The three-dimensional oyster reef has become a reality. Partners from St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, the Leonardtown Rotary Club, and St. Mary’s College of Maryland came together to kick off the project with a ceremonious groundbreaking in November and this spring, we’re pleased to announce the installation of phase one is nearly complete.

      Six mounds four feet high and twenty feet in diameter have been placed along the five-acre plot in front of the college. Project contractor Colliflower & Peterson has been busy at the waterfront, precisely placing 160 tons of concrete rubble and 91 reef balls in their designated spots.

      This concept, based on the comprehensive design plan created by professors Chris Tanner and Bob Paul, acknowledges the once naturally occurring three-dimensional oyster reefs that rose up from the river’s bottom to beyond the water’s surface.

      Recreating these structures will give the oysters access to more nutrient-rich environments throughout the water column, increasing the oysters’ sustainability, density of living animals, and richness of habitat diversity. The better the oysters are doing, the more they will positively impact the water quality of the St. Mary’s River and larger ecosystem.

      Tanner and Paul, along with SMCM students, will conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the project, developing a model of best practices in the process. Many will watch the project’s progression throughout the state, as it may become a model to replicate in the broader efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

      Soon, we’ll move to the second phase and seek volunteers from our community to help place oyster shell and spat on shell onto the reef. This innovative project is sure to spark a lot of talk and opportunity to get many involved in our campaign to restore the oyster population and improve the health of the river.

Project contractor Colliflower & Peterson places concrete rubble and reef balls in designated locations to construct the 3-D Reef in the St. Mary’s River.

"We’ve always made it the Association's mission to work with developers and this project demonstrates to young people that effective things can be done to protect our environment."
                              —Bob Lewis, executive director

Representatives from SMRWA and Marrick Homes join County Commissioner Cindy Jones in a formal ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling a green model home at Elizabeth Hills.

      What happens when environmentalists and developers are on the same team? Homes that simultaneously feature low-impact development practices and offer added value for home buyers.

      SMRWA teamed up with regional consultant Ridge to Reefs in this National Fish & Wildlife Foundation-funded project and initial outreach promptly led to formal partnerships with Marrick Homes and Stanley Martin Homes Wildewood.

      The local developers employed the eco-conscious practices at new subdivision model homes, with site designs capable of capturing more than 75% of storm water run-off.

      This partnership is bringing innovative, environmentally mindful development practices to fruition in a highly visible way.

      Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon celebrating the St. Mary’s River on Sunday, June 2 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Statehouse Lawn in Historic St. Mary’s City. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at www.SMRWA.org or by calling 301-737-2903.

      The Association is thrilled to announce several grants we have been awarded to support oyster restoration, community education and outreach. The Chesapeake Bay Trust awarded the group $25,000 to continue with phase two of the 3 - D Oyster Reef project.

      “The Trust has been a huge supporter of the Association since our founding in 2005,” said Executive Director Bob Lewis.

      Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship, now in its fifth consecutive year of funding local oyster restoration efforts, has also awarded the group a$20,000 grant.

      The Rotary Club of Leonardtown continues to provide monies from their generous donors, area clubs, and District match funding. To date Rotary has funded more than $22,000 for the design, phase one, and current phase.

Students from the environmental club at the Chesapeake Public Charter School manufacture reef balls for the reef project.

      On April 6, twenty-four volunteers walked or paddled their way along two stretches of the St. Mary’s River to rid her waters and banks of unsightly and hazardous trash. All told, 17 bags of recyclables, 11 bags of trash, 19 tires, 980 pounds of loose trash - including a mattress, a dinosaur and an empty wallet - were collected during the three-hour outing.