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.

 

WATERKEEPERS CONVENE AT CITY DOCK, DEMAND ACTION FROM MARYLAND LEGISLATURES

By NLewis | May 18, 2011

May 19th Rally and Press Conference in Annapolis. Join us at the City Dock in Annapolis at 1pm! Contingent rain location is 58 State Circle in the Atrium. A flotilla of small craft operated by 18 affiliated Chesapeake Waterkeeper groups as they demand that Maryland Legislators deliver leadership and action on the cleanup of the…

My First Patuxent Bald Eagle Sighting

By NLewis | February 1, 2011

It Happened on the Banks of the Patuxent River: My First Bald Eagle Sighting By Tom Terry It was in the late 1950’s. My brother Michael and I were fishing for eel and white and yellow perch on the bank of the Patuxent River with my Grandfather, Anthony (Tony) Poula, at our favorite fishing spot…

Dive Teams Find History in the Patuxent

By NLewis | August 5, 2010

Beneath the waters made murky by recent heavy rains, archaeologists are uncovering remnants of the dramatic events preceding the bloody four-hour Battle of Bladensburg during the War of 1812. Archaeologists from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), the US Navy (USN) and Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) are surveying for a War of 1812 shipwreck in…

Attorney General’s Patuxent River Audit

By NLewis | August 5, 2010

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler visited the Patuxent River on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, as part of his ongoing audit of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Since beginning his statewide tour and audit of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in April 2008, the Attorney General has visited ten Maryland rivers. Attorney General Gansler…

Health Issues and concerns on the Patuxent

By NLewis | July 19, 2010

Patuxent Riverkeeper has received reports lately of two unrelated individuals who became sick at different times in the past week after coming into contact with some bacteriological agent that appears to be in the Patuxent river near Broome’s Island. Initial reports from individuals (who have insisted on keeping their identities from public disclosure) suggested a…

The Ultimate Patuxent Fact Sheet

By NLewis | May 24, 2010

The latest edition of the Patuxent fact sheet contains handy stats, facts and figures about the State’s longest and deepest instrastate waterway. Compiled and produced by local biologist Nick Carter for the participants in the 2009 Patuxent Sojourn you can download a copy of it here: Nick Carter