The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most ecologically significant natural resources in the United States. As the largest estuary in the country, the Bay supports an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life, provides drinking water and recreation for millions of residents, and serves as a crucial economic stimulus for the Mid-Atlantic region (NOAA, 2025).

For decades, the Bay and its watershed have faced rising pressures: nutrient and sediment pollution, habitat loss, declining fisheries, and the growing threat of climate change. As these challenges increase, the need for collaborative science-driven solutions is becoming increasingly urgent.

One organization at the lead of this effort is the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT). Since its founding in 1985, the Trust has worked to restore the Bay's ecological integrity by investing in projects that combine environmental impact with public engagement and education (Chesapeake Bay Trust [CBT], 2024a).

A Mission to Restore and Protect

The Chesapeake Bay Trust was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1985 to encourage public involvement in the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. It is funded primarily through voluntary contributions to the Maryland Chesapeake Bay and Endangered Species Fund, as well as from state and federal agencies, foundations, and corporate sponsors (CBT, 2024a).

The Trust’s unique structure allows it to support community-led projects that reflect local priorities and needs while remaining scientifically grounded in best management practice. The CBT's vision for the future is clear: “The Chesapeake Bay and local watersheds are healthy and safe, our waters are fishable and swimmable, local communities benefit from these healthy resources, and everyone participates in restoring and protecting our natural resource treasures” (CBT, 2024a).

Environmental Focus Areas for the CBT

1. Water Quality Improvement: Excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, contribute to harmful algal blooms and oxygen-depleted "dead zones" in the Bay. The Trust supports green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens to reduce urban stormwater runoff (EPA, 2023).

2. Habitat Restoration: Each year, CBT-funded projects plant native trees and grasses, stabilize shorelines, and restore wetlands to support biodiversity and resilience (CBT, 2024b).
3. Environmental Education and Engagement: The Trust funds outdoor learning programs for students and professional development for educators to build environmental literacy (CBT, 2024b).

4. Climate Resilience: CBT invests in climate adaptation strategies such as living shorelines and flood mitigation through natural systems (CBT, 2024a).

Measurable Impact of the CBT

In 2023, the Trust awarded over $18 million in funding to more than 700 environmental and educational projects. These efforts led to the planting of over 400,000 native trees and involved more than 150,000 individuals through volunteer and education programs (CBT, 2024b). An interactive map available on the CBT website allows users to search awarded projects via location, outcome, funding source and more (CBT, 2024c). This allows visitors to see the type of projects funded by CBT, as well as the significant geographical scope of the projects.

Scientific Partnership with UMCES

The CBT funded the development of a program by The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) to improve how citizen scientists monitor submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in Chesapeake Bay. Since SAV plays a crucial role in the Bay’s ecosystem, consistent and accurate data collection and recording is essential. The project created standardized monitoring methods and comprehensive instructions.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility

The health of Chesapeake Bay depends on all of us. The Chesapeake Bay Trust is empowering individuals, organizations, and institutions to act. With continued support, its impact will extend far beyond the Bay itself, restoring not only landscapes but also the relationship between communities and the environment.

References

• Chesapeake Bay Trust. (2024b). Annual report 2023. https://cbtrust.org/annual-report
• Chesapeake Bay Trust. (2024a). Mission and History. https://cbtrust.org/mission
• Chesapeake Bay Trust. (2024c). Impact of our work. https://cbtrust.org/impact-of-our-work/
• National Ocean Service. (2025). Where is the largest estuary in the United States? NOAA. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/chesapeake.html
• University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. (n.d.). Development of SAV monitoring methods, manuals, and certification for citizen science in Chesapeake Bay. Integration and Application Network. https://ian.umces.edu/projects/development-of-sav-monitoring-methods-manuals-and-certification-for-citizen-science-in-chesapeake-bay/