Chesapeake Bay Trust

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Empowering communities to restore and protect the region’s natural resources

When the Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the State of Maryland and BGE: An Exelon Company, awarded $7.5 million to 28 community organizations to plant 17,694 trees in urban, underserved communities across Maryland, the nonprofit grant-making organization demonstrated its strong commitment to a green, healthy environment. The funding was announced just this past fall. 

The restoration effort, which is part of the Urban Trees Grant Program, was created by the Maryland General Assembly’s Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021. The Act established an ambitious goal: the planting of five million trees across Maryland by 2031 with emphasis placed on planting 500,000 of those trees in urban, underserved areas. Now in its third year, the Urban Trees Grant Program offers resources to local organizations to lead on-the-ground efforts to green their communities and enhance quality of life.

Studies show that planting trees in urban areas provides many benefits to the environment. Not only do trees absorb carbon dioxide—mitigating the effects of climate change—but they also reduce the urban heat island effect, which causes higher temperatures in urban areas than in rural areas. Trees also filter polluted stormwater runoff, prevent soil erosion, reduce flooding, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. 

“For two years, I have seen the incredible impact of this program in bringing communities together and empowering local champions to lead this greening work for their neighbors, families, and friends,” says Jana Davis, Ph.D., president of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “I’m thrilled that 28 new awardees will join these efforts, planting even more trees to ensure we all have access to a green and healthy environment.” 

Restoring Nature Through Community Engagement

For nearly 40 years, the Trust has been awarding grants to fund major community projects, such as the Urban Trees Grant Program—underscoring its commitment to its mission to “engage and empower diverse groups to take actions that enrich natural resources and local communities of the Chesapeake Bay region.” 

Created in 1985 by the Maryland General Assembly, the Trust is dedicated to restoring the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays (Newport Bay, Assawoman Bay, Chincoteague Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, and Sinepuxent Bay), and Youghiogheny River. The organization strives to increase stewardship through its grant programs, special initiatives, and partnerships. But the Trust is much more than a grant-making organization; it’s also a catalyst for community engagement.

“A big part of the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s success can be attributed to our involvement in so many different communities,” says Joe Farren, chair of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. “We take great pride in serving as the vehicle that empowers local groups and organizations to address and solve their specific Bay-related conservation challenges. We’re attached to the challenge on a community-by-community level, and that not only gives us great insight into the overall challenge but also the ability to build critical partnerships, gain trust, and, most of all, help our neighbors achieve success where they live, work, and play. In approaching our work this way, we truly believe we can make 2+2=5 and thus make real progress each and every day.” 

“Raising awareness and getting members of the community involved is so important,” Davis adds. “Our on-the-ground projects help address critical issues and encourage people to work together to make an impact. It’s so rewarding to help people implement projects in their communities and see their level of engagement.” 

Grant Opportunities 

According to Davis, the Trust receives about 1,000 grant proposals each year, and about 450 grants are awarded. Grant proposals for programs greater than $5,000 are reviewed by technical external peer review committees, which consist of experts in their fields. Committee members rank and score the proposals based on specific criteria, discuss their merits, and make recommendations to the board of trustees.

The Trust awards $20–30 million in grants each year to organizations in the region, including schools, local governments, community groups, faith-based groups, watershed organizations, and other nonprofits to fund impactful restoration projects. The grants support environmental education, on-the-ground watershed restoration, and community engagement.  

To learn about the Trust’s programs and grant opportunities, visit cbtrust.org/grants.

“Through our grants and technical assistance, we empower people to take action and participate in projects that have a measurable impact on the natural resources of our region—helping to restore and protect our forests, streams, rivers, bays, and wildlife,” Davis says. “It’s such a great feeling to see people step up and take ownership of the projects and become personally invested in them. Their enthusiasm inspires them to spread the word to others, which increases community engagement. And, hopefully, we are also able to pass on a love of the environment to the next generation.”

Special thanks to Celia Parker, Communications and Marketing Manager, Chesapeake Bay Trust

Support the Environment with a Bay Plate

Most Marylanders are probably familiar with the Bay license plate, which features a blue crab, seagrass, the Bay Bridge, and the text “Protect the Chesapeake.” 

In July 2024, District 38 State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust revealed an updated design.

Originally unveiled in 2018, the license plate now includes the text “Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays,” emphasizing the importance of the Trust’s ongoing mission to restore and protect the Coastal Bays as well as the Chesapeake Bay. 

The Bay Plate can be purchased at cbtrust.org/purchase-a-bay-plate. Sales support the Trust’s grant-making efforts.