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.
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, algae, pH, 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 and activities will be available for children ages 6–12. ShoreRivers is grateful for this year’s State of the Rivers sponsors: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cult Classic Brewing, Choptank Oyster Co., Orchard Point Oysters, Ten Eyck Brewing Company, Worton Community Center, and Galena Volunteer Fire Department.
Please save these dates for this year’s State of the Rivers presentations:
Wednesday, April 26, at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, from 5:30–7pm, featuring Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta and your new Miles-Wye Riverkeeper
Wednesday, May 3, at Cult Classic Brewing in Stevensville, from 5:30–7pm, featuring Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards and your new Miles-Wye Riverkeeper
Thursday, May 4, at Kent County Community Center in Worton, from 5:30–7pm, featuring Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards & Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher
Tuesday, May 9, at Galena Fire Hall, from 5:30–7pm, featuring Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher
Wednesday, May 10, at 447 Venue in Cambridge, from 5:30–7pm, featuring Choptank Riverkeeper Matt Pluta
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 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.
###
ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. shorerivers.org