For centuries, the Chesapeake Bay has been a unique site of immense importance, ranging from cultural significance to productivity. Its history is defined by both challenges and progress, whether it is Tropical Storm Agnes wreaking havoc on the Bay or landmark Chesapeake Bay agreements displaying hope for its future. Still, challenges like climate change and land use alteration prove that ongoing work is necessary.

This course provides an overview of the Bay, encompassing its historical background, key stakeholders, significance, challenges, and relevant narratives from individuals within the watershed.

Learning Objectives

• Define what makes the Chesapeake Bay so important, and what makes it worth researching and managing.
• Summarize the history of the Bay, including its geologic formation and human history.
• Identify what the major drivers and threats to Bay health are.
• Summarize the research and management history of the Bay, including major turning points and what action looks like moving forward.
• Describe the major players in Chesapeake Bay research and management, including organizations, partnerships, federal grants, and initiatives.
• Explain what actions they can take to support the Bay.

Course Outline

Module 1: Why is the Chesapeake Bay Important?

Examining why we the Chesapeake Bay is worth learning about and protecting in the first place. These reasons include the Bay’s size, strategic importance, productivity, history, economic importance, popularity, and research history. This module will provide a justification for both research and management in the Chesapeake Bay.

1. Physical and Ecological Importance
2. State and National Importance
3. Popularity and Regard

Module 2: Chesapeake Bay Literacy

Explaining the basics of the Chesapeake Bay. What has its history looked like, both in terms of geologic formation and American history? Why are climate change and land use alteration major threats to Bay health? Additionally, hear from those closely connected to the Bay what they think everyone should know about the Bay they care so much about. This module will provide the necessary background to understand what the state of the Bay is and where it is heading.

1. Timeline
2. American History Shaped by the Chesapeake
3. Major Drivers
4. Stories from the Field

Module 3: Chesapeake Bay Science and Management History

Recapping the science and management history of the Bay starting with the the founding of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in 1925. Why was Tropical Storm Agnes a turning point for Bay health? What were the different Chesapeake Bay agreements that were necessary for Bay recovery? What does the future of the Bay look like? This module will show how the Bay has been a site of both environmental struggles and process.

1. History Overview
2. Sweet Dreams Era (1925-1983)
3. No Escape from Reality Era (1984-2003)
4. Chesapeake Firework Era (2003 – Present)
5. Science and Management Case Study

Module 4: Chesapeake Bay Players and Programs

Summarizing the major players involved in Chesapeake Bay research and management. These include organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and partnerships like the Chesapeake Bay Program. It will also cover federal grants that benefit the Bay and Baltimore Harbor Initiatives for cleaner water. What is the history of these organizations? What are their missions? This module will explain who is leading the future of the Bay.

1. Overview of Major Chesapeake Organizations
2. Organizations
3. Partnerships
4. Additional Groups
5. Federal Grants
6. Baltimore Harbor Initiatives

Module 5: Conclusion

Concluding the course with a summary of its creator organization, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, along with some actions you can take to help protect Bay health. This module will provide students with necessary information for their future involvement in the Bay.

1. UMCES
2. What You Can Do