Bernie Fowler Patuxent River Wade-in: 37 Years of Community Science

This past June, I attended my first Bernie Fowler Wade-In on the Patuxent River in Calvert County, Maryland. In the 20 years of my career in the Chesapeake watershed, this event had always eluded me, due to busy summer schedules. I was asked to speak at the event by Rod Cofield, Executive Director at Jefferson Patterson Park. Excited to finally experience this event, I was honored with an invitation to speak.

I came down early on Sunday to set up a table, and got to chat with many folks about the Alliance’s work. Specifically, we talked about how we’ve been working to improve water quality in southern MD. We have helped the City of LaPlata recently achieve “Tree City USA” certification, planted acres of trees on state land in St. Mary’s County, and are working with agricultural landowners to install living shorelines as they lose land to rising water levels. I handed out the Alliance’s well-loved “crabs need clean water” and “bee kind” stickers, and had thoughtful conversations about the declining crab populations, and the growing human population. With approximately 5% of the Chesapeake watershed’s population calling the Patuxent River watershed their home, the challenges can feel quite daunting.

More than 100 attendees joined the event to learn more about their beloved Patuxent River.

But when our speaking portion finally started, it was clear there was so much to be hopeful about. Congressman Steny Hoyer led off the speakers, speaking from the heart about his good friend, Bernie Fowler. He spoke of the passion Bernie brought to his work as a public servant – especially his passion for the Patuxent. Bernie was described as a force. He was someone who could boil down science into something people could touch, understand, and remember forever.

Congressman Steny Hoyer shares the spirit of Bernie Fowler as he kicks off the event.

This is the third wade-in without Bernie Fowler leading the way, but he left it in good hands with his grandson Cody Fowler. Cody maintains the same outfit his grandfather wore – overalls, American flag in his straw hat, and the always-important white sneakers. It occurred to me that the more things had changed, the more they stayed the same. Cody brings the same level of passion and drive as his grandfather – clearly an inherited trait.

Bernie Fowler’s iconic white sneakers were on proud display at the 37th annual event.

When my fellow speakers and I wrapped up, we made our way to the water. It was a breezy day on the banks of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, but it did not stop the 100+ attendees who joined. Everyone waded into the water, drawn here by the connection of working together for cleaner water.

Attendees wade in until they can’t see their feet. A windy day made the water rough.

As I drove home through the lowland marshes and agricultural fields of southern Maryland, I was struck by the sentiment that the passion of other people fuels my own passion. I met so many new, fellow Marylanders today. Ones who knew the challenges of their beloved Patuxent River because their County Commissioner and State Representative for many years, Bernie Fowler, made sure to create a space for us all to gather and learn together. For the last 37 years, this wade-in has created a region of informed and inspired residents who know the importance of this incredible resource.

Hannah, in 2nd grade, takes notes on the new things she has learned today.

The Patuxent River holds a ranking in my top ten list of favorite Chesapeake Bay watershed tributaries. After college, I spent years volunteering on cleanup efforts along the Patuxent. In 2006, I spent three days on the river on a Kayak Sojourn, coordinated by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay – my now employer. This event truly felt like a full circle moment to me, as I reflected on how the Patuxent River has been a critical part of my career, my passion, and my personal growth.

I was grateful to be in community with other clean water champions, carrying on important traditions. As a community, we collected one more piece of evidence that together, we can go farther.