Bernie Fowler adapted his youthful observation into an informative and fun annual assessment of water clarity. Senator Fowler held the first Patuxent "Wade-In" in 1988 to assess whether he could still see his sneakers while wading into the river. This became known as the “Sneaker Index.” His white sneakers disappeared from view in a disappointing 10 inches of water. At age 97, he led the 34th Wade-In late June, 2021, at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Although Senator Fowler passed, his tradition lives on with the annual Patuxent River Wade-In.
