Forum attendees share a discussion on forest management strategies with the Alliance’s Chesapeake Forest team.The spirit of watershed stewardship was strong at our 10th annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum, held from September 25th to 27th in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay hosted nearly 400 attendees at the 2015 Forum who came together to share their knowledge and experiences with each other and to learn the latest restoration science and policy. This year’s Forum theme was “Getting Results” as we renewed our focus on and our commitment to stepping up local action, building individual stewardship, and achieving long term sustainable results in Bay restoration! Forum attendees also had the chance to attend workshops, panel discussions and great opportunities to share and learn with peers from across the Chesapeake watershed.

We were honored to have Frank and Audrey Peterman, recognized pioneers in successful efforts that reconnect urban communities to public land and waters, as the Forum’s Plenary Speakers. The Peterman’s shared with us the story of their commitment and their work to help grow the movement for an all-inclusive community supporting a healthy environment. Frank and Audrey Peterman, the 2015 Forum’s Plenary Speakers, encouraged attendees to work towards greater inclusion and diversity in the conservation movement.Our keynote speaker this year was Richard R. “Ricky” Arnold, NASA Mission Specialist and Educator Astronaut. Ricky provided a unique view of the Bay from space and an exploration of its interconnection with the world around us. Another Forum highlight was the presentation our 2015 Chesapeake Forest Champions awards honoring the outstanding and inspiring efforts of individuals and groups to conserve, restore and celebrate forests throughout the six state Chesapeake Bay watershed and DC.  Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Forum on September 30-October 2, 2016!