ST. INIGOES, Md. — The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association (SMRWA) has named Russell Miller, Diana Mendes, and the late Mark Bassett as its 2025 River Champions, recognizing their significant contributions to the organization’s efforts in 2024. The trio will be honored at the annual A River Affair on April 6, 2025, an event held since 2011 to celebrate individuals who support SMRWA’s mission to protect and enhance the St. Mary’s River watershed.
Russell Miller, owner of Three Notch South, LLC, stepped up last summer when SMRWA needed a new field site. He provided a rental space in St. Inigoes at a minimal cost, offering a location closer to St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s waterfront and along Point Lookout Road for increased visibility. Beyond the space, Miller has donated equipment, time, and ongoing support. “When the association reached out to Russell to see what might be possible on his St. Inigoes property, he was immediately positive,” said SMRWA Vice President Larry O’Brien. “Since then, we’ve worked together in a truly collaborative way, and his generosity and flexibility has truly enabled us to get through a challenging transition.”
items, and great food at A River Affair 2024. This year’s event on
April 6th will honor our 2025 River Champions while raising funds
for the St. Mary’s Rive
in action at the new field site, made possible by
River Champion Russell Miller.
Bassett on the St. Mary’s River. Mark’s dedication to the river
lives on through the Mark Bassett Tribute Fund.
Diana Mendes and her late husband, Mark Bassett, have been steadfast supporters since moving to their riverfront home in 2017. Their consistent donations over eight years have bolstered SMRWA’s work. “The St. Mary’s River has a way of turning neighbors into friends, and I can think of no better example of this than our good friends Diana Mendes and Mark Bassett,” said SMRWA President Joe Anderson. “As long-time donors, they’ve played a vital role in helping to sustain our work on the river.” Before his passing, Bassett requested that memorial donations be directed to SMRWA. The resulting Mark Bassett Tribute Fund has raised nearly $10,000, securing his legacy in the watershed’s preservation.
A River Affair, set for noon to 3 p.m. at Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse on St. George Island, will celebrate these contributions with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, an auction, and a tribute to the honorees. Tickets are available at https://smrwa.org/a-river-affair/, with proceeds supporting the St. Mary’s River. For those unable to attend, donations can be made at www.smrwa.org/donate, echoing the commitment of Miller, Mendes, and Bassett.
The St. Mary’s River, a 22-mile tributary of the Potomac, spans 73 square miles of watershed in St. Mary’s County, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. SMRWA, founded in 2005, works to monitor water quality, restore habitats, and educate the public, as detailed on its website. The organization relies on community support, with events like A River Affair raising funds—last year’s event brought in over $15,000, per SMRWA records.
Miller’s property assistance addressed a practical need, while Mendes and Bassett’s financial backing has sustained long-term projects. Bassett’s tribute fund, in particular, reflects a personal tie to the river, a sentiment shared by many in the region. St. Mary’s County, Maryland’s oldest county, has a rich history tied to its waterways, making such efforts vital to its environmental and cultural fabric.
The April event promises a community gathering to honor these champions while advancing SMRWA’s goals. Details and updates are available online for those interested in joining or contributing.