Chesapeake Gateways Places Self-Nomination Instructions

Introduction

Chesapeake Gateways is a system of places providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about and help conserve the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Included in this partnership network are diverse natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake watershed.

Joining the Network

Membership is granted to places or partners that meet the defining characteristics listed below. Membership entitles Chesapeake Gateways Places certain benefits enumerated through a general agreement. Membership in Chesapeake Gateways is not required to seek other NPS Chesapeake Gateways financial assistance (grants and cooperative agreements) or technical assistance.

Defining Characteristics

There are five place type designations currently available to self-nominate, please select the most appropriate type for your place as this is the basis for the information needed in your self-nomination. All nominations must have a focus on places to which people are directed to access, experience, enjoy, learn about and contribute to a particular Chesapeake-related natural, cultural, historical or recreational resource and its role in the overall Chesapeake story. 

Some visitor amenities including lodging, restaurants, and retail locations may or may not qualify as Chesapeake Gateways Places. While these place types are not explicitly excluded, nominations need to fully explain how they meet the defining characteristics of being primarily focused on recreation, conservation, education, or interpretation.

Nominate a Place

Any organization may complete the Chesapeake Gateways Places Self-Nomination Questionnaire to be considered for inclusion in the Chesapeake Gateways visitor experience network. However, the organization submitting the Questionnaire must be the managing organization for the place. One Questionnaire should be completed for each place proposed to join the visitor experience network.

A word version of the questionnaire can be downloaded by clicking here, however, please keep in mind all nominations must be submitted via the Microsoft Form link above.

Several variations of the Chesapeake Gateways Places wordmarks.
Submit Places Self-Nomination

Does your organization own or manage a place that helps visitors connect to the Chesapeake Bay watershed?

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Watch the Launch Video

Recording of the January 23, 2024 launch of the refreshed Chesapeake Gateways Visitor Experience Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

For additional information or clarification, please reach out to Brent Everitt, Director of Communications and Visitor Experience, by email. Thank you for your interest in and partnership with Chesapeake Gateways.

Last updated: March 25, 2025