Mollie and Sarah suited up for oyster reef diving. Check out the video at the end.

This newsletter is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of Diamond Sponsor: Waterfront Preservation

The pace of restoration here at SRA is really heating up. This June finds us completing projects and embarking on new ones. My head is swelling with pride in our accomplishments, both those entering the rear view mirror and those on the road’s horizon.

Thanks to many volunteers and Environmental Quality Resources, the three bioretention cells at Georgetown East are now planted, with the finishing touches being applied and removing the fence. More on that below.

Initial data collection has begun for Hollywood on Severn design of the living shoreline and stormwater management projects. We have contractors in place for surveying the topography, bathymetry, and utilities (both above and below ground), as well as sample collection to ensure proper geotechnical engineering. 

Data collection is also beginning for our two subwatershed action plans in progress—Picture Spring Branch and for Severn Run Mainstem 1. We are always looking for new restoration projects to pursue to help reduce pollution. We are particularly looking to connect with communities in the Odenton and Severn area, so if you have a contact there, please let us know.

Thank you to our project grant funders, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (for Picture Spring Branch) and Chesapeake Bay Trust (Severn Run Mainstem 1). And as always, I am able to secure grants like these by leveraging your generous donations, so thank you to each one of our donors! Every dollar makes a difference.

For the Severn,

Ben Fertig, Ph.D.

Restoration Manager

Ben@severnriver.org

YOU Did It! Thank You!

GreenGive 2025 was a big success with us reaching our goal of $50,000 to plant 10 million oysters this summer!

A special thanks to Bob Whitcomb, Ted Delaplaine and Todd Wilson, Doug Legum, and the Shenandoah Foundation for offering to match donations 1:1.

The bioretention cells at Georgetown East have been planted! Thank you so much to all our volunteers who came out and got (very) muddy with us.

Again, this project would not have been possible without grant funding support from both Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, thank you! This project was designed by BayLand Consultants & Designers, Inc. and constructed by Environmental Quality Resources, LLC. SRA is looking forward to working with Vanessa F. Bright, MBA, LMSW, Devin Landry and the GreenLift crew to maintain it over the next several years.

And certainly not least, a huge thank you to Jon Chapman, Robin Schmidt, Jenny Smeltzer, and the whole Georgetown East community for their interest in this project, their patience and their flexibility as we navigated this process.

Marylanders Grow Oysters

If you're growing oysters this season, it is time for planting. We ask that you add your oysters inside the marked triangle in June. Contact your Creek Captain if you have any questions.

Would you like to grow oysters for 2025-2026? Fill out this interest form to join the program.

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.

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.

HELP RESTORE AND PROTECT THE SEVERN RIVER