Learn about the community events Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary participated in this past year!

Photo: Karen Kleyle

BioBlitz

On April 26, a guided hike with sanctuary staff and Walk Charles County during our annual spring BioBlitz, participants collected nearly 200 iNaturalist observations of 100 different species!

Photo: Megan McCabe/NOAA

NatureFest

On May 31, sanctuary staff joined 65 local organizations and businesses at NatureFest, a community event at the College of Southern Maryland that features nature-themed activities and programs.

Photo: Adam Wright/NOAA

Hooked on the Potomac

On June 28 to 29, sanctuary staff hosted a table at Hooked! On the Potomac - a two day festival that celebrated Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Tour in the Potomac River and featured programming that highlighted recreational fishing, aquatic conservation, and invasive species impacts.

Photo: Adam Wright/NOAA

Riverpalooza

On August 16, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network hosted a Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet paddle during their annual RiverPalooza series of events that provide recreational opportunities along the Potomac River.

Photo: Megan McCabe/NOAA

2025 SAV Community Survey

On September 6, sanctuary staff hosted their second annual SAV (Submerged Aquatic Vegetation) Community Survey in partnership with Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers. Volunteers learned about the vital role of SAV, how to identify different species, and how to survey them. They then paddled into the sanctuary to collect data on SAV diversity and abundance while exploring the underwater world of Mallows Bay, gaining hands-on experience with the bay’s rich underwater grass habitats.

Photo: Karen Kleyle

Walk Charles County Guided Fall Hike

On November 9, Walk Charles County partnered with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and the Southern Maryland Audubon Society to lead a guided hike through Mallows Bay Park. Thirty-seven participants joined, most experiencing Mallows Bay for the first time! The roughly two-mile hike wound under a vibrant canopy of towering trees bursting with color, with brilliant blue skies and the iconic Ghost Fleet as a stunning backdrop.

Photo: Megan McCabe/NOAA

Military Families Spend the Day Fishing and Kayaking at Mallows Bay

On October 19, military families from across the DC Metro area gathered for a day of outdoor adventure at Mallows Bay hosted by the National Park Trust in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. In the morning, one group of families paddled among the historic shipwrecks while the other ventured out to fish for invasive blue catfish. Local watermen guided families and children—many casting a line for the first time. After a relaxing shoreline lunch, families swapped activities, and as the boats returned, fishing captains demonstrated how to fillet the day’s catch—sending everyone home with fresh fish and lasting memories.

Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is proud to share its commemorative poster as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Marine Sanctuary System. Learn more about the inspiration behind the Mallows Bay-Potomac River poster and explore the other sanctuary posters in the series.

The Mallows Bay Species Poster highlights some of the animals found throughout Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary — with their names in the Piscataway dialect of Algonquian and English. The Piscataway people have stewarded these lands and waters for thousands of years, maintaining a deep connection to the water, plants, and animals that can be found within the sanctuary.

Artist Credit: Jing Graber/NOAA

Plan your next trip and explore the rich heritage and nature surrounding Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary with our new interactive StoryMap! From scenic parks and historic trails to cultural landmarks and natural wonders, the StoryMap takes you on a virtual tour of key sites in the region. Featured stops include nature centers, museums, aquariums, historic sites, and more — within the nationally designated Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and beyond.

Kids of all ages can explore the sanctuary’s history and nature through coloring pages, word searches, mazes, matching games, and more in the Mallows Bay Activity Book! The activity book is available to download online for students, teachers, and parents—and printed copies will be shared at future outreach and education events.