How do we ensure the rivers that define Maryland’s Eastern Shore remain healthy for generations to come?
The answer lies in supporting organizations that combine rigorous science with passionate community engagement. That’s why it’s so special for us to be able to feature ShoreRivers as our Changemaker for June.
Each month, we showcase local partners whose work strengthens our region and creates lasting positive impact. Now, we’re shining a spotlight on ShoreRivers, an organization whose science-based approach to water protection is transforming how we think about environmental stewardship on the Eastern Shore.
We had the opportunity to speak with Rebekah Hock, ShoreRivers’ Director of Development, who shared insights into their comprehensive approach to protecting our waterways.
Photo: Robin Stricoff
Where Science Meets Community Action
ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. With their vision of “thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities,” this nonprofit organization takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the pollution challenges facing our region’s waterways.
What sets ShoreRivers apart is their unwavering commitment to evidence-based solutions. As Rebekah explains, “Our mission is very intentionally written. We ground all of our programs in science. That means everything from our school-based programs to our legislative advocacy and volunteer work is science-based. Even our community engagement efforts, like the River-Friendly Yards program, are rooted in science.”
The organization focuses on four major watersheds—the Chester, Choptank, Sassafras, and Miles-Wye rivers—addressing the pollutants affecting these waterways.
“The primary pollutants in our rivers are phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediments, mainly from agriculture, which dominates our land use,” Rebekah notes.
With offices in Easton, Chestertown, and Galena, their team of about thirty educators, scientists, restoration specialists, and advocates work directly with communities throughout the Eastern Shore.
How ShoreRivers Impacts Our Community
ShoreRivers’ impact spans multiple critical areas that directly benefit everyone who lives, works, or plays on the Eastern Shore.
Photo: CM Lynn
Water Quality Monitoring and Public Safety
Through their Swimmable ShoreRivers program, the organization conducts weekly bacteria testing at 50 to 60 sites across their four waterways during peak recreational season.
“During the summer, especially in June and July, we see a lot of recreational use of the rivers. People are literally jumping in,” Rebekah explains. “This testing helps us provide guidance, like advising people to avoid the river after a rainstorm, since that’s when pollutants are most likely to be washed into the water.”
Educational Excellence
Their robust environmental education program provides Meaningful Watershed Education
Experiences to over 2,500 students annually in Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Kent counties.
By connecting young people with their local waterways, ShoreRivers is cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards.
Restoration Projects
As a certified Technical Service Provider with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, ShoreRivers designs and manages major restoration projects that measurably reduce pollution.
“There’s a map on our website showing where we’ve implemented them. These are engineered to reduce specific quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment annually,” Rebekah shares.
Agricultural Partnerships
Rather than viewing farmers as adversaries, ShoreRivers works collaboratively with agricultural communities.
“On the Eastern Shore, the community includes everyone from residents to farmers,” Rebekah notes, emphasizing their inclusive approach to finding solutions that benefit both farming operations and water quality.
Community Engagement
From their Tree the Shore program that builds green canopies in underserved communities to their River-Friendly Yards initiative, ShoreRivers offers multiple ways for residents to make a tangible difference.
“We measure how many people are participating, whether that’s signing a petition, planting a tree, helping with monitoring, or removing invasive species. There are many ways for people to get involved and help our waterways thrive,” Rebekah explains.
Advocacy and Enforcement
Their riverkeepers actively patrol waterways and monitor river health using sophisticated methods.
“Our riverkeepers do weekly tidal monitoring of parameters like dissolved oxygen, clarity, and bacteria. If we see unexpected spikes, like a surge in bacteria at a particular site, we investigate. It could be due to a failing septic system or runoff from nearby land work.”
Looking ahead, ShoreRivers has ambitious but achievable goals.
“We want our rivers to be swimmable, fishable, and accessible. We envision sustainable landscapes that support thriving waterways, communities that are climate resilient, and people across the Eastern Shore actively taking steps to protect our rivers,” Rebekah shares about their strategic vision.
Get Involved in the Movement for Clean Water
ShoreRivers recognizes that collaboration is essential to their success. Their philosophy is rooted in abundance rather than competition. They actively help other nonprofits secure grants and implement projects.
“Even though we’re a staff of about thirty, we know we can’t achieve our long-term goals alone. Our role is to help bring others into this work,” Rebekah emphasizes.
There are numerous ways to get involved, from volunteering for water quality monitoring to participating in restoration projects or attending their annual Solstice Celebration fundraiser on June 28th at Wilmer Park in Chestertown.
“We’re always open to new collaborations. Some relationships are deeply rooted and built over years, particularly with our community engagement team. Others might be one-time partnerships for a specific project or expedition. Each one adds value,” Rebekah notes.
At Full Sail Media, we’re honored to support organizations like ShoreRivers that combine scientific rigor with genuine community care. Their work ensures that the rivers that define our region’s character and support our economy will continue to thrive for generations to come. Because when our waterways are healthy, our entire community is stronger.
Ready to support clean water? Learn more about ShoreRivers and get involved at their website, or join them for their Solstice Celebration on June 28th. Together, we can ensure thriving rivers cherished by all Eastern Shore communities.
