Paxtuxent Riverkeeper Events and activities

Date	Location	Description
August 16th, 2008	Sotterly Plantation	Day Paddle Tour Day paddle tour to enjoy waterside history. We will tour and picnic on one of Southern, Maryland's former plantations. Older than Mount Vernon, Sotterley Plantation stands majestically on the banks of the Patuxent River. It is the only remaining Tidewater Plantation in Maryland that is open to the public. Sotterley features the early 18th-century mansion, an original slave cabin, and a full array of outbuildings set amidst 95 acres of rolling fields, landscaped gardens, and riverfront. We'll launch from Jefferson Patterson Park, paddle into shady Sotterley Creek then hike up the farm path to the Plantation where we will have a picnic lunch and take a structured tour before paddling back home again. Suggested donation of $65 to Patuxent Riverkeeper includes kayak, paddle gear, guide fees, docking fees, food and drink and admission fees to Sotterley. Difficulty Level: Moderate For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org. RSVP by Wednesday August 13, 2008.
August 9th, 2008 9 AM	Patuxent River	Patuxent Roughneck Work Trip Meeting location to be determined based on weather and water levels The goal of the Roughnecks is to maintain fish passage and a free flowing river for humans. The Crew works in fringe areas to remove blockages that harm the ecology of the river. During this work trip, the Roughnecks will hike or paddle (dependant on the weather) within the Patuxent River watershed and remove blockages impeding the channel. Patuxent Riverkeeper will provide maps, GPS, tools, and drinking water as well as paddling gear and boats if needed. Please be prepared to hike or paddle and bring any additional gear as you see fit... Please RSVP by Thursday August 7, 2008 to: Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org or 301-249-8200 ext 6
NEW DATE: August 3rd, 2008	Patuxent River	Swanson Creek/Pepco Oil Spill Day paddle tour and paddle of the areas effected and restored by MD's worst marine oil spill. Narrated by members of the local business community who will help describe the spill and the response. The tour will end in Benedict at a local restaurant. Co-hosted by MD/DNR Difficulty Level: Moderate For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
July 29th - August 1st, 2008	Patuxent River	Patuxent River Teen Paddle This multi-day canoeing expedition features education programs, riverside camping, restoration projects, festive meals, entertainment and much more. We’ll enjoy a unique on-the-water experience that builds a strong environmental ethic, while having a lot of fun in the process. Special programs are offered throughout the trip. Tuesday morning we’ll meet other groups of teens for a multi-day canoeing and camping journey down the Patuxent River. Canoes, paddles, life vests are provided. Teens provide their own sleeping bags and personal equipment, and can share tents with other campers. Some tents are available to borrow. Many meals are included in the fee. Contact the office for a detailed itinerary of the week and supply list. For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
July 26-27th, 2008	Little Orleans Allegany County, Maryland.	Overnight Tubing Trip Float, bonfire, watershed overnight fun along the C&O Canal. Must book through MD Sierra Club trip. Difficulty Level: Beginner For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
July 19th, 2008 9 AM	Patuxent River	Patuxent Roughneck Work Trip Meeting location to be determined based on weather and water levels The goal of the Roughnecks is to maintain fish passage and a free flowing river for humans. The Crew works in fringe areas to remove blockages that harm the ecology of the river. During this work trip, the Roughnecks will hike or paddle (dependant on the weather) within the Patuxent River watershed and remove blockages impeding the channel. Patuxent Riverkeeper will provide maps, GPS, tools, and drinking water as well as paddling gear and boats if needed. Please be prepared to hike or paddle and bring any additional gear as you see fit... Please RSVP by Thursday July 17, 2008 to: Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org or 301-249-8200 ext 6
June 19th- 24th, 2008	Patuxent River	Patuxent Sojourn 2008 Experience first hand, the heart and soul of a mighty Maryland river during the Annual Patuxent Sojourn. A six day guided paddling excursion for people of all ages to connect with their river--first hand. Paddlers tour a different section of the river each day, camp under the stars, meet the people of the Patuxent and forge lifelong memories. Paddlers on the Sojourn may come for a few hours, a day, several days or the entire excursion. Co-hosted with The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Must be booked through ACB
June 8th, 2008	Patuxent River	Bernie Fowler Wade-in PLEASE NOTE THE CORRECTED DATE OF JUNE 8th Come to the beach at Broome's Island and join the Annual Fowler Wade-in. You can join Senator Fowler to see how far he can wade into the river at Broomes Island and still see his sneakers. This Southern Maryland tradition is a great opportunity to gather in the spirit of protecting and cherishing the river. For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
June 7th, 2008	Patuxent River	National Trails Day Kayak Paddle in the Jug Bay Wetland at Patuxent River Park . Trip co-hosted with M-NCPPC to celebrate national trails day Difficulty Level: Beginner For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
June 7th-8th, 2008	Patuxent 4H Center 18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro	Maryland Faerie Festival Visit us at the Maryland Faerie Festival in Queen Anne!
June 1, 2008 11 AM	Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum	23rd Annual Children’s Day on the Farm Join us at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum for a celebration of Southern Maryland’s rich agricultural heritage. Enjoy new attractions as well as old favorites – featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and live entertainment. There will be farm animals, crafts, farm-life demonstrations, and more.
May 31, 2008 9 AM	South River	6th Annual South River Sojourn The paddle will start around 9:00 and head up into Harness Creek to view oyster reefs and natural habitat along Quiet Waters Park property. After the paddle, meet back at Hillsmere beach for the Bernie Fowler-style Wade-In led by the Trib Team. For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
May TBA, 2008	Patuxent River	Patuxent: Critical Areas Tour/ Benedict, Indian Creek etc. A narrated day paddle tour of construction sites and homes built in the critical areas buffer and the ecological impacts. Difficulty Level: Moderate For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
May 24th, 2008 9 AM	Patuxent River	Patuxent Roughneck Work Trip Meeting location to be determined based on weather and water levels The goal of the Roughnecks is to maintain fish passage and a free flowing river for humans. The Crew works in fringe areas to remove blockages that harm the ecology of the river. During this work trip, the Roughnecks will hike or paddle (dependant on the weather) within the Patuxent River watershed and remove blockages impeding the channel. Patuxent Riverkeeper will provide maps, GPS, tools, and drinking water as well as paddling gear and boats if needed. Please be prepared to hike or paddle and bring any additional gear as you see fit... Please RSVP by Thursday May 22, 2008 to: Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org or 301-249-8200 ext 6
May 17th, 2008	Patuxent River	Day Paddle Photo Safari Hills Bridge/Jackson's Landing. Must book through Fstopstudios: 301-589-1151 Difficulty Level: Beginner
April 26, 2008	St. Mary's River	Day Paddle Tour Co-hosted by St. Mary's River Association. Tour historic St, Mary's River. Difficulty Level: Beginner For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
April 5th	Patuxent River	Patuxent River Cleanup Take pride in your river and be a part of the effort to keep it beautiful. Local volunteers are needed to help our efforts to cleanup the Patuxent. General information about the Patuxent River Cleanup, registration, and supplies can be found at: www.cleanpatuxent.org
Cleanup CrittersTraining Dates: March 15, 2008 Enviro-Center, 7761 Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794 2-4 pm or March 16, 2008 Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685 2-4 pm		Become a Water Quality Monitor We can't clean up our watersheds without benchmarking and identifying where there are problems. Patuxent Riverkeeper provides training and water testing kits to citizen monitors. Volunteer monitors will also be trained to use a public web portal where water testing volunteers can post their results, compare their sampling data with others and empower themselves and others with knowledge about what and where the actual water quality impairments and sources of those impairments are. Volunteers will also learn to identify and grade stormwater management practices at construction sites. At the training water quality monitors will chose their testing site, receive a testing kit, and instruction. Volunteers need to attend only one training day. To help Patuxent Riverkeeper offset the cost of the testing kits, monitors must be members of Patuxent Riverkeeper. Membership applications will be available at the trainings. RSVP by Thursday, March 13, 2008 to Restoration Coordinator Lauren Webster at 301-249-8200 ext 6 or Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org
February 18th, 2008 12-8 pm	Miller Senate Building Annapolis	JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION DAY Click here for more info or contact Jennifer@PaxRiverkeeper.org.
December 8, 2007 10 am to Noon	Patuxent Riverkeeper Office	Volunteer Information Day We’ll discuss what we do, different ways you can get involved, & throw in a quick preview of the coming legislative session. Refreshments will be served so please let us know if can attend. For more info or to sign up, contact Jennifer@PaxRiverkeeper.org.
November 3-4, 2007		Assateague Overnight Bus Trip For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
October 20th, 2007 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.	Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Philip Merrill Environmental, Annapolis	"Rock the Rivers" Concert The five Waterkeeper organizations located around Anne Arundel County, Patuxent, West/ Rhodes, Severn, and South Rivers, as well as Baltimore Harbor, have joined forces to plan a concert event and fundraiser called "Rock the Rivers." The concert will be held on October 20 at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Philip Merrill Environmental Center in the Bay Ridge section of Annapolis. Live music by Straight, Steel & Wire and Riverside Rhythm & Blues. See http://www.rocktherivers.org/ for more info.
October 19, 2007		Poplar Island Bus Trip For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
October 6-7, 2006	Solomons, MD	Patuxent River Appreciation Days Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is a festival, which creates awareness, recognition, and promotion of the economic, social, recreational, cultural and historical impact of the tributaries and environs of the Patuxent River and the basin through which it flows.
October 5th, 2007		PRAD/State of the River Summit Last year’s summit focused on the State of the River and what needs to be done to bring the waterway back to robust health and shelter it from the ravages of pollution, indifference, bad growth, and other causes. The 2007 Summit will focus on the implementation of things learned at the 2006 Summit and will recap efforts that have been made during the year.
September 29, 2007		Paddle Tuckahoe Creek with the Choptank Riverkeeper We will leave on Saturday morning on the River Bus from the Route 50 Park-and-Ride area near Annapolis and drive across the Chesapeake Bay to Tuckahoe State Park where the Choptank Riverkeeper, Dick Tettelbaum, will meet us and take us on a kayak tour of this flat water marshland full of marine life, waterfowl and Maryland history. We will be joined by a contingent of visiting watershed activists from India who want to gain a firsthand experience and knowldege of our watersheds. The local Waterkeeper will provide local history and anecdotes about efforts to protect this fragile wonderland. Their will be opportunities to hike and relax along the trails and byways of this premier eastern shore park. We will have a late BBQ lunch in the fall sunshine (hopefully sunshine) on the banks of the creek and then board the River Bus for the trip back home. A $75 donation covers all trip fees, food, snacks, refreshments, boats, paddle gear and other amenities included in the trip price. 10% Discount for Patuxent or Choptank Riverkeeper members or those who use their own kayaks. All proceeds support the preservation efforts of regional Waterkeepers. Don't miss the Bus! Call for reservations: 301-249-8200 x2 or paddle@paxriverkeeper.org For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org or use our new on-line Tours and Rental Inquiry form.
September 8, 2007		Shenandoah Bus Trip (Tubing and Picnic) For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
September 1-2, 2007		Selby's Landing Kayak Trip For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
August 26, 2007 12 - 3 PM		Patuxent River Park Fall Hiking Spree Kick-off For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
August 18, 2007	Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum	Patuxent Kayak Trip Sustainability Tour at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. For more information contact Fred Tutman at: 301-249-8200 x7 or Fred@paxriverkeeper.org
August 4-5, 2007	Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard	John Smith on the Patuxent This summer a crew of historians, naturalists, and educators will try to retrace Capt. John Smith's 1608 expedition. In a replica of Smith’s shallop, they will voyage to the headwaters of almost every tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. On August 4 & 5, you can enjoy the river and reconnect with its past. Commemorate Smith’s first encounter with the Patuxents at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard. Capt. Smith’s shallop will be stopping at the park to participate in the event. Enjoy living history, dancers and drummers, a recreated Indian Village, traditional arts, and skilled demonstrations. For more information about this and other events on the John Smith Trail, go to: www.johnsmith400.org
June 14-19, 2007	Patuxent River	Patuxent Sojourn 2007 Experience first hand, the heart and soul of a mighty Maryland river during the Annual Patuxent Sojourn. A five day guided paddling excursion for people of all ages to connect with their river--first hand. Paddlers tour a different section of the river each day, camp under the stars, meet the people of the Patuxent and forge lifelong memories. This year’s Sojourn starts pretty far upriver at the newly established Governor’s Bridge boat ramp and runs to Kings Landing in Calvert County. See stretches of untouched inland waterway, experience history and ecology firsthand. Paddlers on the Sojourn may come for a few hours, a day, several days or the entire excursion. Reservations are required so register early: www.paxsojourn.org Rent a Kayak from Patuxent Riverkeeper for the Sojourn
June 10th, 2007	Broomes Island	19th Annual Bernie Fowler Wade-In The whole family can join Senator Fowler to see how far he can wade into the river at Broomes Island and still see his sneakers. This Southern Maryland tradition is a great opportunity to gather in the spirit of protecting and cherishing the river. See our flyer for more info. Patuxent Riverkeeper will be running a bus shuttle from the Route 95 Park-and- Ride near College Park. Bus space is limited, so reserve early. A $5 contribution helps defray the cost of fuel. Contact fred@paxriverkeeper.org
May 20th, 2007 3 PM	The Accokeek Foundation Accokeek, MD 20607	Accokeek Foundation Riverkeeper Lecture The Accokeek Foundation will host Fred Tutman, guest speaker of their 2007 Robert Ware Straus Lection Series. He will share reflections in words and pictures about growing up in the Patuxent watershed and his own journey of activism and stewardship to help protect the endangered Patuxent ecosystem. The event is free. Coffee at 3pm, lecture at 4pm. For more information go to www.accokeek.org.
May 11th, 2007 1 PM	Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge	2007 Patuxent Growth Summit The northern section of the Patuxent is increasingly urbanized. With Base realignment and closure, the likely increase in the number of people, houses, highways, wastewater treatment plants, and other additions could have an enormous impact on water quality. On May 11, a one-day symposium will focus on watershed planning and trends and help participants better understand the measures that must be taken in planning, housing design, and conservation in order to save the waterway and its ecology. It will be held at the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge.
April 14th	Patuxent River	Patuxent River Cleanup Take pride in your river and be a part of the effort to keep it beautiful. Local volunteers are needed to help our efforts to cleanup the Patuxent. General information about the Patuxent River Cleanup, registration, and supplies can be found at: www.cleanpatuxent.org
March 18th 3-5pm	Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Anne Arundel County	Friends of Jug Bay Annual Meeting The Friends of Jug Bay have chosen Patuxent Riverkeeper, Fred Tutman, as the recipient of this year’s Jug Bay Award for his outstanding contribution to the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The award will be presented at the FOJB Annual Meeting in the McCann Wetlands Study Center at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. The meeting is open to anyone interested in JBWS and the Patuxent River.
Monday, March 19th 7 pm	Southern Maryland Higher Education Center 44219 Airport Road California, MD 20619	Friends of Myrtle Point Park, Inc. Annual Meeting Open to the public.
March 17th 9 am	Meet at Queen Anne Bridge Fishing Area, Upper Marlboro, MD	Patuxent Roughnecks River Survey The Patuxent Roughnecks is a premier volunteer group working to maintain fish passage and a free flowing river for humans. Crews work in fringe areas to remove blockages that harm the ecology of the river. The season kicks off with a survey trip on March 17, involving hiking along the banks of the Patuxent River to identify, map, and plan a removal strategy for blockages on the river. Please bring hiking boots and additional gear as you see fit. In preparation for the Annual Patuxent River Sojourn, we will begin this season by working on the section of river spanning from Governor’s Bridge to Queen Anne Bridge. For more information contact Lauren Webster at 301-249-8200x6 or Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org
November 4, 2006 10 am - 2 pm	Billingsley Historic Area Upper Marlboro	CBF Wetland Restoration and Reforestation Project Help us restore a 5-acre wetland and buffer and create a wildlife corridor by planting 1,000 native trees and shrubs near the Patuxent River. Partners include the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s County Soil Conservation District, Mary Kilbourne, CBF Patuxent BaySavers, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Dress for the weather; equipment and refreshments provided. To register, contact Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email mdamon@cbf.org mdamon@cbf.org
October 29, 2006 1 — 4 pm	CBF’s Clagett Farm Upper Marlboro	CBF Tree Nursery Workday Volunteers are needed to help organize our native tree nursery, repot some seedlings, and mulch the pots for the winter. All trees in the nursery are grown out for buffer and wetland restoration projects in the Bay watershed. Dress for the weather, equipment and refreshments provided. To register, contact Marcy Damon at 443-482-2156 or email mdamon@cbf.org mdamon@cbf.org
October 28, 2006		Patuxent Riverkeeper 2nd Anniversary Party Patuxent Riverkeeper members and volunteers are invited to join our 2nd Anniversary Party. Tour the boats, check out the office. Enjoy a special screening of the movie, 'The end of Suburbia'. Sample the food, dig the music and cheer the bonfire. Hear guest artist Tom Wisner. RSVP to Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org
October 28, 2006	TBD	Patuxent Roughneck Work Day Join the Patuxent Roughnecks as they paddle to and remove finfish and human navigation blockages on the Patuxent River and its tributaries. For more information contact Lauren Webster at 301-249-8200 x6 or Lauren@paxriverkeeper.org
Now to October 27, 2006	Online	2006 Riverkeeper Used/Rental Kayaks for Sale Selected boats from our 2006 kayak rental inventory will be sold to make room for 2007 models in the spring. Bid on a sturdy used boat and the proceeds benefits Patuxent Riverkeeper. See the boats!
October 11, 2006 4-6 pm	Maryland Department of Agriculture	Patuxent River Commission Meeting
October 8, 2006 1 pm	Crofton	Easy Hike/Walk along Little Patuxent River Meet in Jaspers Parking Lot, Intersection of Route 450 & Route 3 in Crofton; One and half hour hike through new public greenway lands along River; Interpretive description of natural area by Patuxent Riverkeeper Fred Tutman; Wear shoes able to get wet and muddy. Sponsored by Patuxent Riverkeeper, The Chesapeake Bay String of Pearls Project, and Crofton First. For more information, email CroftonFirstTim@yahoo.com or call 301 261-3209.
October 6, 2006 1 – 5 pm	Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD	State of the River Summit Chaired by Senator Bernie Fowler, the undisputed champion of the river, and led by The Patuxent River Commission in partnership with the Chesapeake Biological Lab, the summit will bring together the experts in the field to discuss the current state of the river, what still needs to be done, and how each of us can contribute to a clean, healthy Patuxent. The summit is open to everyone who cares about the Patuxent River and keeping it clean and beautiful for generations to come.
October 6-8, 2006	Solomons, MD	Patuxent River Appreciation Days Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is a festival, which creates awareness, recognition, and promotion of the economic, social, recreational, cultural and historical impact of the tributaries and environs of the Patuxent River and the basin through which it flows.
September 5, 2006 5 pm	Calvert Library, Prince Frederick, MD	“Voices of the River” A film and session about Federal Wild and Scenic River Designation. The Patuxent River is Maryland’s longest and deepest intrastate river. It is a vital source of culture, ecology, commerce, and history. Preserving the future of our water resources is not just good policy, it’s also a moral and practical obligation. A special screening of the short film, “Voices of the River,” explains the Wild and Scenic Program, how it works, and what it would--or would not do. It also features discussions with farmers, paddlers, elected officials, commercial fisherman and others describing how the Wild and Scenic Rivers program has effected their lives, businesses, and River. A short discussion of the merits of this proposal will follow to ensure the river resource continues to serve the needs of all citizens. Your ideas, questions and concerns are needed.
June 15- 19, 2006	Patuxent River	Patuxent Sojourn 2006 Experience first hand, the heart and soul of a mighty Maryland river during the Annual Patuxent Sojourn. A five day guided paddling excursion for people of all ages to connect with their river--first hand. Paddlers tour a different section of the river each day, camp under the stars, meet the people of the Patuxent and forge lifelong memories. Paddlers on the Sojourn may come for a few hours, a day, several days or the entire excursion.
April 8, 2006	Patuxent River	River Cleanup The Statewide cleanup of Maryland's Patuxent River is a grassroots effort that benefits all Marylanders. Spending at least a day picking up trash and pollution from the river is something that anyone can do, regardless of race, age or gender. Acknowledging and reclaiming our common connection to this vital waterway is a way each of us can make a difference.