Chesapeake Bay Program

Up until a few years ago the James Spinymussel had all but disappeared from the James River—the tributary it was named after.

But after years of restoration efforts, the river became clean enough to reintroduce native James Spinymussels.

In 2022, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released about 1,300 hatchery-raised mussels into the James and nearby tributaries.

As a filter feeder, the James Spinymussel helps remove bacteria and sediment from the water, making it cleaner for other species.

James Spinymussel The James spinymussel is a rare freshwater mussel found in a handful of streams and rivers in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. One of only a few freshwater mussel species with spines, it serves as an important filter feeder that helps improve water quality in river ecosystems.

Wetlands are great for wildlife, clean water and recreation!

Since 2014, Delaware has enhanced 70 acres of wetlands, contributing to the watershed-wide total of 61,163 acres. Additionally, Delaware has created or restored 491 acres of wetlands, contributing to the watershed-wide total of 4,862 acres.

What's your favorite wetland in the watershed? Let us know in the comments! ⤵️

Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Named after the nearby Catoctin Mountains, Catoctin Creek flows for 28 miles through the mountain vallies of Western Maryland before reaching the Potomac River.

The creek's headwaters are known for having healthy trout populations. 🎣 The creek's middle to lower parts are less pristine, though anglers can still find quiet places to fish for warm water species like bass and sunfish.

A restored aqueduct from the 1830s can be found close to where the creek meets the Potomac.

Catoctin Creek boasts healthy headwaters and relics of American history Named after the nearby Catoctin Mountains, Catoctin Creek flows south for 28 miles to the Potomac River.

Remind yourself of these 5 tips before you head out onto the Bay this summer. 🚤

Want to enjoy boating without harming the Bay? Follow these 5 tips How to boat responsibly on the Bay this summer.