Several years ago, I had the privilege to address the graduating class at Virginia Wesleyan University. I told them that, even when confronted with the enormity of the world’s problems, one of our greatest strengths is the ability to choose optimism. To choose hope. To choose problem-solving.
It’s something I’ve tried hard to remember amid the current flurry of activity coming from the new administration in Washington, D.C.. We do not yet know all that will come from the changes. Our federal team is evaluating the impacts of what we’re seeing. Moves that destabilize restoration efforts that rely on grant funding and eliminate teams of people who work to represent communities most affected by pollution are worrisome and will not be tolerated. The federal government is a critical partner on Chesapeake Bay restoration, providing science, accountability, and technical and financial resources. They are vital to the cleanup effort’s success.
But it is important to remember that our work is so much bigger than the federal government. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation itself grew from a recognition that government action alone is insufficient to protect our waterways. We are built for these moments.
First, the vast majority of our funding comes from our members, advocates, and supporters—you. We cannot thank you enough for making it possible to do the work that needs doing, no matter the political landscape of the day. It means we can relentlessly pursue our shared vision of a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem where people, plants, and animals thrive together.
Second, there is a long and proud tradition of bipartisan support for the Bay at every level of government. Our rivers, streams, and Chesapeake Bay are the heart of so many communities in our region, and our policymakers get it. We will continue working with willing elected officials from both sides of the aisle, and at all levels of government, to reach our goals.
Third, state and local actions have enormous power to protect and restore our water. Much of our work, particularly right now, is laser-focused on state legislative sessions in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Our scientists, policy experts, and volunteer advocates are working hard to advance legislation that will protect forests and wetlands, improve scientific understanding of key fisheries, and ensure world-class environmental education for our region’s students, to name just a few.
Many of us are rightly alarmed and frustrated when the environmental protections we’ve worked so hard to secure come under threat—as we fully expect they will in the coming months and years. Yet we are not helpless. Stay connected, stay engaged, and keep doing the work.
It can take many forms. Continued broad bi-partisan support for the Bay is crucial, so call or write to your representatives (here are some tips). When you do, don’t feel like you need to fill their voicemails with disgust. Fill it with hope and your story about why you care about the Bay, which will inspire them to as well. Remember: hope is more powerful than hate.
You can also keep an eye on our action center and events calendar to find advocacy and volunteer opportunities.
Perhaps most importantly, stay optimistic. Our watershed provides so much joy. Watch the winter ducks diving for clams. Take a walk along your favorite creek. Slurp oysters with friends and family. The effort to save the Bay has always been fueled by the people who love this place and know it will take all of us to stand up for it. No administration can take that away with the stroke of a pen.
