West Riverkeeper Wade-In and Paddle on Saturday

The West/Rhode Riverkeeper invites the public to their annual wade-in at the Shady Cove Living Shoreline, near the mouth of Parrish Creek on the West River.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a wade-in is an unscientific check of water clarity. Retired Maryland State Sen. Bernie Fowler initiated the first one 20 years ago to check water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries. The official wade-in measurement, known as the “Sneaker Index” measures how deep waders can go and still see their shoes.

Generally speaking, the wade-in is more photo-op than scientific experiment, but wade-ins around the state have become a popular way to lobby for water quality and bay restoration efforts. After all, everyone can relate to a desire for cleaner water.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday (June 9), meet at the West/Rhode Riverkeeper’s office at Discovery Village in Shady Side. From there, everyone will paddle out to the Shady Cove Living Shoreline(about 1/2 mile away).

Photo courtesy the West/Rhode Riverkeeper.

All forms of paddlesports welcome – kayaks, standup paddleboards, canoes, you name it. The riverkeeper’s office has some single and tandem kayaks available on a first-come, first served basis. Contact Joe Ports at joe@westrhoderiverkeeper.org or 410-867-7171.

At Shady Cove, they’ll take a quick tour, then wade out into the water until we can’t see our feet.

After the wade-in, paddlers can explore the area, or paddle back to the riverkeeper office. There will be food and snacks available.