I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone for our organization—the adoption of our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. This roadmap for the next 5+ years represents the collective effort and dedication of over 70 Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay staff and board members who have worked extensively over the last year to envision our path forward. Together, we will continue our mission of restoring the lands and waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

As we move forward, we remain firmly committed to our four program areas: Agriculture, Forests, Green Infrastructure, and Stewardship and Engagement. Through these pillars, we serve thousands of community members by providing technical assistance and empowering our partners to achieve cleaner water and healthier lands. Our work is guided by the principles of being adaptive, collaborative, result-oriented, and equitable, ensuring that we have a broad and lasting positive impact on the communities and environment we serve.

I would like to highlight the five key goals of our Strategic Plan:

  1. Expanding the Restoration of Lands & Waters: We will increase the planning, installation, and maintenance of conservation and restoration practices in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our efforts will utilize innovative and adaptable efforts to fill capacity gaps, prioritize accessibility and efficiency, and expand successful initiatives to geographies of greatest need.
  2. Building the Capacity of Partner Organizations: We will establish and sustain collaborations with communities, companies, conservation groups, and other stakeholders in the watershed. By providing technical assistance and facilitating engagement and resource sharing, we aim to support environmental justice, climate resilience, and sustainability efforts.
  3. Connecting More People to the Environment: We are dedicated to engaging the diverse residents of the watershed and fostering long-lasting stewardship. Through volunteerism, education, outreach, and story sharing, we will increase interactions with the environment and empower individuals who want to make a difference in their communities.
  4. Sustaining Funding for Programmatic Impact: We will continue to secure and enhance sustained funding from public and private sources to support our work. By developing alternative financing methods and building corporate partnerships, we aim to ensure the continuity and expansion of our projects and initiatives.
  5. Strengthening Internal Infrastructure: Our staff are the most important asset of our organization. To support our Goals and growth, we will continue to build organizational structures that prioritize equity, inclusion, accountability, and transparency. This includes enhancing staff and board recruitment, retention, and support, as well as developing robust financial and administrative systems.

A graphic to show the Alliance's five2023-2028 Strategic Plan goals.

Our vision for the Chesapeake Bay watershed is clear: clean water and resilient landscapes cared for by all the people who live, work, and play here. With this Strategic Plan as our guide, we are confident in our ability to make a meaningful impact. We will continue to be the backbone for regional collaboration, a role the organization has held for 52+ years, working alongside our partners to restore the beauty and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay.

To read more about our Goals, Strategies, and ambitious implementation targets associated with conservation, engagement, and more— view the full 2023-2028 Strategic Plan by downloading it here.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every Alliance staff member, all of whom collaborated to build this Strategic Plan. From the content to the final design—this plan represents the collective voice of our dedicated staff and board members. We are also incredibly grateful to our partners and supporters—together, we can restore clean water throughout the watershed and leave a lasting legacy for future generations