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.

 

Rural Prince George’s threatened by zoning changes

By Ftutman | July 5, 2018

RURAL AREAS OF OUR COUNTY – UNDER THREAT FROM ZONING REWRITE Warning: The Prince George’s County Council will soon vote on three bills that could have a devastating impact on the county’s protected rural areas. Current rural and agricultural zones are shown on the map (p. 2). • CB-013-2018 Proposed Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Rewrite •…

Big Win on Patuxent Coal Waste!

By Ftutman | March 26, 2018

March 26, 2018 With great pride and joy, We are pleased to report that the Prince George’s County District Council earlier today voted unanimously to disapprove the special exception for the Brandywine Coal Ash disposal site operated by NRG on North Keyes Road. We won! Granted, NRG might appeal this latest decision, but our advocacy…

Cluster of power plants assails a Maryland community

By Ftutman | September 12, 2017

Within the next three years, five large power plants will be operating within a 15-mile radius of this Washington, D.C.-area bedroom community. There are already three plants up and running — one burns coal and two use natural gas — and two more are under way….Patuxent Riverkeeper is trying to do something about the disparities…

Wade in the Water: Spiritual Storytelling and Service along the Patuxent River

By Ftutman | September 11, 2017

THE CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY NATURE Offering intimate experiences in nature that deepen spirituality and open us to a loving relationship with the natural world. Saturday, September 30, 2017 9AM – 2PM We’ll sit on the banks of the river at the HQ for Patuxent Riverkeeper, hear from an ethnically and spiritually diverse group of storytellers,…

A Jazzy Day of the River!

By Ftutman | September 11, 2017

Please join us for “A Jazzy Day of the River”; an open air, outdoor concert at the Patuxent Riverkeeper Center featuring award winning vocalist Sara Jones and the Tom Lagana Trio. Since this is an outdoor concert we encourage you to bring a blanket or a chair for seating on the lawn. If you come…

PAXCON 2017- Sign Up Today!!!

By Ftutman | September 11, 2017

Get hyped for Paxcon 2017 on December 6th, 2017, at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD! This year’s theme is “River Management Stories: Making the Leap from Information to Application.” Early bird registration of just $30 ends November 6th, 2017. For more info visit   http://www.paxcon.org