Bernie Fowler, former Maryland State Senator and state environmental pioneer, has struggled tirelessly to restore the Patuxent River to the clarity and purity it enjoyed in the 1950s. In the 1970s and 1980s, Bernie and his fellow crusaders had great success in moving forward this agenda. The film follows the struggle from these early days through to the present political debate, which continues in Annapolis to this day.
 
The documentary includes interviews with Senator Fowler over a period of five years. Cameo appearances by a range of familiar faces include Representative Steny Hoyer, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, former governors Glendenning, Schaefer, and Hughes, author Tom Horton, Dr. Walter Boynton, singer songwriter Tom

Wisner and many others. Also included in the video are historical photos, newspaper headlines and archival film footage of watermen and the Calvert County waterfront area in the 1950s.
 
The film, which is approximately 45 minutes long, impresses viewers with importance of the Patuxent River to the region, and the effort that has gone into maintaining its health. It is the story of one man’s quest; one man’s deeply held conviction that there is nothing more worthy of dedicating yourself to than saving the world in your own back yard.

Patuxent River Appreciation Days will take place at the Calvert Marine Museum Columbus Day Weekend: October 7 & 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about PRAD or the film, visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com, or call 410-326-2042 ext. 41.