A Year in Water Quality Monitoring with Local Waterkeepers
In 2024, Waterkeepers across the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays region quietly collected samples from over 350 sites from rivers, streams, and shorelines on boats and by foot. Why? To make sure your waterways are safe for swimming, fishing, and drinking. This kind of community powered water quality monitoring is vital for protecting public health and holding polluters accountable.
As federal environmental protections continue to be rolled back, our regional efforts become even more essential. Learn what your local Waterkeepers uncovered in 2024 and find out how you can volunteer. Read more.
Give Tribes a Voice in the Bay Agreement
The Chesapeake Bay region is the ancestral home for many Indigenous nations. These communities have long served as stewards of the land and waters, maintaining spiritual, cultural and ecological ties to the region. Yet, even today, their voices are often left out of key environmental decisions. We must not repeat history by continuing to ignore their rightful place in efforts to protect and restore this vital ecosystem.
The Chesapeake Bay Program is currently revising the next version of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, a guiding document for restoration and conservation efforts in the region. Historically, this agreement has not incorporated or had signatories representing the Tribal Nations including recently federally recognized tribes.
We must urge the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council to acknowledge the Tribal Nations and fully adopt the requests outlined in their declaration. Add your signature to the Indigenous Conservation Council’s letter demanding their inclusion: Sign the Letter Here
and share with your networks! Learn more.
Urge the EPA to Finalize Strong Protections from Slaughterhouse Pollution
For decades, slaughterhouses and meat processing plants have benefited from lax water pollution standards. Now, due to our lawsuit filed with several groups, the EPA must finalize new regulations by August 2025. Click here to take action to urge the EPA to finalize the strongest protections.
Slaughterhouses and rendering facilities require a near-constant flow of water, and every year, these facilities discharge hundreds of millions of pounds of water pollution into rivers and streams. In our region, most discharge directly into waterways or spray onto fields.
Bay Paddle – July 26th
Come out for the Bay Paddle on Saturday, July 26 hosted by Kent Island Outrigger Canoe Club to celebrate and help protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. This is an epic day of paddle races and post-paddle celebration featuring food and refreshing beverages courtesy of the Kent Island Yacht Club and Hula dancing from HULA Maryland.
With a 35-mile, 10-mile and 3-mile race, there is something for everyone!
All proceeds from participants are donated to Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Oyster Recovery Partnership, and Chesapeake Conservancy. Click here to learn more about the Bay Paddle races.
Can’t attend but want to support the Bay Paddle & Waterkeeper Chesapeake? Good news! You can make a donation here!
Welcome to New Staff & Board Members
We’re excited to welcome Martinna Parham to our team as our new Program Associate! Martinna has spent years immersed in field research, community outreach, and digital storytelling. Martinna is dedicated to making science accessible and actionable. She is especially committed to uplifting diverse voices in conservation and advocating for more inclusive spaces in environmental work.
We welcome Joy Piazza, Chris Trumbauer, and Bill Howard to our Board of Directors. Joy and Chris bring decades of financial and nonprofit expertise. Joy is a strategic consultant who accelerates revenue growth and organizational effectiveness for nonprofits, associations, and mission-driven organizations. Chris is the Senior Policy Advisor to the County Executive & Budget Officer for Anne Arundel County. We should also mention that Chris was once the West-Rhode Riverkeeper. As Executive Director of The Downstream Project for almost 2 decades, Bill is well known in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, having provided creative technology and communications services to conservation groups. Bill is also an avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman.
Around the Watershed
It’s summer time — which means it’s time to enjoy the water! Waterkeepers are hosting paddle trips, cleanups, volunteer trainings, and more all summer long. Check out the calendar of events.
Hybank River Supply Company has created a series of limited-edition prints featuring locally known and loved landmarks throughout the Bay inspired by travel posters of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds from your purchase of these beautiful posters will support us! Shop today!
Waterkeepers Chesapeake fights for clean water and a healthy environment by supporting Waterkeepers throughout the Chesapeake and coastal regions as they protect their communities, rivers, and streams from pollution.
For info: www.WaterkeepersChesapeake.org or email info@waterkeeperschesapeake.org.
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