In August 2011, I plan to circumnavigate the Chesapeake Bay watershed by bicycle with my friend and colleague, John Rodenhausen. This 1300+ mile journey will take us to all 6 states in the watershed (MD, PA, NY, VA, WV and DE).

John came up with the idea of doing this ride a couple of years ago as a way to raise public awareness about the water pollution problems of the Chesapeake Bay and the thousands of rivers and streams that feed it. I have been with CBF for seven years (a record for me!), working on science and policy issues, and the idea of traversing the watershed by bike (with all my gear) is both exciting and daunting.

And the timing is perfect. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just finished a watershed-wide pollution "diet" for the Bay. This precedent-setting initiative could represent the "turning point" in the restoration of this incredible resource. Even CBF President Will Baker, who has worked on Bay restoration as long as anyone, called this action "a historic change in how government will restore water quality in local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay."

I truly believe that, but I also know that the hardest work is yet to come. CBF and others need to be vigilant, to make sure the states and EPA follow through on their committments.

So, I hope you will consider supporting me and CBF with a generous donation, so we can continue to work to "Save the Bay."

Thank you. I literally couldn't do my job without you.