About the Conservancy

The Chesapeake Conservancy is dedicated to ensuring conservation, stewardship and access of the Chesapeake Bay, its lands and rivers. The Conservancy was created out of a merger between the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail and Friends of Chesapeake Gateways. 

For more information, please read our frequently asked questions, press release and quote sheet of support from our partners.

In the five years since the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail was first founded, we’ve come to realize that there is a need for a strong organization that can advocate, marshal new resources and forge new partnerships to increase public access to the Chesapeake and its great rivers, ensure conservation of the region’s most treasured landscapes and waterways, and promote stewardship and enjoyment of the region’s natural, cultural, and historic treasures.   

The Chesapeake Conservancy fills this role and is this new organization.

Chesapeake Conservancy supports Governor’s parks, open space budget

The Chesapeake Conservancy commended Governor Martin O'Malley for his plan to fully fund...

Congress supports Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails

Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy today commended U.S. Senators and...

Key committee okays Gateways Network

Joel Dunn praised the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for voting out of committee a...