By Kevin Majoros
Situated between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Eastern Shore of Maryland has remained a relatively rural region known for agriculture and its beautiful tributaries.
Because of its coastal geography and low altitude above sea level, the region is extremely vulnerable to weather events and larger environmental issues such as climate change.
Adding in sediment runoff from farm practices, urban and residential stormwater runoff and outdated septic systems creates the need for vigilance in battling pollution in the waterways.
ShoreRivers protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. Their core focus is the waterways of the Chester, Choptank, Sassafras, Miles, and Wye rivers, Eastern Bay, and the Bayside Creeks.
Using Riverkeepers for Advocacy and Enforcement
Riverkeepers are often seen patrolling the waters monitoring river health and identifying pollution sources. Their main focus though lies under the advocacy umbrella.
ShoreRivers employs four riverkeepers and their advocacy work spans from the grassroots level to the federal level. They are involved in HOA community matters, land use, severe erosion, and creating workgroups with diverse stakeholders.
“I am always available and consider myself to be a quasi-public servant,” says Chester Riverkeeper Annie Richards. “We are testifying on bills at the state level, actively engaged in litigation for the Clean Water Act and involved in grants for coastal communities.”
As a leading voice for water quality on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, ShoreRivers’ advocacy work extends to private and public groups, Democratic Clubs, and colleges and universities.
Environmental Education on Fishable, Swimmable Waterways
ShoreRivers leads classroom lessons, field experiences, community-focused action projects and teacher professional development in four counties across the Eastern Shore.
Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) are learner-centred experiences that actively engage students in building knowledge and meaning through hands-on investigation of local environmental issues.
ShoreRivers’ environmental education programs fulfil that experience, and they serve over 2,500 youth each year.“
“We offer a diverse education program that works with a diverse set of students within many different public schools in the ShoreRivers watersheds,” Richards says. “We believe in delivering our message equitably to as many communities as possible.”
Managing Agricultural Restoration and Research
Sixty percent of agriculture for the state of Maryland is on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and it is the largest contributor of nutrient and sediment pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
ShoreRivers is certified by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation as a technical service provider and serves as an incubator for best farming practices that benefit farmers and the Eastern Shore waterways.
“Runoff is a direct reflection of whatever is the direct usage of the land,” says Richards. “Restoration efforts cost the least and result in the most gain. Healthy soil makes for better water quality.”
ShoreRivers works collaboratively with farmers on topics such as no-till farming, bioretention systems and grass retention.“The gains are immeasurable on the agricultural side from just asking one stakeholder to plant mature grass,” Richards says.
ShoreRivers as a Resource for the Community
With a new administration in the White House, ShoreRivers is poised to increase their resources on broader topics and connect to new partners.
They will be looking to expand data on source tracking, connecting with municipalities on urban canopies and larger scale projects.
Important to all of their work in water quality, swimmable rivers, environmental education, and river-friendly yards is their core of volunteers.
Volunteers are currently working in programs such as submerged aquatic vegetation monitoring, native oyster restoration, water chestnut removal and trash clean-ups. Volunteers also work in their Students for Streams and Sturgeon Discovery programs.
Launching this summer is their citizen-scientist volunteer program for collecting bacteria samples. SwimTester volunteers will monitor multiple sites where people come in contact with water including swim locations, marinas, yacht clubs and towns.
Environmental volunteer programs worldwide have been acknowledged as important tools in raising awareness to facilitate informed decision-making regarding the environment.
“With our new administration, it feels like we are no longer talking about climate change as a debate,” says Richards. “It is a fact.”
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This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media