Even before Capt. John Smith sailed up Chesapeake Bay, this beautiful body of water and its great rivers were the centerpiece of the mid-Atlantic. Then, as now, the rivers connected cultures, carried commerce, and housed vibrant marshes, migration corridors for wildlife and great opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yet today, many are unfamiliar with its paddling trails, beautiful vistas and environmental importance.

In a part of the country that can feel choked with development, the Chesapeake Bay and her great rivers offer a welcome respite in nature. To conserve and restore this great landscape, people must get to know the bay and experience its wildlife sanctuaries, vast marshes, coastal trails and rich local history.

I pledge to:
- Explore my local streams and creeks that feed into the Chesapeake
- Advocate for the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers
- Visit the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail