CBF volunteers staff a table at a local event. Photo by CBF StaffCBF volunteers staff a table at a local event. Photo by CBF Staff

Volunteer In Virginia

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is very fortunate to have the help and support of thousands of citizens who volunteer their time and who have demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, healthier, Chesapeake Bay. Every year, volunteers donate more than 25,000 hours to CBF programs that advance the Bay's health. The immediate results of their work are impressive. But the value of their undertaking for future generations is priceless. We salute our volunteers for their contribution to a better community and a restored Bay.

Following are just a sampling of the many ways that you, too, can get involved.

If you would like to become involved and have not volunteered before, please complete our Volunteer Information Form. If you are already a CBF volunteer and would like more information about current or specific opportunities, contact our office at 804-780-1392.

In the Field

Father and children plant a tree at Holly Beach Farm. Photo by CBF StaffPhoto © Nikki Davis
Stream and Shoreline Restoration

Planting native trees and shurbs along the banks of waterways in one of the most effective ways to keep polluted runoff out of streams. Creating living shorelines with native wetland plants and grasses helps restore habitat for wildlife, preventerosion, capture sediment, and filter pollution.

Check our calendar for current volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers plant wild celery for CBFs Grasses for the Masses program. Photo by CBF StaffPhoto by CBF Staff
Underwater Grasses Restoration

To help restore the Chesapeake's disappearing underwater grasses, which are stressed by murky water, CBF volunteers grow grasses in their own homes. When the grasses are ready to transplant, volunteers wade in and plant the underwater vegetation. Underwater grasses help oxygenate the water and provide vital habitat for fish and crabs. 

Find out more about CBF's Grasses for the Masses program

Volunteers gather trash from the beach during Clean the Bay Day. Photo by Kevin DuBoisPhoto by Kevin DuBois
Clean the Bay Day

Since 2000, CBF has sponsored one of Virginia's most effective clean-up efforts. Clean the Bay Day, held annually the first Saturday in June, now elnlists more than 7,000 volunteers to remove litter and debris from the state's waterways. From the the Shenandoah Valley to Virginia's Eastern Shore and from Northern Virginia to the North Carolina border, this impressive effort pulls more than 100 tons of trash from the Bay and its tributaries each year.

Find out more about Clean the Bay Day

In Your Community

Local advocates turn out at a public meeting. Photo by CBF StaffPhoto by CBF Staff
Advocacy

CBF volunteer advocates speak for the Bay and its rivers and streams. They are the infantry in our fight for clean water, making their voices heard on public policy, legislation, development, and other issues that affect our waterways. Advocacy volunteers contribute at many levels. They show up at rallies, send e-mails, make phone calls, gather signatures for petitions, and remind citizens and public officals of the need to restore the Bay and its rivers and streams.

Join CBF's Action Network

Volunteer staffing CBF table at a local event. Photo by CBF StaffPhoto by CBF Staff
Fairs and Festivals

By staffing CBF displays at boat shows, riverfront festivals, oyster roasts, community celebrations, and more, CBF volunteers publicly share their support for the Bay. They represent CBF at the local level, explaining the issues and the actions that are needed to protect and restore the Chesapeake. Volunteers supply information, answer questions, and connect residents to CBF activities and advocacy issues in their own neighborhoods.

Check our calendar for upcoming events

Speakers Bureau volunteer making a presentation. Photo by CBF StaffPhoto by CBF Staff
Speakers Bureau

What are the issues affecting the Bay and its rivers and streams? How can citizens make a difference? In presentations to civic, service, and social organizations across the region, volunteers from CBF's Speakers Bureau provide the answers. Their training includes briefings on the state of the Bay's health, the latest legislative issues, and the science-based strategies that are needed to save the Bay.

Learn more about CBF's Speakers Bureau

Group of volunteers. iStockPhoto by CBF Staff
VoiCeS

CBF's Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) program is an adult education and volunteer training course designed to create a deeper understanding of the Chesapeake Bay and its issues. When the program is over, graduates commit to completing 40 service hours in their area of the watershed. VoiCeS graduates share their skills and knowledge by assisting Riverkeeper organizations and watershed restoration groups and participating in restoration efforts.

Find out more about CBF's VoiCeS program

Clean Water Captains

A Clean Water Captain is one part watch dog and one part teacher. Clean Water Captains know their watersheds—which creeks and streams are impaired and why. Captains build consensus and provide constructive feedback at local meetings regarding land use, zoning variances, etc. Captains are well connected in their communities and have relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials. Most importantly, a Clean Water Captain has the passion and commitment, as well as approximately eight hours a month, to help CBF save the Bay.

Find out more about being a Clean Water Captain

In Our Office

Administrative Assistance and Tours

At CBF's office in Richmond, volunteers take on a host of administrative duties. They contribute to communications projects, educational programs, data entry, and outreach activities.

Internships

CBF's Richmond office offers a limited number of unpaid internships for undergraduate and graduate students. Interns have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of environmental professionals on a host of water-quality related issues. Interested students should check our Intership Opportunities webpage.

Pro Bono Assistance

Volunteering as a CBF pro bono volunteer is a great way to build professional skills while putting your talents to use to better your community and save the Bay. Whatever your talents—law, communications, finance, fund raising, to name just a few—please consider putting them to use for the Bay. 

If you would like to become involved and haven't volunteered before, please complete the Volunteer Information Form below. If you are already an active volunteer, please contact our office at 804-780-1392.

Join us today!
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