Shenandoah Riverkeeper

07/17/2026

Yesterday was hot but sunny. Today, not so much. We had to quickly postpone (date tbd) our snorkeling trip with our ICPRB friends due to the hazardous air quality from all of the smoke that came in overnight. Bentonville, VA registered 331 this morning while NYC is only 148. The end times must be getting near.

07/07/2026

What do you think about data centers? Tomorrow, July 8 at 7 pm, you can speak up, with Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, at Warren County's public hearing at 155 Westminster Dr, Front Royal, VA 22630, on a proposed zoning change to permit construction.
If you wish to be heard, you must sign up in person at the hearing. All the details are here:
https://ow.ly/ecnA50Zl7E7

07/06/2026

There aren't many opportunities to experience the Shenandoah River like this -- and even fewer with your Shenandoah Riverkeeper. 🤿

Don't miss the Shenandoah Snorkeling Paddle on July 17th in Bentonville, VA where we will explore life underwater and search for freshwater mussels - the filters of our waterways! We will be accompanied by ICPRB's Mike Selckmann, Associate Director for Aquatic Habitats who will help us uncover their fascinating story. This trip is in partnership with our friends at Down River Canoe Company. 🛶

Register here: https://give.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/event/explorations-with-your-riverkeeper-shenandoah-snorkeling-2026/e781841 💦

06/28/2026

Mark Frondorf, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, is absolutely the voice of the Shenandoah. He probably spends more time on the water than on land and so he is uniquely suited to keep us informed of all things affecting the river and its tributaries.

Read this interview of Mark from WVTF, Virginia's public radio: https://www.wvtf.org/2026-06-16/interactive-map-shows-water-quality-of-shenandoah-forks-and-beyond?_amp=true

06/27/2026

Our own Betsy Nicholas describes why the Potomac is important -- sewage spill, drought, and data centers.

Read this great reporting by our friends at Washingtonian magazine: https://ow.ly/cJCW50ZhHg9

06/24/2026

Hundreds of passionate community members showed up Monday night in the name of our river, our land, and our valley and urged the town council to vote to prohibit data center development within Front Royal limits -- and it paid off. Into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the council voted unanimously against data centers in a small win for the Valley!

But, it isn't over just yet. On July 8th, Warren County is up for a similar vote.

Read more here: https://royalexaminer.com/town-council-begins-process-for-data-center-prohibition/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASopg1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEew7vrQd0emVYuqv5Q948eqpr1ORJt36Djo9Qrbvv5tRY9X_68_Rvtj494MtE_aem_wnKYVSEMzl1_-6M9hwV1gQ

06/19/2026

Front Royal and Warren County Folks - Listen up! Data Centers are coming. Make your voice heard. Listen to the Riverkeeper talk about two important upcoming hearings and be sure and attend.

River Report: 6-19-26Riverkeeper Mark updates us on low river levels and Data Centers. Brought to you by Front Royal Outdoors, ready to make your Summer memorable with some South Fork fun! Visit them at https://frontroyaloutdoors.com https://theriver953.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/RR06192026.mp3....

06/15/2026

Shenandoah Riverkeeper's Snorkeling Paddle is right around the corner -- and this isn’t your typical float trip! This river exploration begins with a paddle of a scenic stretch of river with plenty of stops to slip into the water, mask up, and explore what’s happening beneath the surface. The Shenandoah is full of surprises, and snorkeling reveals an entire hidden world of fish, aquatic life, and river-bottom habitats that most people never get to see!

Register today - this is an exploration you don't want to miss! https://give.potomacriverkeepernetwork.org/event/explorations-with-your-riverkeeper-shenandoah-snorkeling-2026/e781841

06/08/2026

Another year, another birdwatching adventure on the 'doah in the books! This year we were able to spot 38 species of birds including, but not limited to: Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, Northern Yellow Warblers, and of course Great Blue Herons and many vultures! Special thanks to Mark Adby and Heather McSharry for making this trip truly special, Front Royal Outdoors for your continued support and partnership, and to all of the bird and river lovers for joining us for a memorable day! 🦆

Photo Credit: Alan Lehman (P. 1,2,4) and Lori Ermi (P. 3) 📸

06/04/2026

PRKN is thrilled to partner with on a new water quality monitoring tool that brings real-time data to the greater DC region! We are managing four sondes throughout the watershed: Williamsport, MD, North Fork Shenandoah River, South Fork Shenandoah River, and National Harbor, MD! This collaborative effort reflects our shared commitment to protecting and restoring our local waterways and putting actionable information in the hands of those who need it most. Explore the tool: https://water-quality.reservoircenter.org/