Water Wednesday: Shenandoah Algae
This year we saw some of the worst harmful algal blooms in the Shenandoah River system to date. Also known as cyanobacteria, these blooms are the result of rising temperatures and nutrient pollution from agricultural operations, cities, lawns, and septic and sewer systems, and can contain toxins that cause illnesses in people, pets, and livestock. This crisis caused the Virginia Department of Health to set a no-contact health advisory for over 50 miles of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River this summer.
Water Wednesday: Brood X Cicada Mania
PRKN Board Member Stuyve Pierrepont shares his top tips and tricks on how to live more sustainably Have you heard about Brood X cicadas making their once-every-seventeen years appearance? Have you heard that it can make for some phenomenal top-water fishing for just about every species that swims? Have you heard that it is getting ready to explode in the next few days? Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Mark Frondorf and a group of distinguished panelists discussed the science behind the Brood X cicadas as well as the amazing fishing opportunities that result from them.
WATER WEDNESDAY: TRASH FREE POTOMAC
This Water Wednesday, Potomac Riverkeeper, Dean Naujoks, and special guest speaker, Dr. Jesse Meiller, Environmental Science Professor at American University & Microplastics Researcher, talk about the trash and microplastics that end up in the Potomac River.
Water Wednesday: Sustainability at home
Do you want to take steps toward sustainability but aren’t sure where to start? PRKN Board Member Stuyve Pierrepont shares his top tips and tricks on how to live more sustainably and how to become more environmentally conscious at home. He discusses personal changes you can make in your daily life, such as starting to compost, gardening sustainably, and more! He also reviews sustainable trends in the marketplace and where you can personally invest to make a difference, including what brands to support.
Water Wednesday: River Access
Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s March Water Wednesday featured all three Riverkeepers, who discussed river access issues throughout the watershed. Listen as they discuss their favorite spots, resources to find new kayaking routes or fishing spots, river safety, and more! Featured: Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks, Potomac Riverkeeper
Water Wednesday: Evidence in Action
Potomac Riverkeeper Network’s February Water Wednesday featured Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, Brent Walls, who discussed how, what, and why we collect evidence for use in advocacy. Check out the tools Riverkeepers use to investigate sources of pollution, and more!
Respect the Shenandoah
Mark Frondorf ranges far and wide to deliver the message of the Respect the Shenandoah campaign. Watch this video of him presenting to 50 participants attending, via Zoom, the event at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal.
Community Science and Water Pollution
Webinar replay from October 16, 2020
PFAS in the Upper Potomac
PFAS are legacy toxic chemicals and a serious problem, whose extent and prevalence we still don’t know. But Brent Walls, Upper Potomac Riverkeeper, has begun important testing in his watershed, starting with Antietam Creek. Check out this video from his Water Wednesday talk.
Respect the Shenandoah Campaign Presentation
Check out this video of Mark’s presentation at the kick-off to the Respect the Shenandoah campaign. This important initiative will be a game-changer for the River, and for the Valley.
Water Testing at Mallows Bay
We are really proud to include the National Marine Sanctuary at Mallows Bay as one of our new water testing sites this year. Mallows Bay, the nation’s newest marine sanctuary, is home to the famous Ghost Fleet, the sunken ships from WWI; a favorite spot for kayakers and canoers, it features a unique opportunity to observe history firsthand.
Shenandoah Riverkeeper River Rodeo 2020
The annual Shenandoah River Rodeo was held Saturday, July 13 at the Bentonville Low Water Bridge Campground. Our region’s best fishing guides generously donated their guide fees to Shenandoah Riverkeeper! If you missed this year’s River Rodeo on the Shenandoah, check out this video, courtesy Bill Howard of Downstream Project.
Keeping the Potomac – The Politics of Water
American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking documentary Keeping the Potomac: The Politics of Water aired on January 24th and 28th on Maryland Public TV. In May, it also aired in primetime as part of MPT’s 2017 Chesapeake Bay Week. The film, featuring Upper Potomac Brent Walls, Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks, and Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf, looks at efforts to stem agricultural nutrient pollution along the Shenandoah River in Virginia and West Virginia, a major tributary to the Potomac; a pipeline in Allegany County, Maryland that pumps effluent from a Westernport wastewater treatment plant into the upper Potomac River; and coal ash disposal ponds at Possum Point Power Plant in Dumfries, Virginia and their impact on the lower Potomac. The 2017 American Conservation Film Student Film Award went to filmmakers Sam Sheline, Kent Wagner and Elizabeth Hertzfedlt-Kamprath.
Clean Water Across America
Polluted runoff is the most serious threat to water quality in America, and farms are a major contributor. Federal Farm Bill conservation programs and state clean water efforts help farmers reduce polluted runoff into our streams. Produced by Izaac Walton League. Features Shenandoah Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf and PRKN Board Member John Gibson.
Potomac – The River Runs Through Us
Each of us is connected to rivers in our everyday lives. Most of the six million people living in the Potomac River watershed do not realize that their drinking water comes from the Potomac. Since the Clean Water Act passed in 1972, the health of the river has improved. However, it is still in trouble and faces a number of serious threats: urban development, population growth and runoff from farms, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The film follows the flow of the Potomac water from its origin, into our homes and businesses and back into the river. We become aware of the need to protect this essential resource and of how our wellbeing and that of future generations is intertwined with the health of the Potomac. Co Directed, Produced and Written by Peggy Fleming and Sean Fumage. Released April 2013. Features Potomac Riverkeeper Ed Merrifield and PRKN Board Member Brent Blackwelder.
Our Nation’s River: A System on the Edge
From Alexandria Cousteau (former PRKN Board member), a Blue Legacy International film released April 2012. The final stop on our 17,100 mile journey across North America, visiting the Potomac River gave us the chance to reconnect with the watershed we call home. This story, about the river which runs through our nation’s capital—and through Blue Legacy’s own backyard—really speaks to who we are and the work we do with local water keepers. The Potomac is the lifeblood of this region and a constant reminder of the challenges we will face in the future. Features Potomac Riverkeeper Ed Merrifield.
Shenandoah: Voices of the River
Two minute trailer for the 2008 documentary film by The Downstream Project, examining the history, ecology, and beauty of this treasured natural resource—and the potentially devastating impacts on its future. With The Downstream Project founder George Ohrstrom as Executive Producer, and just one of many passionate “voices” to tell her story, “Shenandoah” comes to life through the masterful lens of documentary cameraman George Patterson and crew. This film was co-produced by Thaxton Green Studios and Barnyard Productions. Released May 2009. Features Shenandoah Riverkeeper Jeff Kelble.
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