
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Description
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, known as CBF, is a nonprofit organization devoted to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay.
It describes itself as the largest independent conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Bay. Its work includes an outdoor education program that teaches school children about the Bay’s ecosystem and watershed, and it lobbies state and local governments on rules meant to protect the Bay’s health. The foundation has litigated cases over water pollution under the Clean Water Act, including action against the Environmental Protection Agency and against relicensing of a hydropower dam.
CBF employs leadership, scientists, issue experts, communicators and educators who work across its programs. It publishes news, research and financial reports on its work.
CBF was founded in 1966. It is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and has field offices in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Latest news

District staff from federal legislative offices joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on a Lancaster County farm this week to learn about conservation farming practices in Pennsylvania supported by federal investment.
23 Sep 2026
Governor Moore Issues Executive Order on Data Centers • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order to clarify oversight requirements and increase public transparency on all new data center proposals in Maryland.
23 Sep 2026
A coalition of Indigenous tribes announced Monday they are suspending talks with the Chesapeake Bay Program on a longstanding effort to become signatories to the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.
21 Sep 2026
Governor Spanberger Unveils Strong New Data Center Requirements • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger on Friday released a framework that would impose significant new guardrails on energy-guzzling data centers by boosting transparency and promoting requirements for clean energy and public water usage.
21 Sep 2026
Virginia Faces Fish Kills, Massive Algal Blooms That Threaten Bay Health • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Reports of widespread fish kills are surfacing on the Eastern Shore of Virginia this week as officials continue to track harmful algal blooms, or “red tide,” in area waterways.
21 Sep 2026
Trump Executive Order Takes Aim at Chesapeake Bay Restoration • Chesapeake Bay Foundation
The Trump Administration today issued an executive order on the Chesapeake Bay that repeals Executive Order 13508.
17 Sep 2026
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