Members of Starbuck's management team joined CBF staff to plant oysters near Annapolis, Maryland. These oysters eventually made their way to a restoration reef on the Severn River. Photo by John Rodenhausen/CBF Staff.

Starbucks

Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Company isn't just about coffee. It has rightfully earned a reputation for being a socially conscious, responsible corporate leader; giving back to local communities; protecting the environment; and inspiring stewardship in others.

In fact, the company has established itself as a friend of the Chesapeake Bay and a dedicated partner of CBF. Over the last four years, Starbucks has been a valuable supporter of CBF's work to restore the Bay and our environmental education efforts, donating significant funds to support our Student Leadership Program, which offers middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in multi-day field experiences that inspire action and life-long Bay stewardship.

Click to watch WBAL-TV 11's coverage of CBF's Save Oyster  Shell program at a local Starbucks. (link will open in a new window).

In 2011, Starbucks further emphasized its support of the plight of the Bay, with the opening of a new Chesapeake Bay-themed store right in CBF's backyard. The first of its kind in the country, the store—located in Severna Park, Maryland—highlights CBF's partnership with the company, and features a 14-foot image wall with CBF membership and volunteer information, two full-size oyster reef balls in the exterior landscape, and an oyster shell recovery center onsite.

Severna Park store manager Marc Tippin explains the company's support: "We believe strongly that one of the most important ways for communities to come alive is through youth involvement. That's why we are proud to support the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Student Leadership Program—an innovative and valuable effort that improves students' confidence and helps them make choices that have a positive impact on the Chesapeake Bay watershed."

This wall in Starbucks' Severna Park store tells the story of the Bay watershed. Photo by CBF Staff.

Starbucks also encourages their employees to participate in community service events. Since 2007, hundreds of Starbucks employees have volunteered their time to help clean up the Bay, contributing countless hours to oyster restoration and the planting of trees along local creeks.

Learn more about Starbucks' commitment to social responsibility at Starbucks.com