Chesapeake Bay Program

What do osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons have in common?

They all love the Bay!

These iconic Chesapeake birds rely on fish for food, so they're often found along rivers and shorelines hunting for their next meal.

Clean water and abundant fish help these birds thrive, especially their young. They also depend on nearby trees and other structures for nesting habitat.

Do you have a favorite Chesapeake Bay bird? Let us know!



(Photo by Olivier Giron/Chesapeake Bay Program)
(Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
(Photo By Kaitlyn Dolan/Chesapeake Bay Program)

From about 1,000 to 500 years ago, the Algonquin-speaking Shenks Ferry people made carvings on river rocks at a handful of sites along the Susquehanna River, the largest tributary feeding the Chesapeake Bay.

This first image shows Little Indian Rock, where over 150 carvings have been made. The second shows a large thunderbird figure interspersed with visitors’ initials. And the third image shows a human figure’s horns symbolizing a connection with the Creator, and a larger figure that may be a woman giving birth.

These rocks carvings are an important reminder of the deep history that's embedded in this region. For , let's all take a moment to honor the Bay's past and present inhabitants.

Have you seen or discovered a historic artifact the Chesapeake region? Let us know!

(Photos by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

The Chesapeake Bay has a critical connection to the Atlantic Ocean, with fish, crabs, dolphins and other marine life traveling between the two waterways throughout their life cycles.

In 2025, Mission Blue recognized the Bay as an invaluable marine ecosystem by adding the estuary to its global network of Hope Spots.

As a Hope Spot, the Chesapeake Bay will receive increased awareness and support to help protect and restore this vital ecosystem for generations to come.

Renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle brings global attention to the Bay as a "Hope Spot" How will the designation enhance the Chesapeake Bay restoration movement?

The Potomac. The James. The Susquehanna. These iconic rivers each have their own history, ecosystems and cultural significance.

They also all drain to the Chesapeake Bay!

As we celebrate , we have to give a shout out to the 150 major rivers that are a part of the Bay's watershed.

So, what is the major river closest to you? And when was the last time you got out on the water or enjoyed the view from a beach, boardwalk, or hiking trail?

(Photo #1 by Alicia Pimental/Chesapeake Bay Program)
(Photo #2 by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
(Photo #3 by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program with aerial support by Southwings)

Horseshoe crabs may look helpless when flipped on their back, but using their tail and the tide, they can usually flip themselves over.

Horseshoe crabs are also able to conserve water until the tide rises again so that they don't dehydrate.

Still, beachgoers are encouraged to gently flip horseshoe crabs over if they see them on their back.

(Photo by Charlie Nick/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Attention lovers of the Chesapeake Bay—it's time to shellibrate. 🦪

Today kicks off the 11th annual Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week! 🦀🦅🌊

For the next nine days, we'll be celebrating the cultures, history and natural beauty of the nation's largest estuary. Tune in to hear all about the Bay and visit our Events Calendar to find activities happening across the Bay watershed.

🎉 Events Calendar: https://bit.ly/4dQqCjd

If you love the Chesapeake Bay—or any small to major river in the region—please take a moment to share your appreciation and join us in the fun.



(Photo by Carlin Stiehl/Chesapeake Bay Program)

Want a beautiful way to show your neighbors how much you love your watershed? It’s as easy as taking a pledge!

Many local watershed organizations offer official yard signs to recognize residents who commit to clean-water habits. Whether you’re reducing fertilizer, using a rain barrel, or planting natives, you deserve to show off that hard work.

Three programs celebrating homeowners are the:
💧The James River Association's River Hero Homes program ➡️ https://ow.ly/1kiF50Y0Onv
💧The Elizabeth River Project's River Star Homes program ➡️ https://ow.ly/fF4O50Y0Onw
💧The City of Norfolk's Bay Star Homes program➡️ https://ow.ly/Wj3y50Y0Onx

Contact your local watershed organization to see what programs are available in your area!

📸Photo credit:
1. James River Association
2. Elizabeth River Project
3. City of Norfolk

Up until a few years ago the James Spinymussel had all but disappeared from the James River—the tributary it was named after.

But after years of restoration efforts, the river became clean enough to reintroduce native James Spinymussels.

In 2022, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released about 1,300 hatchery-raised mussels into the James and nearby tributaries.

As a filter feeder, the James Spinymussel helps remove bacteria and sediment from the water, making it cleaner for other species.

James Spinymussel The James spinymussel is a rare freshwater mussel found in a handful of streams and rivers in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. One of only a few freshwater mussel species with spines, it serves as an important filter feeder that helps improve water quality in river ecosystems.

Wetlands are great for wildlife, clean water and recreation!

Since 2014, Delaware has enhanced 70 acres of wetlands, contributing to the watershed-wide total of 61,163 acres. Additionally, Delaware has created or restored 491 acres of wetlands, contributing to the watershed-wide total of 4,862 acres.

What's your favorite wetland in the watershed? Let us know in the comments! ⤵️

Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

Named after the nearby Catoctin Mountains, Catoctin Creek flows for 28 miles through the mountain vallies of Western Maryland before reaching the Potomac River.

The creek's headwaters are known for having healthy trout populations. 🎣 The creek's middle to lower parts are less pristine, though anglers can still find quiet places to fish for warm water species like bass and sunfish.

A restored aqueduct from the 1830s can be found close to where the creek meets the Potomac.

Catoctin Creek boasts healthy headwaters and relics of American history Named after the nearby Catoctin Mountains, Catoctin Creek flows south for 28 miles to the Potomac River.