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, sip, and savor — 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 continued partnerships with our host venues, grant sponsorship from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, as well as the support of Donna Callejon & Deborah Whiteside, Happy Chicken Bakery & Catering, Ten Eyck Brewing Company, Choptank Oyster Company, and Total Wine. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
Please save these dates for this year’s State of the Rivers presentations:
- Wednesday, April 22, at the Rock Hall Fire Department, from 5:30–7pm | State of the Chester River, hosted by Riverkeeper Annie Richards
- Tuesday, April 28, at the Oxford Community Center, from 5:30–7pm | State of the Choptank River, hosted by Riverkeeper Matt Pluta
- Thursday, May 7, at the Betterton Fire Hall, from 5:30–7pm | State of the Sassafras River & the Bayside Creeks, hosted by Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher
- Tuesday, May 12, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, from 5:30–7pm | State of the Miles River, Wye River, and Eastern Bay, hosted by Riverkeeper Ben Ford
In addition to analyzing water quality data and communicating this information to the public, Riverkeepers use their weekly sampling trips 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 program 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. Information on these efforts, plus data from the popular Swimmable ShoreRivers’ bacteria monitoring program, will also be shared during State of the Rivers presentations.
“ShoreRivers’ tidal and bacteria monitoring programs produce the most comprehensive datasets available for our rivers,” said Matt Pluta, ShoreRivers’ Choptank Riverkeeper and Director of Riverkeeper Programs. “Having our Riverkeepers and volunteers on the water and at public access points lets us combine rigorous data collection with a personal connection to the rivers, giving us a deeper understanding of their health and how to protect them. We invite everyone to join us at our free State of the Rivers events as an opportunity for people who care about these waterways to come together, learn what’s happening in their rivers, and be part of the work to protect them.”
This event series is free — registration is requested but not required. For more, visit shorerivers.org/events.
ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement.
