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Explore the Bay

Blackwater_JonMcRay_1171x593

A serene sunset in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Jon McRay

This page gives you quick access to content across the website to help you discover the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay and the rivers and streams that feed it throughout the watershed. Explore Bay-related stories, videos, podcasts, interactive activities, and more. You can even download Bay photo backgrounds for digital use.

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.

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    Bay 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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    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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    Chesapeake Almanac Podcast

    Podcast title with graphics of marsh grass, crab, duck, and seal, and headshot of John Page Williams.

    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?
    Listen Now

    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.

    • Ask an Expert: What's Blue Carbon?

      Why do marshes sometimes smell like rotten eggs? How do they migrate as sea levels rise? And what does it all mean for the Bay in a changing climate? CBF Maryland Senior Scientist Doug Myers digs into the muck to explain the mysteries of 'blue carbon.'

    • Ask an Expert: What's Regenerative Agriculture?

      We've heard about growing sustainable food, but what if farmers could go beyond preserving the environment and actually improve it? CBF's Director of Science and Agricultural Policy Beth McGee explores the pollution-reducing, carbon-capturing promise of regenerative agriculture—from her own backyard—and shares how you can help.

    • Ask an Expert: Why are Freshwater Mussels so Cool?

      How do freshwater mussels trick fish into helping them out? Why are they good for streams and rivers? How many species of freshwater mussels are there in the Bay watershed? CBF's Virginia Senior Scientist Joe Wood shares why he loves these amazing mollusks–and why you should too.

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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.
    Download Now

    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

    Collection of computer and cell phone screens with photos.

    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.
    Download Now

    The Bay Needs You

    The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

    Donate Today

    Volunteer

    Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

    Volunteer
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