Galesville, Maryland, is a waterfront community on the West River, a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. This tight-knit community has a rich maritime history dating back to the 17th century. By the end of this century, however, sea level is expected to rise more than 3.5 feet, storms will intensify, and temperatures will climb. These changing conditions threaten the town and its maritime way of life.

Community-based planning and action is essential to help Maryland’s coastal communities prepare for and adapt to climate change. However, every community is different, both in terms of the actions needed to adapt to climate change and their capacity to plan and implement those actions.