We . Protect

We . Serve

We . Celebrate

We . Are

WE  PROTECT

Our mission is to protect, conserve and replenish Maryland's longest and deepest intrastate waterway.

Through strategic advocacy, restoration and education our goal is long term sustainability for the ecosystem of the entire Patuxent River basin and the people who rely on its future.

Our Nottingham Visitors Center offers Kayak, Canoe & Equipment Rentals and coordinates community events.

While we are a grass roots community based non-profit, we are proud to be members of the Waterkeeper Alliance that advocates for the health and well being global waterways.  

Patuxent River Keeper is funded through grants and public donations. We accept tax deductible donations in any amount. 

 

WE  SERVE

We envision serving as the hub of a river oriented community. We offer  many programs and opportunities to get involved in stewardship of the Patuxent, from volunteering to political action, to exploring & enjoying time the river. 

Our recent program, the Patuxent Summer Mentoring Camp has been a great success to bring in young voices.  Our ongoing Patuxent Roughnecks and Annual Cleanup efforts remain a vital part of keeping the Patuxent clean for our community.  Learn more about our programs and volunteer opportunities!

VISIT THE PATUXENT RIVERKEEPER STORE

The Patuxent Riverkeeper shop offers gear, rentals, and unique gifts for lovers of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay.

Proceeds support Patuxent Riverkeeper's mission.

 

WE  CELEBRATE

We often host celebrations and special programs at our Nottingham Center.  Check this space to see what is coming up next!

WE  ARE 

The Patuxent Riverkeeper

Established in 2004 by Fred Tutman, the grass roots movement of the Patuxent Riverkeeper spans seven counties in Maryland to advocate for and restore the Patuxent River.

Today the Patuxent is a study in contrasts with regions rich in history, wildlife and unforgettable scenic vistas to other areas with poisoned beaches, dead zones and hopelessly blocked and snagged upper tributaries. 

Once one of the most productive sources of shellfish in the world, the Patuxent has been deeply and negatively affected by negligent land use.   

And yet scientists have pointed to the incredible resilience of the ecosystem, its ability to heal itself if we humans can be compelled to mend our behavior toward the river and embrace responsible stewardship.

 

Lothian Residents Celebrate County Ordering Shutdown of Westport Reclamation Site

By Ftutman | December 9, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, December 9, 2022 Contacts Fred Tutman Patuxent Riverkeeper fred@paxriverkeeper.org (240) 393-1547 Rosie Stone Senior Legal Officer, Namati rosiestone@namati.org (843) 609-2166 On Tuesday, the Anne Arundel County Office of Administrative Hearings issued an order agreeing with local residents and environmental justice advocates that the Westport Reclamation site (also known as the Belle…

EPA and Chesapeake Bay Foundation are Failing To Save the Bay !

By Ftutman | November 17, 2022

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s failure to sanction states for again failing to meet minimum Clean Water Act requirements for the Chesapeake Bay is an act of ethical cowardice. Since the signing of the first Bay Agreement in 1983, with pledges by the EPA and bay states to restore the bay, repeated agreements to reduce…

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW, FOR OUR–2024 PATUXENT SUMMER DAY CAMP FOR YOUTH

By Ftutman | June 21, 2022

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW, FOR OUR FREE–PATUXENT DAY CAMP FOR YOUTH… SPACE IS LIMITED, SO APPLY NOW–OR NOMINATE A YOUNG PERSON! Patuxent Riverkeeper is offering a really exciting “Free” summer program designed for summer youth. We will host three intensive outdoor classes running for a week at a time in June, July and August. Enrollment…

Maryland Legislature Passes Bills Strengthening Clean Water Protections and Ensuring Equity

By Ftutman | April 19, 2022

Three bills improve the state’s regulation, enforcement, and public notice under the Clean Water Act (Takoma Park, MD) – In a victory for protecting clean water and addressing environmental injustices, the Maryland legislature passed three bills that significantly improve the monitoring and enforcement of pollution permits, require an evaluation of environmental injustices for new permits, and…

Stretch & Sip (presented by Astral Healing Arts & Treehouse Juices

By Ayisah Yusuf | July 12, 2021

Join us July 18th August 8th & 15th 9am-10am for a morning of Vinyasa Flow yoga with Tamara  Preregistration required Space is limited, non-refundable $30 fee. “To register email astralhealingarts@yahoo.com Send juice selection w/ registration! “Bring a yoga mat and we got the juice NO CLASS IF IT’S RAINING!  Riverkeeper House 17412 Nottingham Rd Upper…

We Are Taking The Steps To Reopening Come Participate (Safely) in One of Our Events This Summer

By Ayisah Yusuf | July 12, 2021

Come participate in our first in person event of 2021 by the river. On July 24th at 4 pm, we will be hosting an evening of family storytelling, paddling & ceremony under the Buck moon. Please come celebrate, rejuvenate & build community at the Patuxent River. Canoe or Kayak rentals on our site 24 hours…