Join in the celebration of Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week

Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week is a time for us to recognize and celebrate our many connections to the Bay. From June 2-10, we’ll be focusing on how many different regions come together to create one Chesapeake Bay watershed. From upstate New York to southern Virginia, and West Virginia's panhandle to eastern Delaware, we are all tied together by the fact that our actions end up impacting the Bay.

In 2016, the Chesapeake Bay Commission championed the idea of designating a week in June as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week. The designation encourages residents to commemorate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week with events, activities and educational programs to acknowledge the significance of the Chesapeake Bay. While this week has been officially designated in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, events will take place throughout the entire watershed to raise awareness about this valuable economic and environmental resource—a national treasure that directly connects over 18 million residents.

To celebrate each unique piece of the watershed and our connections to the Bay, check out some of the many events happening, including:

• Lancaster Water Week (June 1-9): Celebrate the unique waterways of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and learn about the challenges it faces and the opportunities that can be created at events including Stream Health and Science 101 (June 2), the 4th annual Clean Waters Golf Tournament (June 4), Kellys Run nature hike (June 7), Clumbers Run Nature Preserve picnic (June 9) and much more.
• Clean the Bay Day (June 2): Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at locations around Virginia for the 30th annual Clean the Bay Day. This is an annual opportunity for families, military installations, businesses, clubs, civic or church groups to give back to local waterways.
• RiverPalooza Kick-off (June 2): Kick off the Potomac River Conservancy’s two-month long celebration of our rivers at Harper’s Ferry. Join thePotomac, Upper Potomac and Shenandoah river keepers for a day of rafting, tubing and kayaking on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. After the float, hang out at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center’s new brew pub for some grilling and overnight camping to top off the celebration.
• Tour de Belt (June 3): Join the Capital Area Greenbelt Association’s 18th annual Tour de Belt on the Capital Area Greenbelt. The ride will follow the Greenbelt, a century-old system of parks and open spaces connected by a 20-mile trail. Starting and ending at HACC-Harrisburg Campus, riders of all ages can participate in a family friendly event.
• Cheers to the Chesapeake (June 8): Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay as they kick off their partnership with the Richmond Symphony during the Festival of the River: Three Days of Art, Music and Environment.
• Back to the Bay Day (June 9): Join in the fun with free games, educational activities, environmental booths and more at Brown’s Island in Richmond, Virginia.
• Senator Bernie Fowler’s Patuxent River Wade-in (June 10): Wade into the Patuxent River with former Senator Bernie Fowler and other dignitaries in Saint Leonard, Maryland during the 30th anniversary of this event to check water quality.

See the full list of events.