Stories

The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a world-class ecological treasure that is home to several thousand species of plants and animals, from blue crab to bald eagle. The region is steeped in history, including the culture and stories of American Indians, arrival of European colonizers, inspiration of the American Revolution, and impact of the Civil War. Across the watershed are diverse landscapes, from the Shenandoah Mountains to Smith and Tangier islands. The Bay's waters represent a rich cultural heritage that includes world-renowned waterfowl hunting, trophy sport fishing, and the tradition of watermen who harvest fish, crabs, and oysters. Seafood, tourism, and marine transportation helped make the Chesapeake Bay a multi-billion-dollar economic driver for the mid-Atlantic region.

The Bay and its watershed provide extensive recreational resources. Millions of people enjoy the waterways and landscapes for fishing, hunting, boating, water sports, hiking, birdwatching, and relaxation. This close connection between people and nature reinforces the need for protection and restoration of the Chesapeake watershed.

For centuries people have come to the Bay's waters and shorelines to build their homes, earn their livelihoods, and restore their souls. The Bay is as connected to the future as it is to history.