The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association is proud to announce our 2025 River Champions: Diana Mendes and the late Mark Bassett and Russell Miller! These three incredible honorees were instrumental in our 2024 operations.

When SMRWA needed a new field site, Russell Miller stepped up, offering us a rental space at a greatly reduced fee. His generosity didn’t stop there—he has consistently donated equipment, time, and support to help advance our work. This field site has given us greater visibility with its prime location right off Point Lookout Rd.

Diana Mendes and her late husband, Mark Bassett, have graciously supported SMRWA since they moved to their “forever home” along the river in 2017. As long time donors, they’ve played a vital role in sustaining our programs and initiatives. Their commitment to our work extended into their toughest times when Mark asked his family and friends to donate to SMRWA to honor his life and legacy. The Mark Bassett Tribute Fund has raised almost $10,000.

Join us at A River Affair to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their impact on our watershed. Tickets are available now: https://smrwa.org/a-river-affair/. We look forward to gathering with our community to recognize these champions of the river!