News Along the Severn

August 2025

A volunteer takes water quality readings

This newsletter is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Diamond Sponsor: Chesapeake Home Team

Restoration Director's Corner

We all know it's been hot, humid, and hot! But did you know in June the average temperature in Maryland was 74.8 °F – the 4th hottest June in over 130 years, with over 10 days reaching above 90 °F? Maryland also received 7.81 inches of rain in May, the #1 wettest May in 131 years. All that heat and water, along with 20% higher than average freshwater flow into Chesapeake Bay has led to above average volume of hypoxic water in the Chesapeake, meaning there has been very little oxygen for fish, crabs, oysters and all our other favorite food and critters.

That’s why SRA is laser focused on managing and treating stormwater - the largest source of nitrogen pollution to the Severn River. In fact, the majority of SRA’s active restoration projects are focused on at least some level of stormwater management treatment. I am so excited to have recently held kickoff meetings to design stormwater management and treatment in the Fairwinds-on-Severn community in Severna Park and in the Windmill Hills community along Genessee St. in Annapolis. Thank you again to Chesapeake Bay Trust, Anne Arundel County Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration, and the City of Annapolis for the Watershed Restoration Grant funding supporting these projects!

For the Severn,

Ben Fertig. Ph.D.

Restoration Manager

Ben@severnriver.org

John Wright Speaker Series

Pirates: Their Origins and the Cheapeake Bay

September 30th, 6pm

Severna Park Library

Presentation Summary: Learn about these maritime marauders from Dr. Jamie L.H. Goodall, an expert on Atlantic World piracy and privateering, particularly during its Golden Age from 1650 to 1730. Her talk will focus heavily on individual stories based on locals like William Claiborne and Richard Ingle, who pillaged and plundered their way between Baltimore and Hampton Roads.

Speaker Bio: Jamie L.H. Goodall, PhD, is a historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History* in Washington, D.C. She has a PhD in History from The Ohio State University with specializations in Atlantic World, Early American, and Military histories. She has many publications and has appeared on programs like Mysteries from Above (2022) and History Channel's History's Greatest Mysteries (2024).

Welcome Erin!

Erin Hamner is joining SRA as a member of the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. She is looking forward to utilizing her passion and knowledge of urban planning, stormwater management, and community engagement toward restoration projects within her home watershed. Erin recently graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with an M.S. in Geography and Environmental Systems. Her interest in watershed restoration and sustainable urban planning led her to research the spatial and temporal water quality patterns within UMBC's local streams. She also completed her undergraduate degree at UMBC, earning a B.S. in Environmental Science and Geography. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, playing music, and playing games with friends.

Lifeline 100

Join us for the Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 Century Ride, a fun cycling event with something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, choose from 100, 65, 30, and 15-mile route options as well as a family ride. Each route showcases the natural beauty and unique sites of Anne Arundel County including views of downtown Annapolis, the Severn River, southern Anne Arundel County, BWI/Marshall Airport, and more! All routes are available on the website at www.Lifeline100.com.

Water Quality Update

This week and last week, the river had super low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations. The DO was lowest in Clements creek, but pretty bad across the board. Hypoxic conditions like these can stress or even kill aquatic life, but can be fixed by ratcheting down nutrient pollution with restoration projects.

A big thanks to volunteer captain Mike Paredes and crew for their data collection and great pictures. Volunteers help SRA staff collect water data and learn more about what is happening in the river. If you are interested in volunteering, email Restoration Associate Mollie Boyd.

Be prepared—make a will!

Did you know August is National Make-A-Will Month?

It's the perfect time to include the Severn River Association in your estate plans and leave a lasting legacy for a healthy Severn River. For more information, email Development Manager Elizabeth Somerset. If you've already included SRA in your will, let Elizabeth know so we can thank you and welcome you into our Severn Legacy Circle!

Volunteers

Looking for ways to help? Our weekly water quality monitoring has a spot for you! Help record data and enjoy a morning out on the water. Or fill out the interest form to be notified of other opportunities like stream clean ups or invasive species removal events.

Water Quality Monitoring

Volunteer Interest

In Case You Missed It...

9 million Spat-on-Shell

Every year Severn River Association completes a large-scale planting of oysters. This year we were able to plant 9 million spat-on-shell.

Thank you to all of our donors who support oyster planting each year!

Watch the Video

Our important work is only possible due to the generous support of people like you. If you are a current donor - THANK YOU! We welcome your support any time of the year. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining the movement today. Any size donation makes you a member.

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