ANNOUNCEMENT: HUNTING SEASON RUNS FROM SEPT 5TH THRU FEB 4TH. CLICK FOR MORE INFO.
Friends of St. Leonard Creek
Who We Are
The Friends of St. Leonard Creek is a group of concerned citizens in the St. Leonard Creek Watershed partnering with the American Chestnut Land Trust to advocate for the health of St. The Friends of St. Leonard Creek host paddles, educational and tabling events, attend yearly meetings, partner with local conservation organizations, and conduct citizen science in the watershed.
Our Mission
We aim to include the extended community and encourage buy-in for environmental efforts by educating all residents about the impact their actions have on the watershed. We work to promote collaboration focused on sustainable stewardship activities and support the creation, dissemination and evaluation of data and information for quality decision making by residents, officials and businesses, acting as community ecosystem health watchdogs and champions in residential, policy and commercial ventures.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which our beautiful watershed is protected and cared for by its citizens by using practices that improve and sustain a healthy ecosystem. The principal tidal tributary to the Patuxent River, it is home to migratory fishes and birds such as Osprey, Eagles, migratory and native waterfowl, and oysters and clams, and is considered one of the best cruising destinations on the Chesapeake Bay. Our vision is to maintain it in ways that provide recreation to citizens while providing needed resources for wildlife.
Citizen Science​
The Friends of St Leonard Creek (FOSLC) have been collecting scientific data to give insights into the health of the watershed. Here are some of the citizen science initiatives the FOSLC have been involved in:
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Water Quality Blitz: Begun in 2017 by ACLT, the Water Quality Blitz is an annual, regional event focused on engaging citizen scientists in monitoring the health of their watershed. Each year, in early spring, volunteers trek through local streams, collecting water samples, which are later analyzed for nitrogen concentrations (NO23). The FOSLC have been participating in the Blitz since 2021, revealing some nitrogen hotspots in the watershed:
