has the potential to improve the health of our waterways. This program helps people see the inextricable connection between land and water. A river-friendly yard mimics the natural environment to benefit water quality, native birds and pollinators, and our local ecosystem. Strengthening this program into a regional, multi-year effort that engages municipalities, homeowners’ associations, landscape professionals, legislators, developers, and even more communities will greatly increase its impact at a critical time for habitat and water quality.

With the flexible, steadfast support of the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, ShoreRivers will continue to expand the visibility and impact of this positive, powerful program for the good of our waterways, birds, pollinators, and communities. Learn more at shorerivers.org/river-friendly-yards.

Request for Qualifications: Design and/or Implementation of Restoration Projects

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN AND/OR IMPLEMENTATION OF RESTORATION PROJECTS

Issue Date: October 3, 2024
Submission Date: October 31, 2024

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO: trosen@shorerivers.org

1) overview

ShoreRivers protects Eastern Shore waterways through science based advocacy, restoration, education, and community engagement. ShoreRivers works with a diverse group of public and private stakeholders and funders to advance implementation of conservation projects to improve water quality and habitat.

The purpose of this request for qualifications (RFQ) is to identify qualified design and/or construction firms to assist ShoreRivers in developing and executing design and/or implementation restoration projects for federal or state grants/awards/contracts. The geographic focus of this RFQ is the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware. The selected design and/or construction partner(s) will assist with wetland restoration/creation, stream restoration, and living shoreline projects funded through such entities as Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Maryland Department of the Environment, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States Environmental Protection Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

ShoreRivers is seeking to competitively qualify 3 to 6 design and/or implementation partners with expertise in project development, survey, design, permitting, construction/implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and long-term management of wetland restoration, stream restoration, and living shoreline projects. The selected firms will assist with the development of federal and state grant funded proposals and, if those grants are awarded, the execution of the proposed projects.

This RFQ is public and competitive based on qualifications outlined in subsequent sections. Project values for this RFQ are typically between $30,000 and $2,000,000. Selected firms will be considered a qualified contractor to ShoreRivers for a period of three years without having to reapply.

2) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

A.) INQUIRIES

All inquiries related to this RFQ are to be directed via email to Timothy Rosen, ShoreRivers Director of Agriculture and Restoration ShoreRivers, at trosen@shorerivers.org.

B.) CLOSING DATE

Submissions must be made electronically to Timothy Rosen at trosen@shorerivers.org. All submissions must be in PDF format, by 3:00 PM on October 31. Hard copies will not be accepted. An email will be sent to confirm submission has been received on time.

C.) late responses

Late responses will not be accepted and will not be opened.

D.) review and selection

The goal of ShoreRivers contracting and procurement is to ensure the best use of public and private funds that follows the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procurement guidelines. This is a public and competitive RFQ and ShoreRivers will use a fair, ethical, responsible, and transparent request and review process.

Proposals will be reviewed by ShoreRivers staff. The reviewers will check responses for completeness based on the requested items below. Proposals that are missing required components will be disqualified. Proposals submitted that meet the criteria might be followed up with a request for a virtual meeting before final selection of qualified firms. This RFQ is not a binding contract to purchase goods or services.

3) proposals/services

Responses shall include the following information that will be utilized by the selection committee to determine qualifications and rankings:Firms that are qualified through this RFQ will be expected to perform the tasks outlined below, with the precise scope to be detailed in written contract(s) on a per project proposal basis. ShoreRivers maintains all final approval on design approach, details, construction, and adaptive management decisions, and contractors will work closely with and defer to the ShoreRivers Project Manager to ensure project integrity, preserve the restoration intent, and to maintain quality control on all aspects of design and construction.

a) Grant Proposal Development

i) Meet with ShoreRivers staff to discuss future projects and funding opportunities and discuss the status of proposals that are being worked on jointly.

ii) Prepare concept level drawings of proposed restoration practices including but not limited to wetlands, stream restoration, urban green stormwater, and living shorelines.

iii) Prepare price budget(s) based on guidance from ShoreRivers staff that includes items such as but not limited to all design components/deliverables, insurance, permitting, and implementation.

iv) Coordinate with regulators, government officials, communities and other stakeholders who will play important roles in permitting.

v) Assist ShoreRivers staff in the writing, editing, and development of necessary content for each grant proposal.

b) Funded Design

i) Complete 100% permitted design on a fixed price and/or full delivery basis assuming all project-based risk and financial liability.

ii) Coordinate with all permitting agencies and file and secure all necessary documents/information/approvals.

iii) Complete final 100% construction ready and permitted drawings that achieve the primary goals/objectives and metrics, such as, but not limited to, estimated pounds. of nutrients and sediment reduced and habitat acres, as outlined in the funded proposal.

iv) Complete the design under the agreed upon budget with the understanding that funds are limited by the final approved grant budget and ShoreRivers cannot pay more than what is budgeted in the funding grant.

v) Respondents should indicate whether they have the capacity to assume all project-based costs and work under “pay for performance” models, in the event such funding arrangements are applicable This capacity is not a qualifier under this RFQ and will not influence whether a respondent is deemed qualified under other funding arrangements.

vi) Provide engineering oversight during project construction.

vii) Complete and submit as-built drawings.

c) Funded Implementation/Construction

i) Complete 100% constructed restoration project and/or permit required monitoring and/or maintenance on a fixed price and/or full delivery basis (i.e. receive payment as environmental outcomes are achieved and verified), assuming all project based risk and financial liability.

ii) Prior to construction, coordinate with ShoreRivers and permitting agencies to schedule and attend a pre-construction meeting.

iii) Oversee all construction activities, including furnishing all services and materials needed to complete the project.

iv) Coordinate with ShoreRivers throughout the entire construction process and supply updates per contract.

v) If required, complete mandatory monitoring per permit and any maintenance requirements, prepare and submit performance reports to permitting agencies and ShoreRivers staff to review.

4) evaluation criteria

a) General Qualifications

i) Recent (within the last three years) experience in delivering wetland, stream, and/or living shoreline designs and/or implementation.

ii) Willing to travel across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delaware and have in-person meetings in Easton, MD, Chestertown, MD, and/or Galena, MD as well as at project sites.

b) Experience

i) Demonstrated experience in the design, permitting, budgeting, implementation, and long-term monitoring and maintenance of restoration/conservation projects on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and/or Delaware.

ii) Experience working with grant funding from, but not limited to, Chesapeake Bay Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, Maryland Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

iii) Adequate basis of insurance, assets, and/or bonding to pursue one or more project types as described previously.

iv) Experience implementing fixed price and/or full delivery contracts (see 3.c.i) for the types of projects described previously.

v) Ability to accept payment on a reimbursement basis with the ability to remain flexible due to unpredictable timing of federal and/or state payments.

vi) Ability to adhere to all federal and/or state regulations/provisions for contracting, subcontracting, and furnishing materials, as specified in any particular grant that is funding a project. Such pass-through regulations/provisions will be specified by ShoreRivers at the time of contracting for each project.

vii) Experience working with agricultural landowners and farmers.

5) submission requirements

a) Please fill out the narrative form attached to this RFQ that includes

i) Identification of services (design, design/build, build) your firm is interested in being considered for.

ii) Identification of project types your firm is interested in being considered for.

iii) At least three examples of each project type your firm has selected with identification of services provided (design, design/build/construction).

iv) Resumes of key team members.

v) Approximate cost for “typical” grant tasks with the understanding that actual scope and costs will be agreed upon based on project-specific details after the firm is deemed qualified and grant funding is secured.

vi) Disclosure of all conflicts of interest.

vii) Attach a short written narrative in addition to the Narrative Form that covers 4. Evaluation Criteria.

6) equal opportunity

Equal opportunity is a fundamental principle at ShoreRivers, where selection of contractors is based upon capabilities and qualifications without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, military status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. ShoreRivers conducts its activities and practices in a manner that fully complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing equal opportunity.

Some grantors set procurement guidelines for different inclusion goals such as, but not limited to, minority and/or women owned businesses and ShoreRivers will comply with each funding agency's solicitation requirements. Due to the variability of procurement requirements, for the purposes of this RFQ, there are no set inclusion goal requirements.

7) conflict of interest

ShoreRivers actively avoids any relationship or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, the company's ability to make objective and fair decisions. Respondents should take conflict of interest seriously and disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest that could harm ShoreRivers if a working agreement is executed. This should be included in the application package and ShoreRivers will consider the degree of potential conflict and decide if this precludes the respondent from working with ShoreRivers.

8) limitations

ShoreRivers reserves the right to select and reject respondents at its discretion or terminate this request at any time. If the number or quality of respondents does not achieve ShoreRivers RFQ goals then this same request will be reopened. Firms may re-apply to the reopened RFQ with updated or corrected material and be re-evaluated by ShoreRivers.

Neither this RFQ or any subsequent follow up, unless explicitly stated, constitutes a contract between ShoreRivers and the respondent. Selection of a firm by ShoreRivers does not guarantee a contract, which is dependent on securing funding on a per project basis. Final contracting, project scope, and fees will vary depending on funding source. ShoreRivers reserves the right to award any or all specific project contracts outside of this RFQ through a standard bid process, and does not guarantee any specific project contracts as a result of this RFQ process. Each restoration project contract award budget and scope of work will be reviewed by ShoreRivers and negotiated before a contract is signed.

Proposals that are late or do not cover everything requested in this RFQ will be disqualified and not reviewed.

Rendezvous at the Farmstead with ShoreRivers

Join ShoreRivers at Kent Island Resort for an afternoon of casual cocktails and canapés, plus a chance to learn more about its most important programming, at this year’s Rendezvous at the Farmstead on Sunday, October 20. For tickets and sponsorship information, please visit shorerivers.org/event/rendezvous2024.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce that its highly anticipated fall Rendezvous event is returning for a third year, with guests invited to the Farmstead at Kent Island Resort on Sunday, October 20, from 1–4pm.

Secure your spot now to enjoy an autumn afternoon on Thompson Creek while celebrating the people and programs of ShoreRivers. A premium open bar, lively Americana music graciously provided by Easton-based music group Ampersand, and a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu will be served.  

Photo courtesy of Kent Island Resort

“Connecting ShoreRivers’ work to some of the best things our rivers have to offer — delicious, regional fare, an exceptional atmosphere, and passionate advocates — is key to restoring and protecting these waterways,” says Executive Director Isabel Hardesty. Guests will have the chance to underwrite the impact of that work in priority local conservation efforts through four engaging program stations. We’re grateful for the early support of lead sponsors Watson/Stone Family Foundation, Timothy & Lisa Wyman, and Full Sail Media to make this fun and purposeful event possible.

To add to the festivities, ShoreRivers will present its annual Award for Environmental Stewardship to William A. Anderson, II in recognition of his influential role as a local leader. Anderson has served as a lead advocate on environmental issues at the federal level in Washington, DC and in the Mid-Shore region of Maryland’s Eastern Shore since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. A ShoreRivers board member for five years and former Vice Chair, he has graciously lent his expertise on numerous, important advocacy issues. We’re proud to recognize the significant amount of time and effort he has put in to support ShoreRivers, and to fight on behalf of what’s right for the rivers we all cherish.

Sponsorship opportunities (which include promotional recognition and complimentary tickets), and general tickets are available. Visit shorerivers.org/events to secure your spot, or email Rebekah at rhock@shorerivers.org for details.

ShoreRivers to Partner with Caroline County Recreation and Parks

ShoreRivers and Caroline County Recreation and Parks are excited to be partnering to bring new outdoor experiences to Caroline County fifth-graders next summer. Funding for this program is generously provided by a grant from the North American Association for Environmental Education, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and supported by the U.S. Department of Education.

ShoreRivers is proud to announce a new partnership with Caroline County Recreation and Parks to co-develop and implement programming where fifth-grade students will investigate the question: “are our rivers swimmable and fishable?” Planning stages for this new initiative have already begun, and programming will take place next summer.

Through this program, students will learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while also building leadership and advocacy skills by participating in exciting hands-on learning activities and connecting to nature. Highlights of the program include visiting multiple county parks; conducting biological, chemical, and physical assessments of water quality; canoeing; fishing for invasive species using state catch and consumption advisories; engaging with scientists and other environmental careers; and planning and implementing student-driven action projects. 

Funding for this exciting new program is also coming from a new source for ShoreRivers. The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and supported by $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education, is now working with 12 environmental education organizations to offer engaging after-school watershed-focused STEM programs.

“This funding enables us to ignite in our youth a passion for their local waterways, ultimately inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards through hands-on exploration of the Choptank and Nanticoke rivers,” said Morgan Buchanan, ShoreRivers’ Education Programs Coordinator. “ShoreRivers is thrilled for this new partnership with Caroline County Recreation and Parks and to be working together to cultivate a community of students who have a critical understanding of how our actions on land directly impact the health of our rivers.”

The grant funding for this program, administered by NAAEE and running from 2024–2025, supports environmental education organizations collaborating directly with state designated Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers and their students, many of whom live in underserved areas. Caroline County Recreation and Parks operates one of only three 21st Century Community Learning Centers on the Eastern Shore.

“Many of the children we work with are woefully disconnected from the waterways that surround and run through our county,” said Danny Mitchell, Program Services Director for Caroline County Recreation and Parks. “Working with ShoreRivers allows us to start addressing that disconnect, while also meeting our goal of working with content experts to bring unique opportunities and experiences to our summer campers.” 

In addition to providing year-round recreation opportunities, maintaining nearly 500 acres of public land, and managing over $9 million in capital projects and grants, Caroline County Recreation and Parks serves over 1,000 students each year through comprehensive out of school time programming taking place afterschool and in summer camps operating in elementary schools across the county. Visit carolinerecreation.org to learn more. Caroline County Summer Learning Centers are funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Maryland Out-of-School Time Programs for the Future grant program administered by the Maryland State Department of Education. In accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education’s policy, 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs.

ShoreRivers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. We lead a robust environmental education program that serves more than 2,500 third-grade and high school biology students every year in Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Kent county schools, and provide students with a Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) — a Maryland State graduation requirement. ShoreRivers leads classroom lessons, field experiences, community-focused action projects, and teacher professional development. Learn more at shorerivers.org/education.

Book Discussions to Highlight Rivers of the Eastern Shore

ShoreRivers will be hosting a pair of book discussions on September 17 and October 17 that will feature the second edition of Hulbert Footner’s Rivers of the Eastern Shore. To learn more, visit shorerivers.org/events.

Calling all readers! This fall, ShoreRivers is offering two free opportunities to take an immersive journey into the history of Maryland's Eastern Shore, exploring the role its rivers play in our way of life — then, now, and in the future.

Scheduled for September 17 and October 17, this pair of special book discussions will feature the second edition of Hulbert Footner’s Rivers of the Eastern Shore, with a foreword by Tom Horton. Each session will be facilitated by special guests Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus of the Cape Gazette in Lewes, DE; and Karen Footner, granddaughter of the book’s author.

As summarized by Shiffer Publishing, Footner's book tells the captivating story of Maryland’s Eastern Shore through colorful narratives of 17 fascinating rivers. Starting from the arrival of European settlers and their encounters with Indigenous people, Footner’s story continues through the early 20th century. Each river has its own unique story, character, and beauty, lovingly detailed during his travels. Footner writes in vivid, glowing prose about the Eastern Shore's people, customs, towns, and houses. He delves into its politics, economics, and rich history, covering events from the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War, to the trade of enslaved Africans and the oyster wars.  

The first presentation, from 2–4pm on Thursday, September 17, will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Chestertown. Hosted in partnership with the Historical Society of Kent County, this discussion will focus on the Chester and Sassafras chapters of the book and feature Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards and Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher.

The second is scheduled for 2–4pm on Thursday, October 17, and will be held at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center in Easton. The discussion for this session will focus on the Choptank, Miles, and Wye river chapters and feature Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta and Miles-Wye Riverkeeper Ben Ford.  

Copies of Rivers of the Eastern Shore, which were generously donated to the organization by Bill Birkhead, are available for purchase at ShoreRivers’ Easton office (114 S. Washington Street, Suite 301). The Bookplate in Chestertown (112 S. Cross Street, Suite D) also has copies available for purchase. To learn more, visit shorerivers.org/events.

ShoreRivers Announces 2024 Photo Contest

A winning submission from the ShoreRivers 2023 photo contest taken by Kim Warrell. For a chance to have your photograph featured, submit a picture of your local watershed to the 2024 contest. Details and contest rules can be found at  shorerivers.org/photo-contest.

Have you ever been told you have an eye for capturing the moment? Perhaps a passion for photography? Do you love your local waterways and want to promote and protect them? ShoreRivers is running our annual photo contest from August 15 through October 31, so snap a picture and send it our way! Your photo could be seen across the Eastern Shore — contest photos are featured in ShoreRivers’ print and digital publications as well as at our events, which collectively reach thousands of people each year.

A winning submission from the ShoreRivers 2023 photo contest taken by Liz Candler.

We are looking for images that highlight the beauty and resilience of the Eastern Shore waterways that ShoreRivers works to protect and restore through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. This year, we are particularly interested in images that exemplify our new vision statement: Thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities. Shore rivers are your rivers, and we want to see your representation of the beloved natural resources that we all strive to conserve.
Contest winners will be announced December 1 via email and on social media. Winners will be chosen based on how well their images reflect the mission and values of ShoreRivers. There will be four winners for each watershed — Choptank; Miles, Wye, and Eastern Bay; Sassafras and Bayside Creeks; and Chester — for a total of 16 winners.

A winning submission from the ShoreRivers 2023 photo contest taken by Shelley Yeager.

Photographers will be credited for their work and may submit up to four photos. Images must be taken in ShoreRivers’ geography. For additional contest rules and details, please visit shorerivers.org/photo-contest.

Raft-Up Concert Returns to Shaw Bay in the Wye River

The Eastport Oyster Boys and the Wye River Band will perform at the annual Shaw Bay Raft-Up Concert near the mouth of the Wye River on Saturday, September 7, from 3–6 pm.

Celebrate the end of summer with ShoreRivers at the Shaw Bay Raft-Up Concert from 3–6 pm on Saturday, September 7. The Eastport Oyster Boys will be making their 21st appearance and the Wye River Band will be back for their fifth at this free concert, which aims to raise funds and awareness for clean water efforts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

This annual benefit concert is a must for mariners of all kinds. Boat in to Shaw Bay near the mouth of the Wye River and then join the floating raft up on your dinghy, paddle board, or kayak to enjoy a front row seat to the live concert. Visit shorerivers.org/events to find sponsorship opportunities, a map of nearby locations from which to launch your vessel, and to sign up to receive text updates on the event.

While the concert is free, donations are welcome, with all proceeds helping to promote the clean water initiatives of ShoreRivers on the Miles and Wye rivers and in Eastern Bay. ShoreRivers is grateful for the generous sponsorship of John & Jill Murray, St. Michaels Marina, Bosun’s Marine, and Leigh Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.  

ShoreRivers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. Our local waterways are polluted by excess nutrients and sediment that run off of urban, suburban, agricultural, and commercial land. ShoreRivers is dedicated to implementing real solutions through programs and projects to improve the health of these waterways. To learn more, please visit shorerivers.org.

To sign up to receive Shaw Bay Raft-Up Concert updates, text shawbayconcert to 443.302.3844. Event questions may be directed to Courtney Leigh at cleigh@shorerivers.org.

ShoreRivers to Host 20th Annual Ride for Clean Rivers

Cyclists are invited to participate in the 20th annual Ride for Clean Rivers on Sunday, September 15. Visit shorerivers.org/events to register and for additional details.  

On Sunday, September 15, ShoreRivers will host its 20th Ride for Clean Rivers—a chance for cyclists to ride the beautiful back roads of Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties in support of the organization’s work for thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities.

Riders of all ages and levels are welcome to register for fully supported Metric Century (62-mile), 35-mile, or 20-mile routes. All routes begin and end at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills and include SAG support from Queen Anne's County Amateur Radio Club, and rest stops with food and drink from Sprout.  

Staggered group send-offs at 8am and 9am will include a police escort across Route 50. Upon returning to the college campus, riders and volunteers will enjoy a boxed lunch from Sprout and beer from Ten Eyck Brewery. Participants are also encouraged to join teams and create their own fundraising pages to boost support for their ride from others.

ShoreRivers extends special thanks to these partners: Chesapeake College, Sprout, Bike Doctor Kent Island, Ten Eyck Brewing Company, TriCycle & Run, as well as volunteers from the Talbot Skipjacks 4-H Club, and Queen Anne's County Amateur Radio Club.  

All proceeds from this event support ShoreRivers’ science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement programs. Registration prices will increase as the event nears, so sign up now! To register as a rider or sponsor, visit shorerivers.org/event/rideforcleanrivers2024. Any questions can be directed to Lindsey at lbuckless@shorerivers.org.

ShoreRivers Uses Grant Funding to Benefit Local Waterways

Thanks to funding from the Watershed Assistance Grant Program, ShoreRivers is working with a local contractor to design a living shoreline to restore this eroding shoreline that acts as a barrier protecting marinas, a public boat launch, docks, homes, and other infrastructure located along Little Creek Road in Chester, MD. This is one of four design projects ShoreRivers has secured funding for that will protect waterways on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

ShoreRivers is proud to be in the midst of four separate projects to develop and design conservation and best management practices that will, in turn, protect local waterways.

The restorative design of a headwater stream on the mainstem of the Sassafras River is the focus of one project as part of a holistic, nature-based conservation approach for the property. ShoreRivers has contracted Ecotone for the design, which will concentrate on reconnecting the historic floodplain and developing a dynamic stream/wetland complex that will provide stormwater storage, nutrient processing, habitat uplift, downstream flood mitigation and resiliency, and carbon sequestration.

Another project is a continuation of work completed in 2020 that restored wetlands on a large grain farm on the headwaters of Black Duck Creek and the Little Bohemia. Phase II of the project will work downstream of those initial practices, restoring the historic coastal plain by reconnecting floodplain wetlands, groundwater, and the stream channel. Sustainable Science has been contracted for the Phase II work, focusing on three drainages, each with a slightly different approach, that will restore 3,100 linear feet of stream and 5–7 acres of floodplain wetland.

Thanks to funding from the Watershed Assistance Grant Program, ShoreRivers is working with a local contractor to design a living shoreline to restore this eroding shoreline that acts as a barrier protecting marinas, a public boat launch, docks, homes, and other infrastructure located along Little Creek Road in Chester, MD. This is one of four design projects ShoreRivers has secured funding for that will protect waterways on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

A third project—on a peninsular shoreline separating Little Creek from Crab Alley Bay in Chester, MD—seeks to address increasing erosion. Underwood & Associates is contracted to design a living shoreline to restore this quickly eroding 500 feet of shoreline, which serves as a natural barrier protecting marinas, a public boat launch, docks, homes, and other infrastructure located along Little Creek Road. The living shoreline will mitigate wave energy, reduce erosion, and support sand accretion and, once implemented, will result in 838 feet of resilient living shoreline and 40,825 square feet of tidal marsh habitat.

Each of these projects is generously funded through the Watershed Assistance Grant Program, a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection. This program provides support for watershed restoration project designs and permitting and for watershed planning and programmatic development.  

With funding through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, the fourth project will address flooding concerns in Rock Hall, MD. To complement and support the Town of Rock Hall’s own adoption of green infrastructure and stormwater practices, ShoreRivers will be developing concept-level plans for the Rock Hall Civic Center and the Rock Hall Ball Park, and investigate and prepare design solutions for a stormwater issue at Rock Hall Elementary School. These three plans will identify stormwater projects and green infrastructure opportunities that, when implemented, will better control stormwater, enhance community enjoyment, increase habitat and biodiversity, and reduce runoff and pollutants in stormwater entering the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay.

ShoreRivers is a leader in designing, funding, and managing major restoration projects to reduce the sediments and nutrients that pollute our waterways. We work with our community to install projects on county-owned properties, private lands, school campuses, town properties, and church lands. Visit shorerivers.org to learn more.

Swimmable ShoreRivers Program Returns for 2024

This summer, ShoreRivers and a team of volunteer SwimTesters will monitor bacteria levels at 50 sites around the region, providing a critical public health service for communities and identifying pollution hotspots for future restoration efforts. To see weekly results and program details, visit shorerivers.org/swim.

ShoreRivers is pleased to announce its Swimmable ShoreRivers bacteria testing program will return for the season on Thursday, May 23, and that weekly results from this annual program will once again be available this year in both English and Spanish.

Every summer, ShoreRivers deploys a team of community scientists to monitor bacteria levels at popular swimming and boating sites to provide important human health risk information to the public. Their samples are then processed, according to standard scientific protocols, in ShoreRivers in-house labs. The program follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard protocols for collecting and analyzing samples and makes public the results of that testing to let people know about current bacteria levels as they make their plans for recreating in our waterways. Results are posted every Friday, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, at shorerivers.org/swim and on both the organization’s and its individual Riverkeepers’ social media pages.

A second page, shorerivers.org/swimmable-shorerivers-espanol, was set up last year to share this program with the Spanish-speaking community, and 14 signs can be found at public sites around the Eastern Shore that explain the goals of the Swimmable ShoreRivers program and show users where to find weekly results in both English and Spanish. These signs (and the program at large) are made possible thanks to funding from the Cornell Douglas Foundation, and ShoreRivers’ Riverkeepers will continue working with local county officials to install more.

Weekly results are also shared on theswimguide.org, where descriptions of testing sites are available in both languages. This public service is a true community effort: this summer, 67 SwimTesters will monitor 50 sites on the Choptank, Miles, Wye, Chester, and Sassafras rivers; Eastern Bay; and the Bayside Creeks. Special thanks go to our generous site sponsors, who include towns, marinas, homeowners associations, and families.

The Swimmable ShoreRivers program serves our community in a way that no other program, organization, agency, or data set does. In Maryland, if the state or local government designates an area as a swimming beach, then bacteria monitoring and reporting is required. However, a major gap exists on the Eastern Shore as very few areas are designated swimming beaches, and the results from those that are, are rarely posted publicly or in a timely manner.

“We work with our local community every day, and we know they're interacting with our rivers in dozens of locations from Dorchester to Cecil County,” says Matt Pluta, Director of Riverkeeper Programs at ShoreRivers. “It's our goal to make sure those individuals have available to them the information they need to know—namely, whether the water is safe for them to recreate in from a bacteria pollution standpoint. Swimmable ShoreRivers strives to enhance physical access to our local rivers, as well as access to data and information to help our community make informed decisions about how, when, and where we choose to enjoy our incredible natural resources.”

Also returning for the 2024 season is ShoreRivers’ Pumpout Boat. The Pumpout Boat is a free service offered on the Miles and Wye rivers, that docks at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels and operates from May to mid-November. With your help, this boat will help prevent more than 20,000 gallons of concentrated marine waste from entering our waters annually. To schedule a pump-out, contact Captain Jim Freeman at 410-829-4352, on VHF Channel 9, email POBCaptJim@gmail.com, or by using the form at shorerivers.org/programs/pumpout-boat.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with ShoreRivers

Join ShoreRivers on June 29 for the return of its annual Solstice Celebration—a big-tent party on the banks of the Chester River featuring local food and drinks, live music and dancing, and an exciting live auction! Visit shorerivers.org/events to learn more.

Join ShoreRivers this summer for its beloved big-tent party on the banks of the Chester River!

Scheduled for Saturday, June 29, at Wilmer Park in Chestertown, ShoreRivers’ annual Solstice Celebration includes an open bar with Ten Eyck beer, Crow Vineyards wine, and a signature cocktail; hors d’oeuvres and a full buffet dinner with dessert; and live music and dancing. The celebration begins at 6pm and continues through dusk with a rousing live auction where guests will bid on exceptional artwork, trips to enticing destinations, and more.

“The solstice indicates the start to summer when so many people flock to the river,” says Isabel Hardesty, Executive Director of ShoreRivers. “We love being able to celebrate the season with the stunning backdrop of the Chester, and it’s important to gather our supporters together to enjoy what our waterways bring to our communities. We look forward to this opportunity to see our long-time members and to welcome new friends to ShoreRivers!”

This year’s celebration will feature the culinary talents of Chesapeake Chef Service, a regional caterer who provides an “Eastern Shore to fork experience” and strives to showcase the bounty our region provides. Executive Chef and Owner Kurt Peter’s culinary education began by hunting and fishing in his own backyard and working at various private clubs and restaurants on the Eastern Shore. His cooking style mirrors this passion for the outdoors, with rustic menus and ingredients drawn fresh from our rivers and fields.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy live music by local band Fog After Midnight, and admire stunning floral arrangements courtesy of Wildly Native, a family farm in Chestertown, Md., that focuses on hand-selected, in season flowers that are harvested locally at the peak of bloom.

All funds raised during this event will go directly to support ShoreRivers’ work for healthy waterways. In addition to the live auction offerings, guests will be invited to raise their paddle during a reverse auction in support of environmental education programming that helps young people develop a connection with our rivers. Help ShoreRivers protect and restore Eastern Shore waterways by becoming a sponsor for the Solstice Celebration, and joining a cadre of committed environmental stewards.

For tickets, sponsorships, and more information, visit shorerivers.org/events.

ShoreRivers Reflects on 2024 Legislative Session

ShoreRivers’ advocacy work is led by its four Riverkeepers: Annie Richards, Chester Riverkeeper; Matt Pluta, Choptank Riverkeeper; Ben Ford, Miles-Wye Riverkeeper; and Zack Kelleher, Sassafras Riverkeeper. This was a banner year for the organization’s advocacy effort, with four of its five priority bills passing from the assembly to Governor Wes Moore’s desk.

April 8—also known as Sine Die day—marked the official end of session for Maryland’s General Assembly. Despite challenges due to the state’s constrained budget, this was a banner year for ShoreRivers legislative priorities. The organization’s advocacy work, which is led by your Riverkeepers, is fundamental to creating system-wide change to protect our local rivers against the major issues that impact water quality on the Eastern Shore. As a leading voice for the waterways of the Eastern Shore, we amplify our work through local and state-wide coalitions, working groups, and other positions of influence.

Over the past 90 days, your Riverkeepers engaged with 60 environmental bills covering a wide array of topics including permitting for industrial sludge, abandoned vessels, enforcement activities in the critical area, invasive species control, underwater grass protections, and more.

Together, ShoreRivers, environment advocates, and legislative committee members reviewed and discussed the findings of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s CESR Report (A Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response), which influenced many of the environmental bills passed this session and will continue to shape the way we prioritize restoration and Bay health goals for years to come. 

After months of hard work and productive conversations, the following slate of bills has now passed from the assembly to Governor Wes Moore’s desk to await ratification (or veto):

ShoreRivers Priority/Leadership Bills:

  • SB653/HB1101 – Clean Water Justice Act, which gives communities impacted by water pollution the ability to enforce state water quality protection laws against polluters.

  • SB1140/HB807 –  Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Surveys, which updates regulations that govern how the Maryland Department of Natural Resources currently maps and delineates SAV Protection Zones.

  • SB1144/HB1266 – Clean Water Commerce Account Contracts for the Purchase of Environmental Outcomes, which clarifies language regarding payment schedules for an important funding source for pollution-reducing projects.

  • SB1074/HB991 – Agriculture Food Processing Residuals Utilization Permit, which strengthens regulations for transporting, storing, and the land application of industrial sludge residuals.

Other Passing Legislation Supported by ShoreRivers:

  • SB0268 – Critical Area Program Enforcement

  • SB0281/HB0109 – Alteration or Removal Requirements for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

  • SB0178/HB0022 – Requirements for State Highway Administration on Pollinator Habitat Plan

  • SB0306/HB0233 – Climate, Equity, and Administrative Provisions to the Critical Area Protection Program

  • SB0969/HB1165 – Whole Watershed Act

Half of ShoreRivers priority bills had bipartisan sponsorship, showcasing that protecting our rivers is a goal everyone can get behind. Many bills supported by ShoreRivers this session were brought forward by various state departments such as the Critical Area Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources, showcasing the Moore- Miller administration’s commitment to improving Maryland’s environmental protections. ShoreRivers is grateful for all of our environmental partners this session—including Waterkeepers Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Arundel Rivers Federation, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, and Clean Water Action—as our collective voices can make Maryland’s waterways cleaner and more accessible for all.

ShoreRivers implements restoration projects throughout our communities, engages volunteers in tree plantings and oyster growing, and reaches thousands of students each year through environmental education programs in local schools. Our advocacy at the local, state, and federal level ensures that all of those endeavors can continue in order to support water quality improvements. Visit shorerivers.org to learn more about this important work.

Local Students Learn About Environmental Action at Youth Summit

ShoreRivers’ 2024 Upper Shore Youth Environmental Action Summit was the organization’s largest yet, with 150 students and 14 teachers in attendance from eight different schools. 

Last month, high school students from Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Dorchester counties gathered at Chesapeake College for ShoreRivers’ third annual Upper Shore Youth Environmental Action Summit. This was the organization’s largest Summit yet, with 150 students and 14 teachers in attendance from eight different schools. 

This annual Summit aims to empower future leaders of the environmental movement to take action today. One attendee remarked that “[the Summit] showed me how possible it is, even for people my age, to take action in my community. I felt inspired when I left.” ShoreRivers’ work to protect Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education is only strengthened when youth voices are uplifted and students know that they don’t have to wait to get involved on behalf of their local waterways. 

Student leaders, who worked alongside ShoreRivers’ staff to plan the 2024 Upper Shore Youth Environmental Action Summit, are pictured ahead of the day’s keynote address with speaker Angela Crenshaw, Director of the Maryland Park Service. From left are Linda Gayle, Sophia Principe, Finn Merrick, Will O’Donnell, Ella Foote, Angela Crenshaw, ShoreRivers’ Morgan Buchanan, Faith Walstrum, Jessica Hammond, and Carissa Shue.

The day’s events included a networking breakfast, a keynote address, workshop sessions, and a closing celebration. Since its start, ShoreRivers’ Summit has been by students for students. As in past years, a group of student leaders worked with ShoreRivers staff to plan the event. A new partnership with Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) brought an additional focus on green careers to the day. 

Students pose with a tree they planted at Chesapeake College during a workshop at ShoreRivers’ 2024 Upper Shore Youth Environmental Action Summit.

The networking breakfast featured special guest Paul Monteiro, Secretary of the Department of Civic and Service Innovation, who offered students the opportunity to learn about Maryland’s new Service Year Option. Also in attendance were 15 organizations offering job, internship, volunteer, and education opportunities. Students then heard from keynote speaker Angela Crenshaw, Director of the Maryland Park Service, who spoke about her environmental action journey, her career path, and how she approaches her work with gratitude. The afternoon workshop sessions included 10 distinct options that discussed a wide array of topics from trees to lobbying to water quality. 

ShoreRivers is grateful for this year’s Summit sponsors: Dockray Charitable Foundation, The Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, The Campbell Foundation, IKEA, Chesapeake College, the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Abel Family, Refill Goodness, the Maryland Park Service, Chesapeake Watershed Semester at the Gunston School, the Youth Climate Institute, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

ShoreRivers Offers Hands-On Expeditions

ShoreRivers is offering a wide variety of expeditions inviting people to get out into their communities and explore their local waterways through things like farm tours, kayak paddles, hands-on activities, and more. For dates and individual event descriptions, visit shorerivers.org/events.

These expeditions are small group experiences offering learning and fun, and are a wonderful way to support ShoreRivers’ work for clean water on the Eastern Shore. From paddles to tours of restoration sites, to hands-on adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

“We know that access to our waterways fuels environmental stewardship,” says ShoreRivers’ Membership Manager Courtney Leigh. “It’s our hope that participants in these annual expeditions—in addition to taking in the natural beauty of our rivers, learning from partners who share our vision of thriving communities, and engaging with vibrant team members who lead the charge for clean waterways—will also develop a stronger connection to the bays, rivers, and creeks we all cherish on the Eastern Shore.”

To register, and for individual event details, visit shorerivers.org/events.

ShoreRivers Seeks Volunteers for Project Clean Stream

Volunteers pose with 150 pounds of trash collected in wetlands and the parking lot near the Easton Target during a previous Project Clean Stream event.

Join us on select dates in April to clear trash from our roads, parks, and rivers! ShoreRivers and volunteers are once again hosting community trash clean-ups as part of Project Clean Stream, a Bay-wide trash clean-up effort organized by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and coordinated by local groups like ShoreRivers. Project Clean Stream is an opportunity for citizens across the entire watershed to work together to clean our shared water resource.

This year, we are also excited to be partnering with a variety of community organizations for Clean Anne’s County Day—a day of environmental service throughout Queen Anne's County. A variety of trash pick-ups are scheduled for Sunday, April 7, to help keep the county and its waterways clean.

Join a Project Clean Stream cleanup near you:

Volunteers load the bed of a truck with trash at the Sassafras Natural Resource Management area in Kent County during a previous Project Clean Stream event.

  • Sunday, April 7, at 9am: Stevensville (meet at park and ride) with Kent Island Rotary Club

  • Sunday, April 7, at 10am: Matapeake Park with Plastic Free Queen Anne’s County and Four Seasons

  • Sunday, April 7, at 1pm: Millstream Park in Centreville with Centreville Rotary Club

  • Sunday, April 7, at 1pm: Centreville Wharf with Corsica River Conservancy

  • Sunday, April 7, at 1pm: Gibson’s Grant (meet at clubhouse)

  • Tuesday, April 9, at 10am: Oyster Shell Pile Clean-up at Grasonville Disposal Area with Oyster Recovery Partnership (rain date: Thursday, April 11)

  • Saturday, April 13, at 8:30am: Fox Hole Landing in Kent Island

  • Saturday, April 13, at 9am: Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area

To volunteer for any of these clean-ups, please contact Maegan White at mwhite@shorerivers.org or visit shorerivers.org/events for individual event details. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; volunteers are encouraged to bring water and wear appropriate attire.

ShoreRivers Launches New Tree the Shore Program

Through its new Tree the Shore program—and with generous funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust—ShoreRivers is working to add 1,000 new trees to towns across the Eastern Shore. Learn more at shorerivers.org/tree-the-shore.

ShoreRivers is pleased to announce a brand-new initiative that will have direct benefits to Eastern Shore water quality: Tree the Shore! 

Thanks to a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to ShoreRivers, the Tree the Shore program will fund the planting of 1,000 new trees throughout Cambridge, Chestertown, Denton, Easton, and Federalsburg. Trees must be planted in areas that benefit the greater community: in front yards, along sidewalks, or in local parks or community open spaces. ShoreRivers is actively seeking input from community members to help identify opportunities within their neighborhood for planting this ambitious number of trees by spring 2026.  

Trees provide proven benefits to people, animals, and our rivers. They cool the summer air of our towns, soak up rainwater that might otherwise flood our streets, provide food and shelter for songbirds, capture pollution from the air, and return the oxygen that we breathe. Unfortunately, many of our rural towns are currently lacking a healthy tree canopy. According to a recent and comprehensive study by the Harry Hughes Center, Maryland loses about 3,000 acres of forest every year, leading to poor water quality, fragmentation and loss of wildlife habitat, reduced carbon sequestration, localized flooding, and lower property values. On the Eastern Shore, our counties and rivers are some of the least treed areas in Maryland, with Kent and Queen Annes counties tied for last place.  

“Trees dramatically change the livability of our streets, and ShoreRivers is dedicated to growing a lush tree canopy across our watersheds,” said Jennifer Vaccaro, ShoreRivers’ Community Restoration Coordinator. “We envision a future where residents all across the Eastern Shore enjoy the beauty, shade, and life of a tree while it silently and steadily works for healthier waterways.”

In addition to providing funding for trees, ShoreRivers is also able to help partners with their plantings. In some cases, these will be led by ShoreRivers Tree Stewards—volunteers trained to work within their communities to identify areas in need of tree canopy, create planting designs, and organize and lead tree planting projects. If you don’t have a location that’s right for Tree the Shore but would still like to get involved, please visit shorerivers.org/programs/treestewards to learn more. 

ShoreRivers is committed to working with all communities, especially historically underserved communities, to plant trees that will shade their homes and mitigate flooding. The organization is currently pursuing additional funding to plant trees beyond the towns targeted by this Chesapeake Bay Trust grant.

The public is encouraged to request trees and learn more about the Tree the Shore initiative by visiting shorerivers.org/tree-the-shore.

Riverkeepers to Host Annual State of the Rivers Series

Join ShoreRivers and your local Riverkeepers at an upcoming State of the Rivers event—free presentations held each spring to inform the public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways. Visit shorerivers.org/events to learn more.

ShoreRivers is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated State of the Rivers events—a series of free presentations held each spring to inform the public about the current state of our Eastern Shore waterways and what we can all do to protect and restore them. Whether this will be your first or your 15th State of the Rivers, we invite everyone to attend, learn, and enjoy—and bring a friend, too!

Each year, between April­ and October, ShoreRivers’ professional Riverkeepers conduct weekly tidal sampling of more than 60 sites from Cecilton to Cambridge, then test for multiple scientific water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, nutrient pollution, chlorophyll, and clarity. These indicators reveal the overall health of our waterways and our progress toward protecting and restoring our local rivers. ShoreRivers, statewide groups, and national agencies use this information to track trends, develop remediation strategies, advocate for stronger laws and enforcement, alert the public of potential health risks, and inform region-wide efforts toward clean water goals.

The public is invited to learn more about the results of this testing at this year’s State of the Rivers presentations, hosted around the region by the Riverkeepers themselves. Light refreshments, including local oysters, will be provided. ShoreRivers is grateful for this year’s State of the Rivers sponsors: The Packing House, the Garfield Center for the Arts, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cult Classic Brewing, Choptank Oyster Co., Orchard Point Oysters, Ten Eyck Brewing Company, Happy Chicken Bakery, the Betterton Volunteer Fire Department, and John Andrew McCown.

Please save these dates for this year’s State of the Rivers presentations:

In addition to analyzing water quality data and communicating this information to the public, Riverkeepers use their weekly sampling as an opportunity to monitor changes along shorelines, identify potential indications of illegal discharges, and scout submerged aquatic vegetation beds. These observations, coupled with the quantitative data collected throughout the year, paint a holistic and well-informed picture of the health of each river and its tributaries. Riverkeepers work collaboratively with the community and with ShoreRivers’ other departments (including education, agriculture and restoration, and community engagement) to increase awareness of the issues, inspire behavior change, and implement practices for healthier river systems.

“Eastern Shore waterways are choked by polluted runoff from residential, commercial, and agricultural properties,” said Matt Pluta, ShoreRivers’ Choptank Riverkeeper & Director of Riverkeeper Programs. “Intentional and unintentional bacterial contamination poses risks to human health. Regular scientific monitoring for these and other pollutants is a signature component of ShoreRivers’ operations and the only comprehensive testing of our local rivers currently being conducted. Please join us at a State of the Rivers event in your area to learn what’s happening, why it’s happening, and the important ways we can work together to make it better.”   

For more information about these events, visit shorerivers.org/events.