Bay Cam
This penthouse overlooking CBF's Philip Merrill Environmental Center headquarters and the beautiful Bay has housed both geese and osprey over the years. Tune in and take a Zen break—if nothing else, enjoy those calming Bay waters in the background.
Timelapses
05/25/2025
05/24/2025
05/23/2025
05/22/2025
3Bay Facts
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and its watershed is truly an extraordinary place. Here is sampling of some of the impressive facts and numbers about our wondrous Bay and watershed.
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Bay Stories
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Quest to Save the Bog Turtle
August 10, 2023
Much like brook trout and the Eastern hellbender, bog turtles are an indicator species of water quality. Follow some official surveyors on their quest to research this tiny reptile.
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Fret Not, Bay Restoration Is Achievable
August 8, 2023
CBF Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden on oyster restoration, the CESR report, and the future of the save the Bay movement.
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What Should the Future of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Look Like?
June 20, 2023
Leading researchers across the watershed released a seminal scientific report in May that sought to answer the question so many people are asking: Why is restoration taking so long?
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What's Going on with the Chesapeake Bay's Blue Crabs?
June 13, 2023
After falling to record lows in 2022, blue crabs are on the rise—albeit a modest one. CBF scientist Chris Moore explains why there's still reason for caution.
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Bay Videos
We're bringing you out on the water and beyond with compelling stories and helpful tips about Bay life and the current challenges facing it.
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Algae Problems on the Shenandoah River’s North Fork
21 Aug 2023 00:03:05Every summer, excessive algae growth, fueled by nutrient pollution and warm temperatures, causes problems for people who spend time on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
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The Future of Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass
01 Aug 2023 00:01:31Data from a recent survey gives valuable insight into the future of the striped bass population and is an important tool in setting fisheries regulations. The Chesapeake Bay and its rivers form a key nursery area for striped bass, and clean water here is critical to the future of the fishery.
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Blue Crab Lifecycle
29 Jun 2023 00:00:54Explore the lifecycle of one of the Chesapeake Bay's most iconic residents, the blue crab.
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A Day on the Water with the Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey
22 Mar 2023 00:01:32In March 2023, CBF joined researchers from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) for the annual Chesapeake Bay blue crab winter dredge survey.
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Chesapeake Almanac Podcast
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Take a week-by-week trip around the Chesapeake. Naturalist John Page Williams' fascinating seasonal natural history will enable those who love the Chesapeake to tune in to life around the Bay. What will you discover?
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Webinars
From freshwater mussels to microplastics, CBF's webinars serve up timely, science-based explorations into Bay topics that will delight and inform. Browse our archive and find out what's coming up.
Browse Now
Ask an Expert Series
How does the Chesapeake Bay's amazing natural system work? And how can we restore and protect it? Explore the answers with our CBF experts in this bite-sized video series.
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Ask an Expert: What Is a Fish Kill?
14 Aug 2020 Episode 10 | 00:03:23Why do dozens, hundreds, or sometimes even thousands of fish wash ashore dead? What types of environmental factors can cause these mass die-offs? How can we prevent them from happening?
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Ask an Expert: What's the Buzz About Bee Balm?
12 May 2020 Episode 9 | 00:02:05What native plant is medicinal, can be used as a tasty tea, is good for the environment, and has beautiful flowers that attract bees and butterflies? Find out why bee balm could be a great addition to your garden with CBF's Jay Ford.
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Ask an Expert: What are Mummichogs (and Why are They Amazing)?
06 May 2020 Episode 8 | 00:06:16Believe it or not, mummichogs were the first fish sent into space. This "mud minnow," common in brackish marshes, lives an amazing secret life serving science, wildlife, and fishermen. Learn more from Chris Moore, CBF's Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist.
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On the Water Resources
There are dozens of ways to experience the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. From mobile apps to websites and maps, here's our selection of resources to help you get out on the Bay and its tributaries, paddle historic water trails, plan an excursion through history across the watershed, and even find healthy beaches.
Interactive Activities
Coloring Pages
Local artist David Scheirer has transformed his extraordinary art into coloring pages for you and your family to enjoy.
Download Now
Chesapeake Bay Crossword Puzzle
Test your Chesapeake Bay knowledge with our newest activity: a Chesapeake Bay crossword puzzle.
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Oyster Quiz
You may know a healthy Chesapeake Bay depends on water-filtering oysters. But what else do you know about the Bay's favorite bivalve? Take the popular oyster quiz to find out!
Take the Quiz
Bay Footprint Calculator
Use this fun and handy tool to identify ways your lifestyle adds pollution to the Bay and what you can do to reduce it.
Find Your Footprint
Bay Backgrounds
Photo credits from left: Glenn Woodell, William Mish, Edward Episcopo, Billy Garrett.
Bring the Bay to your next virtual meeting with one of our stunning Bay backgrounds.
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