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Programs, Events, & Volunteers

Upcoming Events

Mallows Bay BioBlitz

A young girl wearing pink holds her phone up to a yellow flower to take a picture.
Use your phone to take a photo of a plant or animal to be counted as an observation for the BioBlitz (Credit: Elena Gilroy/Charles County).

Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is joining the City Nature Challenge! The City Nature Challenge is a global citizen science event motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. Residents throughout the Washington DC metro area will be exploring local parks, backyards, and neighborhoods to observe the wild plants, fungi and animals that share our environment.

As part of the challenge, Mallows Bay will be holding a BioBlitz, a free event where participants collect as many species observations as possible. By participating, you’ll help scientists collect valuable biodiversity information and learn more about Mallows Bay! All ages are welcome.
Joining the BioBlitz is easy! Anyone with a cellphone camera and access to the freeiNaturalist app can participate. Here's how:

  1. Download the iNaturalist App. Create a user account at iNaturalist.org and join the BioBlitz project.
  2. Register for the BioBlitz (not required, but appreciated!)
  3. Join us at Mallows Bay on April 26!

Date and time: Sunday, April 26, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Mallows Bay Park (1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662)

Special activities:

  • Guided hike led by Walk Charles County and Southern Maryland Audubon Society (11:30am)
  • Seining for aquatic organisms with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
  • Science Station with binoculars, field guides, insect nets, and more!
  • Kayak rentals available on-site from 10am-3pm.

When you arrive, look for the blue NOAA tent for check-in.
Contact mallows.bay@noaa.gov for questions or concerns.
Things to bring:

  • Closed toed shoes
  • Seasonal clothes
  • Rain gear (just in case)
  • Water
  • Sunscreen/hat
  • A smartphone with iNaturalist downloaded

Download the BioBlitz Flyer

Be a Volunteer

A group of individuals in single-person kayaks gather closely together as they collect samples.
Enthusiastic volunteers gather data on the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) of Mallows Bay. Photo: Anthony Burrows/Maryland DNR.

All national marine sanctuaries rely on the energy and passion of volunteers and there are many ways to be involved. Check this page for information about upcoming events, and learn more about our many community science volunteer programs here. To add your name to our list of interested volunteers or to inquire about other opportunities, please reach out to mallows.bay@noaa.gov

Force Blue

Force Blue is a volunteer organization that unites two worlds by helping veterans and helping the environment. A team from Force Blue volunteered to conduct an initial survey of the subaquatic vegetation in Mallows Bay – Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. The data that they collected provides much needed information on the various species and the health of the sanctuary.

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Logo

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation enhances national marine sanctuaries in their goal to protect essential U.S. marine areas and to ensure a healthy ocean.