chesapeake bay trust

Community-led stewardship efforts increase public understanding of water pollution challenges, build ownership of the local watersheds, engage more individuals and organizations into stewardship practices and projects, and expand the base of citizen support and community involvement necessary to make a positive impact on the Chesapeake Bay. 

In 2011, nearly 400,000 Marylanders supported the Chesapeake Bay Trust through the Bay Plate program, and more than 40,200 Marylanders volunteered 33,859 hours to clean up the Bay and its Rivers.  The Trust supports community engagement efforts in a variety of ways, including: 

Grants
We award engagement grants through our Mini Grant Program and Outreach and Community Engagement Grant Program. 

Partnerships
We work with partners invested in building environmental stewards throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Awards
We recognize excellence in environmental stewardship through our Awards Programs.