ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association named its 22-foot C-Hawk research vessel the “Allison Rugila” after an anonymous bidder won the naming rights at the group’s annual fundraiser and auction, A River Affair, choosing to recognize the contributions of a former program director.
The vessel, purchased in 2024 with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, supports the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association’s efforts in monitoring water quality, planting oysters and conducting scientific studies on the St. Mary’s River. Staff and volunteers use the boat to advance conservation work in the watershed, which spans parts of St. Mary’s County in Southern Maryland.
Festival in June 2012. At this time, Allison was SMRWA’s Program Manager
trips of school, community, and youth groups to the waterfront. In this photo, Allison
teaches a group of Girl Scouts about blue crabs in June 2015
College of Maryland’s waterfron
Allison Rugila began her involvement with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association as a summer intern in 2011 while a student at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She advanced to program director in 2012 and held that position until 2015, when she transitioned to director of communications and outreach. During her tenure, Rugila focused on oyster restoration, outreach and problem-solving initiatives. She played a key role in expanding oyster restoration operations, including the design and assembly of an oyster nursery tank in 2012 that remains in use. This development enabled the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association to increase its restoration scale, leading to the construction of a five-acre reef site adjacent to St. Mary’s College starting in 2013 under her leadership.
Emma Green Ewing, current executive director of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, expressed approval of the naming decision. “Allison’s impact is still felt today,” she said. “Our oyster restoration program is built on the foundation she helped lay, so it’s only fitting that the boat we use to continue that work now carries her name.”
Bob Lewis, who served as executive director of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association from 2008 to 2023, also commented on the honor. “Allison changed who the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association would become,” he said, adding that “this is a well-deserved honor.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2014, Rugila pursued advanced degrees, obtaining a Master of Arts in applied ecology and a doctorate in ecology and evolution from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She then completed a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In May 2025, Rugila joined Save the Sound as associate Soundkeeper, where she applies her expertise to protect and improve the Long Island Sound. Her role involves scientific research, policy advocacy and on-water monitoring to address environmental challenges in that region.
The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, founded to address environmental concerns in the area, operates with a mission to protect, improve and promote the sustainability of the St. Mary’s River watershed through collaborative efforts involving economic, academic, environmental, agricultural, historical, social, cultural, political and recreational stakeholders. The organization conducts regular water quality assessments, oyster restoration projects and community education programs to maintain the health of the river, which flows into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.
The St. Mary’s River holds significant environmental value in Southern Maryland, serving as a vital habitat for aquatic species and contributing to the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The watershed covers approximately 72 square miles, including tidal and non-tidal portions, and faces challenges such as nutrient pollution and habitat degradation. Efforts by the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association have included planting thousands of oysters to enhance water filtration and reef structures, which help stabilize sediments and provide shelter for fish and other marine life.
Oyster restoration remains a cornerstone of the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association’s work, with projects dating back to 2010. The nursery tank designed under Rugila’s guidance allows for the cultivation of spat-on-shell, which are then deployed to build reefs. These initiatives align with state and federal goals to restore oyster populations in Maryland waters, where historical overharvesting and disease have reduced stocks. In recent activities, the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association has collaborated with local partners to plant bushels of oysters on designated sites, contributing to improved water clarity and biodiversity.
The annual A River Affair event, where the boat naming auction occurred, serves as a key fundraiser for the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, drawing community members to support conservation efforts. Proceeds fund vessel maintenance, monitoring equipment and volunteer programs that engage residents in watershed stewardship.
Southern Maryland’s environmental landscape benefits from organizations like the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, which work alongside county commissions and state agencies to implement low-impact development practices and stormwater management. The region’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay amplifies the importance of local watershed protection, as runoff from agricultural and developed lands can affect downstream water quality. Biological assessments have identified impairments in the St. Mary’s River, prompting ongoing restoration to support healthy aquatic communities.
Volunteers with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association continue to use the newly named vessel for fieldwork, ensuring Rugila’s legacy influences daily operations. The boat facilitates access to remote river sections for sampling and planting, essential for long-term monitoring.
The St. Mary’s River Watershed Association encourages public involvement through memberships, donations and volunteer opportunities. Interested individuals can learn more about ongoing projects and events on the organization’s website.
As climate change and development pressures mount in Southern Maryland, the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association’s role in fostering sustainable practices grows. By honoring figures like Rugila, the group highlights the human element in conservation, inspiring future generations to protect local waterways.
