About Us

Our Mission, history and the people behind
the Magothy River Association.

About the Association

The Magothy River Association is an all-volunteer group representing over 30 communities along the Magothy River Watershed. The MRA will celebrate its 80th year, devoting our efforts to projects that protect the welfare of the river and its inhabitants.

Each year we host The State of the Magothy in the Spring to highlight status and trends in the river’s condition and review smart restoration options. The past reports are available on this website and on our Facebook page.

We celebrate the river every June on Magothy River Day, with music and educational displays. June 12th, 1608, is the historic day that Captain John Smith first explored the reaches of the Magothy river. Also note, our Annual Meeting is traditionally held in October. Please check our Facebook page to confirm all meeting dates.

Our Mission

The Magothy River Association (MRA) is a Maryland, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the water quality, plants, and wildlife of the Magothy River and its watershed. Founded in 1946, the MRA is an all-volunteer group, incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization and representing about 30 communities and over 300 individuals within the Magothy River Watershed.

The organization designs and executes projects that restore and protect the welfare of the river and its watershed. MRA staff members are all volunteers; many projects have been supported by grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other funding organizations. Major efforts have included litigation to preserve our watershed, oyster restoration, planting of submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality analysis, education on the river flora and fauna, and improved public access to the river.

The Magothy River Association was chartered in 1946 to preserve, conserve, protect, defend and improve the quality of all life within the Magothy River, its watershed and environmentally-related areas.

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Water Quality

Monitoring and protecting water quality across the Magothy watershed year-round through volunteer testing programs and advocacy.

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Wildlife & Habitat

Restoring native oyster populations, submerged aquatic vegetation, and fish habitats to support a thriving river ecosystem.

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Community

Engaging volunteers, local associations, and schools to build lasting stewardship of the Magothy River for future generations.

Our History

The Magothy River Association (MRA) is a Maryland, non-profit, tax-exempt corporation dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the water quality, plants, and wildlife of the Magothy River and its watershed. Founded in 1946, the MRA is an all-volunteer group, incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization and representing about 30 communities and over 300 individuals within the Magothy River Watershed.

The organization designs and executes projects that restore and protect the welfare of the river and its watershed. MRA staff members are all volunteers; many projects have been supported by grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust and other funding organizations. Major efforts have included litigation to preserve our watershed, oyster restoration, planting of submerged aquatic vegetation, water quality analysis, education on the river flora and fauna, and improved public access to the river.