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 or would like more information, 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 410-268-8816 or send an e-mail to chesapeake@cbf.org.
In the Field
-
Stream and Shoreline Restoration
Planting native trees and shrubs along the banks of waterways is 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.
-
Clagett Farm
During the growing season, scores of CBF volunteers give their time to tend crops, take in the harvest, and prepare delivery of fresh produce. Volunteers also assist in Clagett Farm's tree nursery, potting thousands of trees for CBF restoration projects.
-
Oyster Restoration
Before their dramatic decline, the Chesapeake's native oysters were a powerful natural force in the Bay ecosystem, filtering contaminants from the water and providing habitat for crabs and fish. To bring back this key species, CBF's oyster restoration programs grow native oysters and transplant them to sanctuary reefs.
In Your Community
-
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 officials of the need to restore the Bay and its rivers and streams.
-
Clean Water Captains
Clean Water Captains are ambassadors for clean water in their communities. CBF staff can't be in all 92 localities that drain to the Bay, so we rely on captains to help be the eyes, ears, and voice for the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Clean Water Captains take action in support of clean water by sharing information with their neighbors, congregations, community, and elected officials to help raise awareness and help realize practical, effective, local solutions. Captains help find solutions that work to restore clean water in their communities.
-
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.
-
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.
In Our Office
Administrative Assistance
At CBF's office in Annapolis, volunteers take on a host of administrative duties, from data entry to conducting tours of our "green" building. They also contribute to communications projects, educational programs, and outreach activities.
Internships
CBF's Annapolis and D.C. offices offer 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 Internship 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 or would like more information, please complete the Volunteer Information Form below. If you are already an active volunteer, please contact our office at 410-268-8816.
