Bernie Fowler Day has been held the second Sunday in June since 1988. On this day, former Maryland state senator C. Bernard Fowler wades into the Patuxent River at Broomes Island in order to see how deep he can walk and still see his white sneakers. He wades out as far as he can while still being able to see his sneakers through the water. He then measures the water line on his overalls. Invited guests include Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-5th District), county commissioners from Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, and representatives from the Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Patuxent River Commission.
Since 1995, Maryland’s Tributary Teams have assisted with the implementation of the state’s watershed-based plans to reduce nutrient pollution to Maryland’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Support for the Tributary Teams is provided by staff at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR); however the team members are volunteers whose tireless energy results in invaluable contributions to restoration efforts. The Wade-Ins are just one of the ways the Teams highlight local water quality and get their communities involved.
The Wade-in will be held at Broomes Island in Calvert County on Sunday, June 12. The Commencement address begins at 1 p.m. and the wade-in starts at 2 p.m. To get there take Route 2 / 4 to Route 264 (about 3 miles south of Prince Frederick). Take a right at 264 if heading south on Route 2 / 4 (a left if going north) and head southwest. The Wade-in will be near the end of 264 on the left.