UMCES Environmental Strategy Game

Chesapeake Steward

Build a healthier coastal community. Select projects, earn community support, unlock grants, and watch the shoreline change.

How to Play

Goal: Create a balanced coastal community by improving water quality, biodiversity, resilience, and community support.

Budget: You start with $50,000. Projects cost money, but community support can unlock new grants.

Grants: Support at 20, 40, 60, and 80 unlocks larger grants. Lower-cost community actions can help build support, while larger restoration and infrastructure projects require planning and funding.

Levels: Achievement levels are earned through visible map progress, balanced indicators, and stewardship choices.

Budget$50,000
Community Support0 / 20
Next Grant$25,000
AchievementGetting Started

Coastal Community Map

Every selected project appears directly on the shoreline or community area.

Maryland blue crab
🌱 Emerging Steward
🌿 Community Builder
🐝 Ecosystem Supporter
🌊 Watershed Leader
🏆 Chesapeake Champion
Water Quality50
Biodiversity50
Climate Resilience50
Community Support50

Choose Projects

Projects are one-time actions. Lower-cost community projects can help unlock larger grants.

UMCES Science Insight

Select a project to see how science-based decisions can support healthier watersheds.