Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay Program Take Action section. Here you can find a bunch of ways to connect with the Chesapeake Bay and all it offers.
Most of us can’t stop driving altogether. But there are lots of ways we can send less pollution into our air and water – and save a few extra gallons at the same time.
For Bay restoration to be a success, we all must do our part. Our everyday actions - from fertilizing our lawns and using water to driving our cars to work and school - have a major impact on the Bay, one that can't be fixed by government and non-profit restoration partners alone. By making simple changes in our lives, each one of us can take part in restoring the Bay and its rivers for future generations to enjoy.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Make sure your home's downspouts drain onto grass or gravel rather than paved driveways or sidewalks.
Take Shorter Showers
Take shorter showers. Cutting your shower time by five minutes can save 10-12 gallons of water per shower.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Spread mulch over bare ground to prevent soil erosion and stop the flow of polluted runoff from your lawn into local waterways.
Improve Wildlife Habitat
Plant a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs in your yard to attract different kinds of wildlife.
Reduce Emissions
Carpool to work or school to reduce vehicle emissions that can pollute our air and water.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system pumped out every three to five years to prevent accidental sewage overflows.
Use Safer Pesticides
Use weed and insect-control products that contain plant-derived, non-toxic ingredients.
Reduce Air Pollution
Use electric or manual lawn mowers and yard tools instead of gas-powered machines that can pollute our air.Find a fun and exciting Bay-related event to attend with this list of upcoming events happening across the Chesapeake watershed. Events range from nature workshops for children and families to bird walks to restoration activities like trash clean-ups and invasive plant removals.
05/25/2013 Nathan of Dorchester (Cambridge,Maryland) - 2-Hour sail on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. Depart from Long Wharf, Cambridge. Prices: Adults $30, Ages 6 - 12 $10, Under 6 Free. All sails subject to prevailing weather conditions. For credit card Reservations visit our we
05/25/2013 Historic St. Mary's City (St. Mary's City,Maryland) - Meet in the Plantation parking lot $14 ($12 Friends) includes full-day museum admission. Registration required by 5/18/2013. Join us for this special, after-hours, adults-only guided tour examining some of St. Mary's City's "dirty" secrets.
05/29/2013 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Baltimore,Maryland) - Park on Wallace St. Meet at the Fort gate at 6pm. Walks automatically cancelled if the weather is inclement-rain, thunderstorms, fog etc. Bring binoculars, dress for the weather and be prepared for insects.
05/30/2013 Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Cambridge,Maryland) - We'll work with refuge staff on a marsh site they have selected for planting cordgrass. The area will be wet and muddy, some waders will be available, no experience necessary. Lunch provided after the fun!
06/01/2013 Nathan of Dorchester (Cambridge,Maryland) - 2-Hour sail on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester. Depart from Long Wharf, Cambridge. Prices: Adults $30, Ages 6 - 12 $10, Under 6 Free. All sails subject to prevailing weather conditions. For credit card Reservations visit our we
See our directory of watershed organizations that includes contact information for more than 600 nonprofit organizations that are actively working to restore and conserve natural resources and create sustainable communities across the Chesapeake watershed.
Looking to join a watershed organization near you? Enter your address below to find out what groups are doing great things to restore and protect the environment in your locality.
