West Virginia Members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition Gather to Reflect on 2025
West Virginia members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition gathered on November 18, 2025 in Shepherdstown, WV to discuss a recap of the collaboration and hard work they have accomplished over the past year. There were 25 members in attendance throughout the day, representing 18 different member organizations.
Member Highlight: ShoreRivers
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's Maryland State Lead, Marisa Olszewski had a discussion with Annie Richards, Chester Riverkeeper at ShoreRivers. The two had a conversation about Annie’s role as a Riverkeeper and the important water monitoring programs ShoreRivers provides.
New Year, New(ish) Workgroup
Sitting back and reflecting on the work of the past year is not an easy task, and one that I’ve been avoiding for weeks. Beginning this year with the executive orders proclaiming America’s Energy Dominance does not exactly match the tone or tenor of the way I prefer to conduct business leading the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Energy workgroup.
Fall-ing for Clean Water
The weather may be cooling down, but things are the Coalition are heating up. We’ve had a packed calendar this fall. In October, we went on a water quality testing trip with Arundel Rivers Federation on the South River. Choose Clean Water staff used secchi disks and took water samples to determine visibility and algae levels in the South River.
Ensuring a Future for Emerging Chesapeake Leaders
Almost one decade ago, Choose Clean Water Coalition created the Young Professionals of the Chesapeake (YPC) Mentorship Program. YPC fills a unique need in our work for clean water. The program is among very few spaces, let alone mentorship opportunities within the Chesapeake Bay partnership, that builds support for diverse leaders within the Bay community.
D.C.’s Fight for a Bottle Bill
Washington, D.C. is drowning in beverage container waste. From the banks of Oxon Run to neighborhoods across all eight wards, plastic bottles litter our public spaces and waterways. But a powerful grassroots movement is fighting back using strategy, determination, and collaboration.
Up Close and Personal with a Bay Menace
Earlier this month, we had a very cloudy kick off to our 2025 Steering Committee Retreat in Washington, D.C. But we didn’t let the weather get to us—our Steering Committee, friends of the Coalition, and staff hopped on the boat ready to set sail on the Potomac River.
Goodbye, Genesis!
As Genesis’ time with the Coalition has come to an end, she tells us about her summer internship, what she’s learned, and even her final project! We’ll miss you, Genesis!
Member Highlight: Rivanna Conservation Alliance
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's former Virginia State Lead, Pat Calvert, interviews Bailey Pleasant, Watershed Coordinator at the Rivanna Conservation Alliance. Their edited conversation follows.
Reconnecting for Clean Water: DC Workgroup Luncheon Builds Momentum for a Healthier Bay
On April 24, 2025, environmental advocates, local leaders, and community stakeholders came together for an inspiring day of collaboration and learning at the DC Choose Clean Water Coalition (CCWC) Workgroup Luncheon, hosted by Nature Forward.
Welcome to CCWC, Genesis Ibrahim-Balogun!
Hi! I am Genesis Ibrahim-Balogun (she/her), and I’m thrilled to intern with the Choose Clean Water Coalition this summer.
He’s Back…
Yeah. It’s here. For his one-month birthday, we’re dropping some premium, highly requested Dewey merch! From tote bags to baby clothes, we’ve got it all. Get your Dewey drip now at our online shop!
Welcome to CCWC, Leeanna Duong!
My name is Leeanna Duong (she/her) and I’m thrilled to join Choose Clean Water Coalition as the Communications Intern!
Revising the Bay Agreement
As we start 2025, the Coalition continues to work closely on the future of the Chesapeake restoration effort. Right now, members are engaging with the Chesapeake Bay Program on revisions to the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
Welcome to Congress!
On January 3, members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition went to Capitol Hill to welcome the 16 new members of Congress in the Chesapeake watershed.
Member Highlight: Safe Water Conservation Collaborative
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's West Virginia State Lead, Maria Russo, interviews Alyssa Murray, Manager of Land Conservation at the Potomac Conservancy and Coordinator for the Safe Water Conservation Collaborative. Their edited conversation follows.
Member Highlight: Muddy Branch Alliance
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's Maryland State Lead, Marisa Olszewski, interviews Janette Rosenbaum, President at Muddy Branch Alliance.
Member Highlight: Town Run Watershed Group
The Town Run Watershed Group was officially started in 2023, following the announcement that the Potomac River would be mixed with the Town Run, to serve as the town of Shepherdstown's drinking water source.
Member Highlight: National Parks Conservation Association
For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's Virginia State Lead, Pat Calvert, interviews Kyle Hart, Mid-Atlantic Program Manager at National Parks Conservation Association.
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