Stewardship Workgroup

Meetings

About

The long-term success and sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort will ultimately depend on the actions and support of the over 17 million residents of the region who call the watershed home. The cumulative impact of these millions of individuals can both positively and negatively affect the health of lands and waterways. Hundreds of local conservation organizations, in addition to a growing number of community associations, religious institutions, and others, are leading efforts at the local scale to engage and empower residents to restore local streams, reduce pollution, protect the environment and improve their communities. The efforts of these groups and of community leaders also result in an ever-increasing number of residents adopting behaviors and taking individual actions that ultimately reduce our collective impact on the Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement which was revised in 2025, contains a Stewardship Outcome to, “Increase the public’s participation in stewardship actions that contribute positively to lands, waters, wildlife, fisheries and communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed." The Stewardship Workgroup facilitates the implementation of this Stewardship Outcome. The team includes representation from federal, state, local and non-profit partners responsible and committed to stewardship activities.

Projects

Publications

Related Resources

• Chesapeake Behavior Change

  Chesapeake Behavior Change is a resource to help organizations apply the results of a survey of thousands of Chesapeake Bay region residents about their stewardship behaviors that impact the Bay's health. This website also serves as a repository to publish and view organizations' campaigns to encourage collaboration and learning opportunities.