Election Day is quickly approaching. For some people in the Chesapeake Bay region, that means taking a boat, hiking, or tasting their way along the country’s largest smorgasbord to cast their vote at some of the watershed’s most unique polling places. But no matter how or where you vote this year, your voice matters greatly for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and our local rivers and streams. Learn more about priority issues and voting resources in your area, questions to consider when researching candidates for office, and why others are voting for the Bay this year. Beyond the election, as the watershed faces new pressures, it’s a critical moment for leaders to recommit to restoration and think big. Public support and advocacy for the Bay year-round—not just on Nov. 5—will be more important than ever to make that happen (these resources can help you take action all year long). Other big headlines this month include: a study linking osprey starvation to menhaden; opposition to waterfront development on Kent Island; a community-oriented oyster restoration project in the Hampton River; and more.
Debra Brown
Vote for the Bay
To save the Bay now and for generations to come, participation in our democracy is essential. That's why it's so important to urge candidates running for public office to support policies that are good for clean water and good for our communities. Learn more about priority issues and voting resources in your area.
At sunset on a calm day, the Sassafras River reflects the sky like a mirror.
Sam Shoge
Five Questions for Candidates
Elections matter. Your vote matters. If continued protections for clean air and water and healthy communities are important to you, know the issues and where each candidate stands. To get you started, we compiled a list of questions to consider when researching candidates for office, attending town halls, or more.
Early morning calm on the West Ridge facing Tangier School and the water tower on Tangier Island.
Caroline Maryan
Hiking to the Polls
For many, heading to the polls on election day means a visit to a school, community center, or library. But this election day, some people in the watershed will head to these 11 surprising locations to cast their vote—including a nature center, a whiskey distillery, and the country’s largest smorgasbord.
Jessica Srebroski
A Moment to Think Big
Chesapeake Bay restoration started as an impossible dream. But strong action from the region’s leaders over the past 40 years led to major wins: the phosphate ban, big declines in wastewater pollution, and large-scale oyster reef restoration. As the watershed faces new pressures, CBF President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk calls on leaders to once again recommit and think big.
A bald eagle appears to admire its reflection at Rock Creek, Washington, D.C.
Brian Wee
Sign the Pledge!
The Bay can’t vote, but YOU can! Thanks to clean water advocates like you, we've celebrated many wins across the watershed. But those wins start with electing officials at all levels, from local to state to federal, that prioritize the environment. So do your part and pledge to vote for the Bay this fall.
In the News
- Osprey starvation in Virginia and Maryland linked to menhaden: A new study shows that osprey young are not surviving at rates that sustain the population.
- Virginia regulators reverse course to keep ban on winter blue crab season: The vote comes after months of criticism within Virginia and Maryland on VMRC’s previous decision to lift the restriction on the winter blue crab harvest.
- One million new oysters heading to Hampton River: A National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant to CBF will provide key support to a community-oriented project to plant baby oysters across two acres of newly created sanctuary reefs.
- Kent Island development faces legal opposition: Residents, with support from Queen Anne’s Conservation Association, CBF, and Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, are challenging a recent county decision to allow major residential development on 100 acres of waterfront land, much of which is in Maryland’s sensitive Critical Area.
- Tour explores Norfolk’s urban greening projects that address climate change: More than 100 visitors joined CBF for a showcase of rain gardens, living shorelines, bioswales, tree plantings, and other green infrastructure that provide natural solutions to flooding and pollution.
- City of Lancaster getting more trees: A Healing the Planet grant from The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful® will support community tree plantings this fall.
- 2024 Maryland Rod & Reef Slam winners announced: Anglers reeled in 31 unique Chesapeake Bay species during the event, highlighting the immense biodiversity that restored oyster sanctuary reefs support.
- Grant will help more trees survive and reduce pollution in Pennsylvania: The grant from the Foxwynd Foundation will be used for maintenance, supplies, and logistical support for trees planted by the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, of which CBF is a founding partner and which has grown to more than 300 member organizations.
Shop CBF's New Fall Merch
Fall is officially here, and it's time to get cozy with fresh merch from the CBF Store! From soft sweatshirts to trendy tees, enjoy the cool weather in style. We've even restocked some fan favorites, including our Sunset Crewneck Sweatshirt and Terrapin Save the Bay T-Shirt.
What You Can Do
- Why do you #VotefortheBay? Take a look at why voting matters to this Bay saver, then share your own reason.
- Speak for the trees! Join us in Richmond this fall for a tree planting. The trees we plant together will cool the city, reduce pollution, and mitigate carbon emissions. Check out other volunteer events across the watershed on our calendar.
- Don’t forget: Restore America’s Estuaries Coastal & Estuarine Summit, co-hosted by CBF, is coming up fast! Join us Oct. 6-10 to discuss costal restoration.
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